Brännboll World Championship 2008 Brännboll World Championship
30-31 May
The Brännboll World Championship or “Brännbollscupen” is held in Umeå every year during the last weekend of May. It is the largest tournament of its kind in the world. The championship began in 1974 as an outdoor recreational event with 44 teams. During its peak in the 1990s, over 1000 teams participated. Today, it is known as the social event of the year on campus at Umeå University.
The game of brännboll is similar to cricket, rounders, baseball, and softball. The most obvious differences are: there is no pitcher as the batter hits the ball on their own, the game is played in timed periods, gloves are forbidden, and a point system in which a “homerun” is worth six points, as well as much more. Iksu sport - Europe's largest fitness facility - is the host and sets the complete rules for the annual tournament available at their web site in Swedish.
BK Rel has won the championship title a record nine times, including the past three years. They defeated Raska Taskar again in 2007 by the score of 78-63. Koda Odland captured the women’s championship with a 66-59 victory over the title holder from 2004-2006, Sikta på tjejen.
Teams are often are dressed in outrageous uniforms which add to the enjoyment of the games. A jury awards a Best in Show prize to a team based on such criteria as: fun and creative apparel, sportsmanship, farce, special effects, and supporters’ chants/songs. The 2007 winner was the team Vilsen i Isengard. In summary, the Brännboll World Championship is always a memorable weekend for both participants and spectators alike!