Since 2000, the Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships have taken place in the Finnish town of Savonlinna with hopeful competitors from all over the world lining up to hurl their way into alternative sporting immortality.

Contestants can choose between two key events: the “traditional” over the shoulder javelin style throw judged solely on distance and the “freestyle” throw in which entrants are judged on aesthetics and creative choreography.

MSN Video - World Mobile Phone Throwing Championships

During the throw, the competitor must stay within a defined area and the phone itself must land within a marked zone. In stark contrast to more established sporting events, are no doping tests. However, the jury can rule out the contestant if his/her mental or physical preparedness is not adequate for a full performance.

New world champions fight to the Finnish

In keeping with the traditional of home dominance of the event, Finland's Tommi Huotari and Eija Laasko emerged triumphant in the traditional throw. Huotari claimed men's gold with a magnificent 89.62 metre effort, just a few centimetres short of the world record mark. Although he had never thrown a phone before, he cited his previous performances in potato throwing as key to his success. Laasko's distance of 44.49 metres was good enough for her to retain her women's title.

In the freestyle event, Dutchman Taco Cohen wowed the judges with acrobatics and juggling. The 19 year-old circus performer received top marks for aesthetics and artistic impression and his efforts could not be matched. Finnish cowgirl Elina Pitkanen triumphed in the women's freestyle event.