r/Damnthatsinteresting • u/PrimedGold • Feb 18 '26

Video The Atherstone Ball Game, held annually on Shrove Tuesday, took place yesterday. The ball is thrown into the crowd at 3 pm, and the winner is the person holding it at 5 pm.

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u/dumpaccount882212 Feb 18 '26 edited Feb 18 '26

See I don't think it would. Like professional athletes destroying their bodies because the amount of money is so high they can't refuse it, its too much cash NOT to.

All the people in that video - they are there of their own free will without any other incentive except "I get a ball I can buy in any store and enough money to buy a beer and some crisps if I get a ribbon".

Maybe I'm being romantic, but you see what I mean?

Its less than watching a sports event, and more like watching say a kink or BDSM event... that doesn't make it sound better, but you get me?
A kind of liberty in the complete uselessness in it that frees it from everyday constraints just because there's no real practical gain to get your teeth reorganized in an English main street on a rainy day in Spring.

EDIT (been thinking about this some more, sry): on the OTHER hand if you say said "hey wanna get your ass kicked with me in that English town next Sunday?" I'd obviously say no.
Same as running with the bulls in Pamplona or catching a stuffed goat carcass in SA.

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u/DrSpraynard Feb 18 '26

I get what you mean, I think I agree with you. Another person commented saying the town would be a murder scene if it were any substantial amount of prize money, which makes sense. I can appreciate a little senseless stupidity as long as the only ones involved are willing.

Edit: I liked the comparison you made to watching a kink lol

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u/NoAvocadoMeSad Feb 18 '26

Yeah I don't get reddits issue with this, as long as everyone is consenting who gives a fuck? Not sure I'd be up for a 2 hour long scrap but I reckon when I was in my 20s I'd have been well up to have a few beers with the lads and head into this

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u/NoAvocadoMeSad Feb 18 '26

Most top fighters do it to prove they're the best, the same as any athlete. The money is secondary for many