10 Ludicrous Sports You've Probably Never Heard Of

Traditionally the province of slumber parties and the fevered daydreams of horny young men, pillow fighting can of course in no way be genuinely considered a sport, involving as it does young women hitting each other with pillows. Possibly in slow motion, while wearing pajamas.

Well, try telling that to Stacey Case and Craig Daniels, who launched the Pillow Fight League in Canada in spring 2004, building to their first ever fight on New Year’s Eve 2005. A women only sport, the PFL was not for the fainthearted: smash mouth and hugely entertaining, it was less cheesecake, more custard pie.

Held in a matted fighting arena like a martial arts tournament and running a strict five minute time limit, matches were won via pinfall, surrender or stoppage, and were surprisingly brutal. Despite incorporating a variety of moves culled from the pro wrestling playbook - the clothesline, leg drop etc - the fights weren’t worked and the winners weren’t predetermined, as far as anyone knew.

The PFL’s decision to ban crude behaviour and unscrupulous brawling moves like eye gouging and low blows added to its credibility, which is what allowed it to get away with the pillow gimmick - every move or strike had to somehow involve the pillow to be legal.

All of which means it’s a great pity that the league folded in 2011, despite running 65 cards across North America - Case’s ill health didn’t allow him the luxury of continuing. An attempt to crowdfund a revival back in early 2015 led to nothing.