THE WORLD’S MOST INSANE ATHLETIC COMPETITION IS BACK FOR ROUND TWO
Calling all mulleted Sunshine State athletes – The Florida Man GamesTM is back + wilder than ever
St. Augustine, FL — Just when the world thought Floridians couldn’t Florida any wilder, they did. The Florida Man GamesTM returns on March 1st, 2025, and how it got insured for round 2, no one will ever know. This irreverent competition, where the state’s most unruly residents serve as demigods of athletic prowess, is getting even weirder with new competitions, more insane teams, and a brand-new venue. And on Monday, May 13th, teams can take their first step to fulfilling their Florida Man fever dreams.
Photos by Melissa Marcarelli from The Florida Man Games held on February 24, 2024 at Francis Field in St. Augustine. The 2025 event will be held at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds.
”We’ll start accepting applications for teams to compete on Monday, May 13 through September (2024),” says Pete Melfi, event organizer and founder of The Florida Man Games.
“Last year’s winner, Hanky Spanky, epitomized Florida greatness. If you’ve got grit in your gut and Florida in your heart, send us a short video showing what your team can do. Remember – have fun, don’t get arrested, and don’t die!”
Thinking of creating a team to take on the Games? Aspiring competitors must submit a video showing all team members. Get creative, have fun, and be memorable. Teams must consist of three to five members, all 18 years of age or older, with at least one being 21 years of age or older. All team members will need to prove their Florida residency. Only 12 teams will be accepted, each representing a different city to compete in the 2025 Florida Man Games. To submit a team video, visit here
“The turnout for the first Games was absolutely insane,” says Melfi. “Over 5,000 people worldwide came to watch this homegrown madness — we talked to people from across the U.S., England, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. We’re expecting an even bigger crowd at next year’s event, so it made sense to move out to the St. Johns County Fairgrounds, where we’ll have more space, a covered arena, and this year, we’re excited to introduce an RV tailgating area.”
The Florida Man Games is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds. Events like the Florida Sumo Cage Match and Evading Arrest Obstacle CourseTM are back by popular demand. Events are pulled straight from the headlines, and because the Florida Man can’t stop Florida-ing, a slew of new and crazy competitions are to be announced.
Last year’s event generated a $20,000 donation to the Jimmy Jam Community Outreach 501(c)(3) charity organization that helps Northeast Florida residents in need. Melfi plans on building a tradition of helping Floridians in need through this event.
Early bird tickets for The Florida Man Games go on sale Monday, May 13. General admission tickets are $25, VIP tickets are $99, and RV tailgating spaces are $550. For more info, to purchase tickets, or to be a sponsor or vendor, please visit thefloridamangames.com
ABOUT THE FLORIDA MAN GAMES: The Florida Man GamesTM is the wildest competition sporting event on earth, featuring crazy and unique athletic feats, entertaining contests, and Florida-style cultural activities. It will take place Saturday, March 1st, at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 FL-207 E in Elkton, Florida. Find photos here. Learn more at thefloridamangames.com and follow along on social media @thefloridamangames
