The quaint village of Mokrin, Serbia, became the epicenter of gastronomic and cultural heritage with the hosting of the 39th World Goose Championship on February 23, 2025. The event attracted competitors and enthusiasts alike, as the town brimmed with energy and anticipation for the much-anticipated competitions.
This year, the prominent match featured two remarkable finalists: Spasoje, owned by Milan Drazic, and Mistral, under the careful watch of Stevan Ognjanov. Their heated battle promised more than just victory as they showcased techniques honed through rigorous training and deep-rooted tradition of goose husbandry. “It wasn’t easy to reach the finals. Spasoje faced tough opponents, including lengthy 12-minute bouts,” recounted Drazic, who expressed optimism about his goose's performance. “I’m confident he will give his all, and though I hope for first place, so much depends on luck too.”
The stakes were high as the crowd gathered to witness the battles commencing at ten o’clock, ready not just for the finals but various ceremonial competitions as well. The event had participants coming from near and far, emphasizing the goose contests' significance not only to Mokrin but also extending to international appreciation.
Mistral, who emerged victorious after his final bout against Spasoje, made history with the fight lasting over 20 minutes, marking it as the longest final recorded at the championship to date. Ognjanov’s pride shone through as he stated, “This victory was long-awaited, and this was our first time competing at the senior level.” He elaborated on their preparation strategies involving quality food, vitamins, and consistent training, “Mistral requires attention not just during competition but all year round, including bathing and grazing.”
The championships have steadily grown in reputation over the decades, and this year was no exception. Mistral's victory placed him firmly atop the podium, marking the culmination of rigorous dedication which started five years ago when he ranked third as part of the youth league.
Meanwhile, the two-year-old Tyson, owned by Bogdan Ristic, faced Fox, owned by Miodrag Trnics, alongside young contestant Klei battling against Medonja from Milos Kovacic, indicating the depth of talent across all categories at this year's championship.
The gatherers included not only competitors but also local community members and representatives from the city government, led by Mayor Mladen Bogdan, who presented the championship trophy to Mistral's owner. “We don’t miss the chance to support traditional events like this, engaging with our citizens and determining what can be improved,” Bogdan remarked, underlining the political and social support turning these humble contests to their celebrated stature.
Jivica Terzic, president of the organizing committee “Belo Pero,” confirmed the success of the event. He noted, “This year marked the fortieth anniversary of the competition, though we missed 2006 due to avian flu. We had 123 geese participating this year across all categories. We are very satisfied with the overall event, including the finals.”
The traditions surrounding the goose competitions reveal not just local skill but also familial bonds, as many goose owners spoke fondly of how their children have played instrumental roles during preparations and caring for their feathered competitors. Ognjanov stated, “Geese are beloved pets for our whole family, especially our sons, who pushed me back to breeding.”
The history of this championship creates bridge between generations, as older participants noted their past experiences and how they trained for significant wins. “It takes years to mold a champion. Our geese provide companionship and joy, transforming the competition process from mere strategy to heartfelt tradition,” claimed Ristic, who shared insights on the love and commitment involved.
Despite the competition hanging as tightly contested as the past, what remained abundantly clear was the communal celebration surrounding this event. Young families, enthusiasts, and dedicated competitors come together to celebrate this unique expression of local culture through the age-old practice of goose fighting.
Only time will tell how the tradition evolves, yet with participants ready to step up their game next year, one thing is for sure: the legacy of the World Goose Championship will continue to charm and draw people not just locally, but internationally, illuminating the spirit of Mokrin with every flap of their geese's wings.