(Carlos Reina Photography via SWNS)
By Charlie Fenton and Mathew O’Hara
A British dad-of-two has scooped the title of World Gurning champion after beating dozens of funny-faced competitors.
Ryan Barton, 42, won the title during the bizarre annual contest in Cumbria at the weekend.
The international competition sees competitors put their face between a horseshoe collar and pull a ridiculous facial expression.
Dozens of hopefuls took part in the event, which is part of the Egremont Crab Fair, in Cumbria, which also sees wheelbarrow races and horn-blowing competition’s.
(Carlos Reina Photography via SWNS)
Judges crown the winning contestant based on whoever displays the starkest transformation between their normal face and their gurning face.
At this years event two new world champions were crowned with dad-of-two Ryan Barton, 42, named the 2025 Men’s World Gurning Champion.
The event’s organizers said: “Ryan said this was dedicated to his uncle, Peter Jackman, who is another of our Gurning legends.
“Sadly he passed a few years back, but his memory definitely lives on.”
Barton’s victory dethroned 19-time champion Tommy Mattinson who was unable to compete in the 2025 championships due to ‘ill-health.’
(Carlos Reina Photography via SWNS)
Egremont Crab Fair and World Gurning Championships wished Tommy “all the best” with his recovery adding that they “hope to see you back on stage again soon”.
In the women’s final, 2024 World Champion Claire Lister was also dethroned in “dramatic” fashion, being “pipped at the post” by Lynn Kelly who crowned as this year’s world champion.
Egremont Crab Fair and World Gurning Championships said: “Drama in the women’s Gurning Championship, where we have a new World Champion.
“Previous multiple-time Champion Claire Lister was pipped at the post this year by Lynn Kelly.
“Well done Lynn.”
In the junior gurning section, Claire’s daughter Kendall Lister emerged as the winner.
The Egremont Crab Fair was established in 1267.