Pflugdorf (Germany) (AFP) – Spectators cheer as grimacing competitors, using just their middle finger, heave a small leather loop with all their might at the German finger wrestling championships in the southern village of Pflugdorf-Stadl. In these contests, which last from a few seconds to nearly a minute, two opponents try to pull each other across the table. This traditional Alpine sport popular in Bavaria and Austria, is now organised with various weight and age categories. “It’s excruciating. The pain in the fingers,” says Ferdinand Seitz.
