Get ready for the quirkiest, wildest, and most action-packed edition of ESPN8: The Ocho yet! Returning for its ninth year, The Ocho takes over ESPN platforms from Thursday, July 31, through Sunday, August 3, 2025, delivering more than 65 hours of thrilling and unconventional sports. For the first time ever, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort will host live competitions, The Ocho Show, and SportsCenter’s 50 States in 50 Days tour stop, making the Most Magical Place on Earth the epicenter of this zany sports celebration.
A Prime Time Trifecta
This year, fans can enjoy a prime-time tripleheader on Friday, August 1:
- ESPN (7–9 p.m.): The wildly entertaining Savannah Bananas face the Texas Tailgaters live from Camden Yards in Baltimore.
- ESPN2 (7–10 p.m.): A lineup featuring the Extreme Archery Championship, the National Dodgeball League Championship Games, and the Pop-A-Shot National Championship.
- ESPNU (8–10 p.m.): The ACL World Cup live from Rock Hill, South Carolina, showcasing top cornhole talent from around the world.
Capping off the night, ESPN2 will air the cult classic “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” from 12–2 a.m., the film that inspired the creation of The Ocho.
Opening Night Madness
The Ocho kicks off on July 31 with a slate of outrageous competitions on ESPN2, including:
- Red Bull Flugtag (7 p.m.) – Human-powered flying machines take a leap into the Ohio River.
- National Ball Hockey League (9 p.m.) – Fast-paced ball hockey action like you’ve never seen before.
- T-Rex World Championship Races (11 p.m.) – Competitors of all ages race in full dinosaur costumes for glory.
Live From Walt Disney World
On Friday, August 1, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex becomes The Ocho’s central hub, broadcasting more than 13 hours of original programming with 11 unique competitions, including:
- Major League Paintball (10 a.m.) – Teams battle in fast-paced, colorful paintball matches.
- NWLA Wiffleball (11 a.m.) – Elite players put a professional spin on backyard wiffleball.
- Omegaball (12 p.m.) – Three teams, three goals, one fast-paced soccer showdown.
- TurfWars Adult Kickball (1 p.m.) – Kickball played at the highest level.
- SportsCenter (2 p.m.) – Hosted live by Gary Striewski and Randy Scott.
- Bullshooter Darts (3 p.m.) – Elite soft-tip dart competition.
- The Ocho Show (4 p.m.) – Hosted by Clinton Yates, Arda Öcal, and Cristina Alexander.
- Popdarts Championship (5 p.m.) – A suction-cup target game you’ll want to try at home.
- Slippery Stairs (6 p.m.) – Competitors battle gravity and soap in a hilarious climb.
- Extreme Archery Championship (7 p.m.) – A thrilling blend of archery and dodgeball.
- Dodgeball (8 p.m.) – World-class athletes bring intensity to a childhood classic.
- Pop-A-Shot National Championship (9 p.m.) – Arcade basketball at a professional level.
- Pillow Fighting (10 p.m.) – Head-to-head competition with soft but powerful swings.
30 New Sports Debut
This year’s Ocho introduces 30 never-before-seen competitions – the most in its history. From Outhouse Racing and Soap Hockey to Mailboat Jumping and Bubble Gum Blowing, the lineup promises outrageous fun and unexpected athleticism.
Experience the Madness
The best part? Admission is free for fans attending Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on August 1. Admission is Free, but you will need a ticket, available here. Expect food, drinks, and special Ocho merchandise, plus the chance to appear on national TV as part of the live broadcast.
