An Austrian tram driver has been crowned the winner of the first-ever Tram Driver World Championship in Vienna.
Drivers from places like Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro, and San Diego gathered to demonstrate their tram operating skills before an enthusiastic crowd.
The championship featured a variety of challenges, including playful tasks such as bowling and curling with trams, captivating thousands of visitors and marking 160 years since trams were introduced in Vienna.
The local team overcame fierce competition, including reigning European champions from Budapest, who finished in fourth place. A total of 25 teams navigated a 250-metre long course, tackling tests that ranged from smooth braking and acceleration to unique challenges involving water-filled bowls strapped to trams.
In another inventive challenge, known as tram curling, drivers had to maneuver a bicycle trolley accurately, while tram bowling required them to knock down inflatable pins using a large ball—a highlight for many spectators.
While Austria took home the top prize, Poland secured second place, and Norway claimed third. Florijan Isaku, the Austrian representative, expressed his sheer excitement at winning in his home country, describing Vienna's public transport operator, Wiener Linien, as a family.
Despite Hungary's aspirations, they struggled during the event. European champion Krisztina Schneider noted that speed alone wasn't enough, particularly failing to meet the curling challenge.
Next year's European championships are set to be hosted in Warsaw, Poland, where more tram drivers from around the continent will likely gather to showcase their skills once again.
