From the headline “The Man of Florida” to disrupt hurricane supplies from the Gator to the drive-thru windows, what if all the fascinating characters and details come to life in one place?
This is the premise behind the Florida men’s game. This is a wild, intense competition celebrating the strange side of the sun’s state. “We’re trying to prove that this is not a fluke. This is not a flash of pot. I think this is a Florida tradition that every Florida person looks forward to attending every year. I hope for it,” said Pete Melfi, who founded the game. “It’s incredible to see a pouring of support and excitement for something like this.”
Fan favorite events returning from last year’s first game include weaponized pool noodle mud duel, Florida sumo matches and evasion stop obstacle course.
All of these are designed to help participants “live headlines without prison time,” according to the event’s catchphrase. There are also several new contests this year inspired by the headlines of strangers that Sunshine State is known for.
“I’m really looking forward to preparing for the Hurricane Party: a grenade in the grocery aisle. One starts with a Winn-Dixie cart, the other in a Publix cart. They push someone and get full speed on each other. We’re going to start. They’re trying to ease each other out of their shopping carts,” Melfi said. “If no one gets a joust, they fight on the shelf for the final of beer, toilet paper and solo cups. It’s a unique Florida event where Florida is undoubtedly overqualified.”
Other additions to the 2025 game include the “Florida Women” bonus challenge, wrestling hosted by NASCAR driver Jeffrey Earnhardt, and a lawn mower race.
The team represents the various regions of the Florida Peninsula and the Panhandle, from Pensacola to Fort Myers and everything in between. This year, one from Tampa and two teams from Orlando will also be selected by the crowd on the day of the event.
Competitors were selected by video submissions and in-person tryouts held in November.
“If you can drink beer, that’s a good start. If you have a criminal history, it doesn’t necessarily work against you. You don’t have to be an athlete to compete on this.” Melfi said in a previous Orlando Sentinel article. “We want a regular guy, and there will be a component of the Florida women.”
This year, the Ballbusters, the first all-women team from Gainesville. St. Augustine’s team Hanky Spanky will return to his second year match to defend his winning title after appearing at the top of last year’s event.
Special guests embodying Spirit of the Sunshine State include social media star Omgitswicks and Kevin Flynn, who is behind the event’s co-host @floridaman Instagram. Mike Beussie, owner of Sausage Castle in Central Florida, and musician Lane Pittman will also be present at the game.
Aside from witnessing chaotic competition, guests interact with Gatorland crocodiles, try their hands with AX throws, play knockerball (bubble soccer), try out the Ninja Nation obstacle course, and mechanical You can ride the gator.
Looking at the future, Melfi said Florida Man Games wanted to pursue a television project and host events on the road to Tampa, Jacksonville or Orlando.
Find @pconnpie on Instagram or send an email at pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
If you’re going
The Florida Man Game will be located at St. Augustine at 207 5840 State Road, Elkton, starting at 9am on March 1st. Tickets are $45 for general admission and $145 for VIP (before taxes and fees). More information: thefloridamangames.com
schedule
9am: Gate open 10:20am: Eat (pork) bat challenge 10:40am: New team draft from crowd 11am: Weaponized pool noodle mudless ring 12:30pm: Hellzapoppin Freak Show 2:15 PM: Florida Sumo Cage Match and Beer Chug 3 PM: Florida Woman Bonus Challenge 3:20 PM: Hurricane Party Preparation: Grocery Aisle Brawl 4:15 PM: Midget Wrestling Warriors 5 PM: Arrested Avoiding obstacle course 6 PM: Emergency – Pro Wrestling 7 PM: Award
Original issue: February 25th, 2025 11:30am EST
