Mölkky World Championships bring over 2,000 players to Helsinki, with participants from Japan

Helsinki's Käpylä Sports Park is buzzing with activity as it hosts the Mölkky World Championships, drawing more than 2,000 participants from across Finland and internationally, with notable interest from Japan. The air is filled with the sounds of the game and the sight of players clad in colorful jerseys, many carrying bags packed with drinks and their essential mölkky equipment.

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We sometimes come up with team names, and that one won the vote. It was a long time ago.

Teams like 'Noutajat' from Southwest Finland are among those competing. Members Kimi Siili and Timo Suonsivu shared that their team name was chosen through a vote long ago. They have been playing mölkky casually, often during Midsummer celebrations at their summer cottages, but their consistent performances inspired them to enter official competitions. Having last competed in 2018, reaching the top sixteen, they previously participated in a tournament in Spain, which they described as a good trip but without significant success.

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Having fun is the most important thing. Of course, it would be nice if we didn't end up in the lower bracket.

For the current championships, the primary goal for 'Noutajat' is to have fun, though they wouldn't mind advancing beyond the lower tiers. Their opening match against 'The Lost Boys' from Numela resulted in a decisive 2-0 victory. The defeated team, participating in their first Mölkky World Championships, attributed their slow start to nerves, but noted their game improved in the second round. They emphasized that, like 'Noutajat,' their main objective is enjoyment, embodying the spirit of the Finnish game, which involves a blend of skill and social interaction. The championships, featuring around 500 teams, underscore the global appeal of this popular Finnish outdoor game.

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The first game went poorly. We frankly gave up a bit.