Australians Compete in Unique ‘Spogomi’ Rubbish-Picking Challenge, Signaling Growing Global Trend
MANLY, AUSTRALIA – A novel sporting event, originating in Japan and rapidly gaining international traction, took place in Manly, Australia, this weekend, transforming litter collection into a competitive race. the “Spogomi World Cup,” a portmanteau of the japanese words for “spo” (sport) and “gomi” (rubbish),drew teams eager to clear local streets while vying for a trip to Tokyo.
The event, discovered by some participants via flyers in public toilets, saw teams armed with rubbish bags and maps, tasked with collecting the most litter within a designated area. Florian, a competitor, described the atmosphere as “a mix of competitiveness but I also don’t think any of us are really going to be bothered if we don’t win,” adding, “I was thinking about this yesterday – should I be amped and planning? but then I thought I’d just wing it. Hopefully, there’s no injuries.”
Another team, calling themselves the Spaghettios, echoed this sentiment, stating, “It doesn’t really matter what the outcome is, it’s not going to be a bad time.”
The competition quickly ignited a surprising level of focus. One participant, accustomed to “participation medals at high school athletics days,” found themselves strategizing to target bus stops and pub sidestreets after a five-minute planning session. Teams, all wearing bibs emblazoned with “Spogomi World cup,” then dispersed to scour the Manly landscape.
The bulk of collected waste proved to be cigarette butts, with one competitor experiencing a surge of both “appalled and exalted” feelings at the sheer volume. A half-drunk can of Jack Daniel’s provided a brief moment of triumph, while a discovered brick was deemed “bulky waste” and left behind.
The event attracted attention from onlookers, including a man in a cowboy hat who photographed the teams and a tourist who questioned their activity.
ultimately, the team’s efforts yielded a score of 435.9 points, largely attributed to their cigarette butt scavenging - 300 of the total. This was significantly lower than the winning team, Crystal Clean, who scored 2,119.3 points and secured a novelty cheque. Rot and Roll placed third with 1,536.8 points, followed by Ride and Seek on 1,563.9.
Despite not winning, participants expressed a lasting impact. The author concluded the day “scanning the sidewalk,instinctively seeking discarded bottles and bits of plastic,still high on the rush of a good deed.”
The Spogomi World Cup’s success in Australia underscores the growing global appeal of the unique sport, which aims to raise awareness about litter and promote environmental responsibility. Organizers anticipate further expansion, with the next event planned for 2026.
