ESPN8: The Ocho returned for its ninth year, delivering the quirkiest, most unconventional sports action to ESPN’s family of networks and digital platforms. Over four days, The Ocho broadcast more than 65 hours of events, including 30 never-before-seen competitions, captivating audiences with its unique brand of athleticism.

Thanks to data from Zoomph Broadcast measurement tool, we can see exactly which events drove the most engagement and viewership. Zoomph’s “Unique Reach” metric measures the number of viewers who watched at least one minute of an event, providing a clear picture of what captured audience attention. 

Here are the top 8 events that defined this year’s ESPN8 The Ocho:

1. Savannah Bananas (1.74M Unique Reach) The kings of unconventional sports, the Savannah Bananas led the pack with a massive audience that tuned in to watch their unique, rule-breaking take on baseball.
2. Savannah Bananas (1.20M Unique Reach) Proving their dominance wasn’t a fluke, a second Savannah Bananas event secured the number two spot, showing a consistent and dedicated viewership for their on-field antics.
3. American Cornhole League World Championship: Pro Singles Finals (1.04M Unique Reach) Cornhole isn’t just a backyard or tailgate game – it’s a bona fide spectacle. The Pro Singles Finals drew a huge crowd, showcasing the precision and high stakes of a sport that has grown into a national sensation.
4. World Axe & Knife Throwing Championship (564K Unique Reach) This event proved that viewers are fascinated by a sport that combines precision with a thrill, bringing in a significant audience for a truly unique competition.
5. 2023 World Table Hockey Championships (501K Unique Reach) The competitive spirit of table hockey translated into a half-million-strong audience, proving that the competitive board game can be just as entertaining as its full-size counterpart.
6. PFL Hush Presents Pillow Fight Championship (449K Unique Reach) This playful but surprisingly intense championship, presented by the Professional Fighters League, captured a large audience with its blend of athleticism and nostalgic fun.
7. US Open Ultimate Championships: Mixed Finals (401K Unique Reach) The high-flying action and incredible athleticism of Ultimate Frisbee’s mixed finals showed that this non-traditional team sport has a solid and dedicated viewership.
8. American Cornhole League World Championship: Pro Doubles Finals (366K Unique Reach) The Cornhole doubles finals rounded out the top eight, further cementing the sport’s popularity and proving that a good-natured competition can consistently draw a crowd.