The Sunshine State’s most irreverent, politically incorrect, and outrageous celebration of athletic absurdity, the Florida Man Games, is back for its second annual installment on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This competition, dubbed “the most insane athletic showdown on Earth,”…
will take place at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds in Elkton, just west of historic St. Augustine. With gates opening at 9:00 a.m. and events running until approximately 8:00 p.m., spectators and competitors alike are gearing up for a day of chaotic fun inspired by Florida’s wildest headlines.
A Brief History of Florida Man Madness
The Florida Man Games burst onto the scene on February 24, 2024, at Francis Field in downtown St. Augustine, brainchild of local media maven Pete Melfi of The 904 Now. Drawing from the infamous “Florida Man” internet phenomenon—where bizarre news stories feature residents in outlandish predicaments—Melfi crafted a sporting event that’s equal parts parody and pride. The inaugural games saw teams like the Red Eyed Gator Huggers and the Cooter Commandos compete in front of over 5,000 spectators, with St. Augustine’s own Hanky Spanky clinching the championship belt and $5,000. The event’s instant popularity, fueled by national media buzz, prompted a move to a larger venue for 2025, complete with RV tailgating and whispers of a potential TV deal.
Events to Watch in 2025
This year’s lineup promises returning fan favorites and fresh doses of Floridian flair. Here’s what’s on tap:
- Evading Arrest Obstacle Course: Floridians are chased by police after stealing copper pipes and catalytic converters.Competitors dodge real sheriff’s deputies while leaping fences and navigating obstacles, embodying the spirit of many a Florida Man headline. It’s a test of agility, wits, and a touch of rebellion.
- Florida Sumo Cage Match: Held in a chain-link cage, contenders wrestle sumo-style while clutching pitchers of beer—a sloppy, spirited showdown where spilling your brew could cost you the win.
- Weaponized Pool Noodle Mud Duel: Armed with pool noodles reinforced with duct tape, participants battle it out in a muddy inflatable pool. It’s jousting, Florida-style, and a crowd-pleaser from last year.
- Hurricane Party Prep: Grocery Aisle Brawl: A new addition inspired by storm-season chaos, this event pits teams against each other to snag supplies in a simulated supermarket melee. Think wrestling over the last case of water as hurricane warnings blare.
- Gator Throw: Competitors hurl (presumably fake) alligators through a mock drive-thru window, aiming to knock down targets in a nod to Florida’s reptilian residents.
- Fight Night Pro Wrestling: State of Emergency: What would Florida be without good old wrasslin’? (That’s WRESTLING for all you Yankees out there.) The day caps off with a star-studded wrestling card featuring pros like Indi Hartwell, Vix Crow (formerly Alicia Fox), and Matt Riddle, alongside the Midget Wrestling Warriors Reborn tour. NASCAR driver Jeffrey Earnhardt serves as this year’s grand marshal.
Beyond the main events, Florida Man Games attendees can enjoy sideshows like the Hellzapoppin rock-n-roll circus, a mullet contest, and open interactive challenges. Only 12 teams—each representing a different Florida city, including returning champs Hanky Spanky and the all-female Ball Busters from Gainesville—will vie for the coveted Gator head trophy, with two wildcard teams selected from the crowd.
Location and Logistics
The St. Johns County Fairgrounds, located at 5840 FL-207, Elkton, FL 32033, offers more space than last year’s venue, including a covered arena and a new RV tailgating area. Gates swing open at 9:00 a.m., with the first challenge kicking off around 10:20 a.m. The action wraps up with the wrestling finale by 8:00 p.m. Organizers advise leaving chairs, grills, and coolers at home, as bleacher seating and indoor hangout zones will be available.
Ticket Information
Tickets are still available but selling fast. General admission is priced at $45, granting access to all the madness. VIP tickets, at $145, include perks like reserved bleacher seating, a climate-controlled lounge, three free drinks, a catered lunch, and celebrity meet-and-greets with guest judges Dan “Nitro” Clark and Lori “Ice” Fetrick of American Gladiators fame. For the ultimate Florida Man experience, RV tailgating spaces go for $550, offering a private area near the arena with exclusive amenities. Purchase tickets online at www.thefloridamangames.com or through Eventbrite—note that they’re nonrefundable, so commit to the chaos!
A Cultural Celebration
More than just a spectacle, the Florida Man Games benefit the Jimmy Jam Community Outreach, a local nonprofit aiding St. Johns County residents in need. Melfi, who’s hinted at negotiations with producers for a televised series, sees the event as a love letter to Florida’s unruly spirit. “If you’ve got grit in your gut and Florida in your heart, this is your day,” he said.
As the countdown to March 1 begins, St. Augustine braces for an influx of jorts-wearing, mullet-sporting revelers ready to cheer—or join—the wildest show in town. Whether you’re a competitor or a spectator, the 2025 Florida Man Games promise a day where normalcy takes a backseat to pure, unadulterated Floridian fun.
Editor’s note: All images used in this article courtesy of www.theFloridaManGames.com
