PANG, Germany (AP) — In a bizarre display of strength and agility, men clad in traditional Bavarian attire clashed in a unique competition at Germany’s championship in finger wrestling, or “fingerhakeln

PANG, Germany (AP) — In a bizarre display of strength and agility, men clad in traditional Bavarian attire clashed in a unique competition at Germany’s championship in finger wrestling, or “fingerhakeln.”

The contestants, donning short leather pants and embroidered suspenders, gathered to test their mettle in a test of finger strength and endurance. The objective of the sport, which originated in the Alpine regions of Germany and Austria, is simple: to pin your opponent’s finger to the table.

The competition was fierce, with participants using a variety of techniques to try and outmaneuver their opponents. The air was thick with tension as the men grunted and strained, their fingers interlocked in a battle of wills.

Despite the risk of injury, the competitors were undeterred, with some suffering dislocated digits in the heat of the competition. However, for these men, the pain was a small price to pay for the chance to claim the top prize.

As the competition drew to a close, one man emerged victorious, his finger pinned to the table in a dominant display of strength and skill. The crowd erupted in cheers as he was declared the winner, and he proudly accepted the championship title.

The sport of fingerhakeln may seem unusual to outsiders, but for these men, it’s a beloved tradition that requires strength, strategy, and a bit of luck. As they packed up their gear and headed home, they were already looking forward to next year’s competition.