You’ve probably heard of bullfighting and horseracing, but have you ever heard of camel wrestling?

Every January, an ancient tradition comes to life in Selçuk, a town near Izmir, in western Turkey, where thousands gather to witness this unique spectacle: the Turkish Camel Wrestling Championship.

A camel rests while waiting for its competition during the annual 43rd Efes Selcuk Camel Wrestling Festival at the Pamucak Arena in the Aegean town of Selcuk, near Izmir, Turkey January 19, 2025. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

Dating back over 2,400 years, camel wrestling originated among ancient Turkish tribes, who first observed wild male camels battling for dominance. Eventually, they began staging these contests, placing two male camels in an arena with a female in heat to spark competition. The males wrestle using various tactics, including pushing, tripping, and even trapping their opponent under their chest.

Since a female in heat is essential for the fight to take place, camel fighting is most popular during mating season, which runs from November to March.

The practice thrived for centuries but saw a decline in the 1920s when the Turkish government deemed it too “backward.” However, attitudes shifted in the 1980s, when officials recognized its cultural significance, reinstating the festival.

Today, it takes place annually on the third Sunday of January.

As an event, the championship hosts thousands of spectators each year and features approximately 120 elaborately decorated camel contestants. Leading up to the wrestling matches, various village bands walk around singing and selecting tourists to be a part of their show.

Visitors stroll at the Pamucak Arena during the annual 43rd Efes Selcuk Camel Wrestling Festival in the Aegean town of Selcuk, near Izmir, Turkey, January 19, 2025. REUTERS/Murad Sezer TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Just like human wrestlers, camels wrestle with others in their weight class in order to bolster a fair competition. Some camels who compete in the championships have signature moves, like a particularly strategic leg sweep, a forceful headbutt, or an especially strong neck for trapping opponents under their chest.

Spectators are warned to beware of flying saliva or urine as the camels become increasingly competitive.

Camels fight in the Pamucak Arena during the annual 43rd Efes Selcuk Camel Wrestling Festival in the Aegean town of Selcuk, near Izmir, Turkey, January 19, 2025. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

A camel can win a wrestling match in three ways: by making its opponent retreat, cry out, or collapse. A camel’s handler also has the option to forfeit on behalf of their animal if they worry for its wellbeing.

Much like horseracing, people like to place bets on which camels they think will be victorious. Today, some prized animals can cost as much as $74,000 to purchase.

Owners of competing camels have a lot at stake when they send their animals into a competition. Not only do they eat in massive quantities and require high quality care, but after a few competitions, they are considered part of the family.