The Florida Man Games returned for Round 2, as teams from around the state gathered at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds to embrace their inner superhero—or rather, the world's worst superhero.
Building on the success of last year's inaugural event, organizers sought to create a bigger and more entertaining spectacle this year, inviting Florida’s quirkiest competitors to prove their mettle with absurd challenges. The games, hosted by comedians Josh Wicks Robinson and Kevin Flynn, are all about poking fun at the bizarre incidents often associated with Florida.
From Evading Arrest Obstacle Courses to Beer Belly Sumo Wrestling, last year’s competitors laid the groundwork for this year's lineup. New additions included Hurricane Party Prep: Grocery Aisle Brawl and Human Beer Pong, extending the clever theme of Florida-centric antics. Ten teams from various regions, including Fort Myers and Pensacola, battled for the title once again, as last year’s champs, team Hanky Spanky from St. Augustine, returned to defend their snakeskin championship belt.
Among the colorful participants was Croix Bruns, 29, a technician for Dave & Buster's. He participated enthusiastically, especially enjoying the weaponized pool noodle competition. Bruns, who proudly declared himself “a true Florida Man,” stated, "They're just born ready to be great. They're born ready for the trophy and ready for the title, and each year someone new has to be born for it." He underscored the uniqueness of the games, distinguishing them from traditional sports with flair, noting, "We've got the Olympics and they've been around forever, but they don't have gator tossing." He made sure to point out the importance of absurdity, saying it’s not just about competition but also about the experience itself.
Besides watching the colorful events, attendees were treated to the opportunity to engage with Florida Man antics themselves. Guests interacted with live alligators from Gatorland and even took rides on mechanical alligators. The event kept spirits high by incorporating entertainment such as shows featuring the "Midget Wrestling Warriors" and lawnmower racing hosted by NASCAR driver Jeffrey Earnhardt.
According to announcer Che Durena, the essence of the games captures Florida perfectly. He remarked, "It's exactly on-brand the way I thought it would be. It's the right level of grimy and extravagance and debaucherous. It's exactly what I want. It's a lot of people day drinking, a lot of people getting sunburnt, a lot of people just partying and acting foolish in the best way." His enthusiasm for the atmosphere reflected the spirit of camaraderie and humor on display throughout the event.
The phenomenon of the "Florida Man" has seeped deep within America’s cultural consciousness, significantly thanks to social media. The Twitter account @_FloridaMan began posting hilarious and outrageous headlines about the state as far back as 2013. These humorous snippets showcased real-life incidents, such as “Florida Man Bites Dog to 'Establish Dominance'” and “Florida Man Tried to Pay for McDonald's With Weed.” Such headlines have transformed the image of Florida—from paradise to wacky playground—creating shared laughter and disbelief across the country.
All things considered, the Florida Man Games are not just about bizarre competitions or extraordinary feats but about providing entertainment and building community around shared cultural identities. It's this flavor of fun and rivalry, combined with the warmth of camaraderie found throughout the state, which makes the games such a beloved event. The games effectively showcase how humor can bridge divides and bring people together under the auspices of good-natured folly.
Whether you’re competing, spectacting, or simply soaking up the ruthless sunshine, the Florida Man Games demonstrate the power of laughter, making for memories and entertaining stories long after the competitions are through. After all, in the world of Florida, every day is another chance to be the world’s worst superhero and embrace the quirkiest side of life.