Tommy Mattinson won the World Gurning Championships for a record 19th time and expressed his desire to win 30 championships. His victory came in the men’s category, while Claire Lister won the women’s category for the eighth consecutive time. Claire’s daughter Kendal also participated and won in the junior category of the competition, which is held annually in Egremont, Cumbria. The competition’s judges base their decision on the most drastic transformation in the face between a normal expression and a gurning face.
Tommy, following his win, mentioned that he never expected to win but felt extremely pleased with his victory. Coming from a family with a gurning champion father, Tommy shared his passion for the competition and his love for winning. He expressed his desire to continue participating and potentially win 30 championships. Tommy enjoys the aspect of meeting different people, including celebrities, through his gurning activities. He highlighted his childhood interest in gurning, trying to imitate his father, and his mother’s recollection of his persistent habit of pulling faces as a child.
The Egremont Crab Fair, which includes the World Gurning Championships as a highlight, is a local event that has been ongoing since 1267 when crab apples were distributed to the townspeople. The fair also features wheelbarrow races and horn-blowing competitions in addition to the gurning contest. Participants in the gurning competition wear large horse collars and contort their faces in the most grotesque manner possible. A panel of five judges scores their efforts based on the extent of transformation in their facial expressions.
Claire Lister, a hometown hero, has dominated the women’s category of the competition for eight consecutive years. She shared her journey in gurning, starting as a junior competitor and eventually winning the first time in 2013. During the pandemic, Claire participated in a gurning competition in Japan via Zoom and featured on TV, expanding her gurning experiences internationally. The competition’s chairman, Callum Scott, noted the uniqueness of the event and its appeal to people from all over the country due to its tradition and historical significance.
The World Gurning Championships hold a special place in the Egremont Crab Fair, with the tradition believed to have originated in 1267. The event attracts participants and spectators from various regions, contributing to its popularity and continued success. Gurning is described as a unique and iconic part of the town’s culture and heritage. The competition’s quirky nature and the skill required to transform one’s face into a gurn have made it a beloved tradition that continues to thrive and attract individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The event’s historical roots and enduring appeal have solidified its status as a cherished component of the Egremont Crab Fair.
