⚔️ Scottish Tradition · 🤝 Honor & Respect · 🏆 Fierce Competition
Experience one of Scotland's oldest martial arts. Backhold wrestling has been practiced for over 2,000 years—a test of strength, balance, and pure grit!
An ancient Scottish and Celtic grappling tradition dating back over 2,000 years to the Viking age
Backhold wrestling (also called Scottish Backhold or Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling) is a form of jacket wrestling where competitors must maintain a specific hold throughout the match.
Each wrestler places their chin on their opponent's right shoulder, with their left arm over their opponent's right arm and their right arm under the opponent's left arm. Hands are clasped or gripped behind the opponent's back. This grip must be maintained throughout the entire match—break the hold, and you lose!
This wrestling style was brought to Scotland and Northern England by Viking settlers. It was used both for entertainment and to settle disputes without weapons. Warriors trained in backhold wrestling to develop balance, core strength, and grappling skills.
Unlike modern wrestling, backhold requires you to maintain constant physical contact while using throws, lifts, and body positioning to defeat your opponent. It's chess with muscles!
How backhold wrestling unfolds at Scotfest
Competitors are divided into weight classes to ensure fair matches:
Lightweight
Under 165 lbs
Middleweight
165-190 lbs
Light Heavyweight
190-220 lbs
Heavyweight
Over 220 lbs
Single elimination bracket within each weight class:
Preliminary Rounds
First day—whittle down to finalists
Semi-Finals
Top 4 in each class compete
Championship Finals
Crown the weight class champions
Overall Champion
Weight class winners compete for grand title
Matches continue until one wrestler wins 2 out of 3 falls—no time limits!
Open to all skill levels from beginners to seasoned veterans
Medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in each weight class plus Overall Champion
Backhold wrestling is a thrilling display of strength, technique, and warrior spirit. Watch athletes carry on a 2,000-year tradition at Scotfest!
Backhold Wrestling brings fast-paced, crowd-friendly head-to-head competition to Scotfest—combining tradition, athleticism, and a simple-to-follow format that draws strong audience engagement all weekend.
Exciting head-to-head competition
Easy-to-follow format
Scottish heritage sport
We're seeking a Presenting Sponsor ($8,000) to help launch this new two-day championship. Sponsorship directly funds athlete experience, safety, officials, trophies, and event production.
Scotfest Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Sponsorship contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Backhold Wrestling at Scotfest — Presented by [Your Company]
As the Official Presenting Sponsor, your brand receives top placement across the Backhold Wrestling footprint—on-site, online, and in key festival communications—plus category exclusivity and premium hospitality.
Up to two lines of business, subject to existing commitments
"Presented by" naming rights for Backhold Wrestling at Scotfest
B2C + B2B opportunities mutually agreed upon
Co-branded recognition at entry/hub/tent/signage placements
Up to ~200 sq ft, subject to layout
Throughout the weekend as scheduled
On key on-site elements tied to the competition area
Logo placement based on print deadlines
Sampling/lead capture/surveys within policies
Pre-event + festival weekend opportunities
"Presented by" positioning on the Backhold Wrestling page
Tiered placement on the Scotfest Sponsor page
Across Scotfest channels—scheduled posts and inclusions
When appropriate and mutually agreed
Listed on sponsor sheets
Tied to human-interest and cultural sport coverage
Ticket and hospitality totals can be tailored to your goals and inventory. Final quantities confirmed at contracting.
Quantity and nights confirmed in agreement
Quantity and days confirmed in agreement
Optional add or included by tier
Note: All passes are one per person (no "plus ones" unless explicitly included).
Your sponsorship directly supports the professionalism, safety, and guest experience of Backhold Wrestling, including:
Presenting Sponsor package
Presenting sponsors receive first right of refusal on renewal (time-sensitive) and priority planning for placements and activations.
Food/beverage/activation budget TBD based on your goals
Awards support or promotional items (pre-approved)
Produced at sponsor expense; placement pre-approved
Use of Scotfest marks (approval-based)
If you're interested in the "Presented by" position, we'll send a short deliverables sheet and confirm placements based on your goals and category.
Contact:
Sponsorships — Scotfest Inc.