The Florida Man Games bring bizarre stories to life.
Written By Cynthia McFarland
The zaniest, most hilarious aspects of Florida culture will be on full display at The Florida Man Games, a one-of-a-kind spectacle coming to Francis Field in St. Augustine.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 24, buy your tickets and prepare to spend the entire day with a grin on your face.
Founder Pete Melfi has worked in TV and radio since 2011 and covered countless weird “Florida Man” stories during that time.
Although it’s up for debate as to how the phenomenon originated, these crazy, true stories really caught fire in 2016.
“I looked for common themes in the best Florida Man stories,” laughs Pete, recounting his inspiration for the event. “There may or may not have been alcohol involved.”
After coming up with the idea, he scoured the internet, thinking someone had to have done something similar, but no. Pete took the idea and ran with it. The result is the inaugural Florida Man Games.
“We’re projecting 5,000 to 10,000 spectators at this point,” says Pete. “We have people attending from all over the world—London, Australia, Alaska. It’s become an international event.”
At press time, there are 16 teams of three to five people (male and female) entered. All contestants must be from Florida, and residency will be verified.
Games include Weaponized Pool Noodle Mud Duel, Evading Arrest Obstacle Course, Category 5 Cash Grab, Florida Sumo and a bizarre race that involves a catalytic converter, two bikes and a handful of copper pipes.
The Evading Arrest game features actual Florida Sheriff Deputies chasing the competitors through an obstacle course.
The event is hosted by Omgitswicks, native Floridian and hugely popular Instagram influencer and Tik Tok star. Judges Dan “Nitro” Clark and Lori “Ice” Fetrick are both former American Gladiator contestants.
The overall champion takes home a Florida Man Games championship belt, wooden Florida flag trophy and a$5,000 cash prize.
There’s also a mullet competition with contestants entered from all over the state, and the Florida Ma’am Pinup contest will be judged by Christina Wilson of Discovery TV and Brave Wilderness.
“Sanity is optional. My goal is for people to come out and laugh all day long,” says Pete.
Team registration ended in November, but spectators can participate in challenges with a definite Florida Man vibe, including jousting and riding a mechanical alligator.
The Florida Man Games
February 24
Francis Field is located at 25 West Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. Buy tickets and learn more at thefloridamangames.com.