Horseshoes, yo-yos and speedcubing: Western Pennsylvania is home to unusual competitions

Pittsburgh may be known for its football, baseball and hockey, but the region’s competitive spirit goes much further.

The East Coast Slingshot Tournament coming to East Huntingdon this weekend is just one of the area’s creative contests. Here’s a few more examples:

East Coast Masters yo-yo championship

Professional yo-yo players perform fast-paced routines with complex tricks set to music. Competitors at the East Coast Masters vied for $1,000 in prizes March 16 at the Ace Hotel in Pittsburgh.

Laurel Highlands Ultra

For those who think a marathon’s 26.2 miles are too short, and those who think running on pavement is too easy, there are ultramarathons. The Laurel Highlands Ultra challenges runners to tackle the entire 70.5-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, from Ohiopyle to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. The 40th annual race is coming June 8.

World Cube Association Pittsburgh Open

“Speedcubers” have turned Rubik’s Cubes from brain-teasing novelties into competitive dexterity challenges. Contestants race to unscramble cubes the fastest, toppling even the most complex puzzles in two minutes or less. The World Cube Association holds several competitions in Pittsburgh every year, but the Pittsburgh Open is usually in December.

Horseshoe Pitching Pennsylvania State Championship

Those who want to take their horseshoe-pitching game to the next level can join H.O.P.E. (Horseshoes of Pittsburgh Enterprises) in Carnegie, which has four indoor courts and another nine outdoors. It hosts tournaments all year, including the state championship. This year’s championship will be held Aug. 30 through Sept. 2.

Pinburgh

It’s the “largest pinball tournament in history,” according to the Carnegie-based Professional and Amateur Pinball Association. The competition features more than 300 pinball machines, attracting more than 1,000 contestants. Pinburgh 2019 is coming Aug. 1-4 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh as part of the ReplayFX arcade event.

World Boardgaming Championships

“Monopoly,” “Clue” and “Risk” are nowhere to be seen at the World Boardgaming Championships at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Instead, the event features more than 100 tournaments for more obscure war games and “designer board games” like “Twilight Struggle,” “Advanced Squad Leader” and “Catan.” The 2019 championships will be held July 20-28.