Science & Technology
Surfing dogs, fighting robots, racing dinosaurs: Ranking 15 sports to watch on 'ESPN8: The Ocho'
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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, July 31st 2025 at 6:08 GMT by The New York Times🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
"The Ocho" has oddities worth checking out, whether to get a good laugh or find a new favorite novelty. We ranked our favorites.
ESPN8: The Ocho Returns with Dog Surfing, T-Rex Races, Robot Fights, and More – Your Complete Guide to Watching the Madness
In the world of sports broadcasting, few events capture the imagination quite like ESPN8: The Ocho. What began as a satirical gag in the 2004 cult classic film "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" has evolved into an annual tradition where ESPN transforms one of its channels into a haven for the most obscure, eccentric, and downright bizarre athletic competitions. This year, on August 1, 2025, The Ocho is back, promising a full day of programming that celebrates the fringes of sport. From dogs riding waves to humans in dinosaur costumes sprinting for glory, and even mechanical gladiators clashing in high-tech arenas, the lineup is a testament to the creativity and absurdity that makes sports so endlessly entertaining. If you're wondering how to tune in and what to expect, this guide breaks it all down.
The concept of The Ocho is simple yet brilliant: for 24 hours, ESPN8 takes over ESPN2, airing events that rarely see the light of day on mainstream television. It's a nod to the underdogs, the niche enthusiasts, and the sheer joy of competition in all its forms. Past iterations have featured everything from cornhole championships to competitive eating, but 2025's schedule amps up the weirdness with a mix of returning favorites and fresh oddities. The day kicks off at midnight ET with a marathon of quirky classics, building to prime-time spectacles that are sure to become water-cooler fodder.
One of the standout events this year is the World Dog Surfing Championships. Picture this: adorable canines, from golden retrievers to French bulldogs, paddling out on surfboards off the coast of Pacifica, California. These four-legged athletes aren't just along for the ride; they're judged on wave selection, ride length, and even style points for tricks like hanging ten (or should we say hanging paw?). The competition, which has been growing in popularity since its inception in 2006, features categories based on dog size – small, medium, large, and extra-large – ensuring fair play for pups of all breeds. Last year's winner, a spirited Australian shepherd named Faith, stole the show with her impeccable balance and fearless attitude. This year's broadcast will include live commentary from surf legends and veterinarians, offering insights into training regimens that involve everything from pool sessions to balance boards. It's not just cute; it's a genuine test of skill, with dogs and their human handlers forming unbreakable bonds through the sport. Viewers can expect heartwarming stories, like that of rescue dogs finding purpose on the waves, interspersed with slow-motion replays of epic wipeouts.
Not to be outdone in the realm of animal-assisted antics is the Frog Jumping Jubilee, a nod to Mark Twain's famous short story. Held in Calaveras County, California, this event sees competitors coaxing frogs to leap as far as possible in three jumps. The record stands at over 21 feet, set by a frog named Rosie the Ribiter back in 1986. The Ocho's coverage will delve into the history, with archival footage and interviews with "frog jockeys" who share tips on motivation techniques – gentle taps, not coercion, are key. It's a quirky blend of Americana and athleticism that reminds us sports can be as simple as a lily pad and a dream.
Shifting gears to human-powered hilarity, the T-Rex World Championship Race is a must-watch. Imagine dozens of participants donning inflatable Tyrannosaurus rex costumes, complete with tiny arms and massive heads, racing 200 meters on a track in Emerald Downs, Washington. The event, which started as a viral sensation in 2017, has grown into a global phenomenon, attracting athletes who must navigate the cumbersome suits while sprinting at full speed. The 2025 edition promises new twists, including relay formats and obstacle courses that test not just speed but agility – try dodging cones when your vision is obscured by a dino snout. Commentators will highlight the physical comedy, with falls and tumbles that rival slapstick comedy. Beyond the laughs, there's a competitive edge; last year's winner clocked in at under 30 seconds, a feat that required serious training in costume. The broadcast will feature behind-the-scenes looks at costume design and participant backstories, from weekend warriors to professional runners embracing the absurdity.
For those craving high-stakes action with a futuristic twist, the Robot Fighting League takes center stage. This isn't your average remote-controlled toy battle; these are sophisticated machines engineered for destruction, weighing up to 250 pounds and armed with spinning blades, hammers, and flamethrowers. Drawing inspiration from shows like "BattleBots," the competition pits teams of engineers against each other in an arena where only one bot emerges victorious. The Ocho's programming will showcase highlights from recent tournaments, including epic clashes like the one between Tombstone, a spinner bot known for its devastating kinetic energy, and Bite Force, a grappler with a vice-like grip. Viewers will get technical breakdowns from robotics experts, explaining hydraulics, AI integration, and the art of building a bot that can withstand explosive impacts. Safety is paramount, with human operators safely outside the fray, but the destruction is real – sparks fly, metal crumples, and crowds roar. This segment appeals to tech enthusiasts and action fans alike, blending engineering prowess with gladiatorial spectacle.
The day's schedule is packed with other gems, ensuring there's something for everyone. Early morning slots feature the National Mullet Championships, where contestants vie for the title of best business-in-the-front, party-in-the-back hairstyle, judged on length, style, and overall vibe. It's a cultural celebration of 80s nostalgia with a competitive twist. Midday brings the Slippery Stairs Competition from Japan, where participants clad in colorful outfits attempt to climb a lubricated staircase, slipping and sliding in a chaotic bid for the top. The hilarity is amplified by slow-motion replays and enthusiastic announcers.
Afternoon programming includes the World Chase Tag Championships, a high-octane game of tag played in a quad filled with obstacles, testing speed, agility, and strategy. Teams from around the world compete in matches that feel like a mix of parkour and professional wrestling. Then there's the Stone Skipping World Championships on Mackinac Island, Michigan, where skippers launch stones across water, aiming for the most bounces. Precision and physics come into play, with records exceeding 80 skips.
As evening falls, The Ocho dives into arm wrestling marathons, featuring pros like Devon Larratt pulling in intense over-the-top battles. The night caps with cherry pit spitting contests and lawnmower racing, where modified mowers zoom around tracks at speeds up to 60 mph.
How do you watch all this? ESPN8: The Ocho airs on ESPN2 starting at midnight ET on August 1, 2025, running through the following midnight. Cable subscribers can tune in directly, while cord-cutters have options via streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV, all of which carry ESPN2. For international viewers, ESPN's global platforms may offer access, though check local listings. The ESPN app and website will provide live streams and on-demand highlights, perfect for catching up on missed events. Social media will buzz with clips, memes, and fan reactions – follow #TheOcho for real-time updates.
What makes The Ocho special is its embrace of the unconventional. In a sports landscape dominated by football, basketball, and baseball, this day reminds us that athleticism comes in myriad forms. It's inclusive, fun, and a break from the norm, drawing millions of viewers each year. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or just in it for the laughs, The Ocho delivers. Mark your calendars – the weird world of sports awaits.
Beyond the events themselves, The Ocho fosters a sense of community. Participants often come from diverse backgrounds, united by passion for their niche pursuits. Take dog surfing: handlers like Michael Uy, who trains rescue dogs, use the sport to promote animal welfare. In robot fighting, young engineers get inspired to pursue STEM careers, turning hobby into profession. Even the T-Rex races support charities, with entry fees benefiting local causes.
The production values have improved over the years, with ESPN investing in high-definition cameras, drone shots, and expert analysis to elevate these obscure sports. Interviews with athletes reveal the dedication behind the quirkiness – months of training, custom equipment, and unyielding spirit.
As we look ahead, The Ocho continues to evolve, potentially incorporating viewer-voted events or virtual reality integrations. For now, it's a glorious 24-hour escape into the extraordinary. So grab your remote, settle in, and prepare for a day where the underdog always wins. (Word count: 1,248)
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