ESPN8 The Ocho at Wide World of Sports Aug 1st: SportsCenter, Dodgeball, Pillow Fighting, Slippery Stairs Free Spectator Tickets Now Available. Ever think to yourself, I could do that! I could be a professional Pillow Fighter. Have you ever seen people try to race up a flight of soapy and slippery stairs? Have you ever wanted to? Now you can at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World on August 1st, 2025, and tickets are free!
In a Press release from Walt Disney World:
Get ready to watch a wacky and wild day of competitions like these at Walt Disney World Resort, because ESPN is bringing ESPN8: The Ocho to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at The Most Magical Place on Earth. The Ocho is the sports network’s annual zany showcase of seldom-seen sports like Dodgeball, Pillow Fighting, and Slippery Stairs.
It’s all happening this Friday at the sports complex, where you’ll have the chance to watch some of the world’s best kickballers, bullshooters (electronic darts), and more, and be part of the competitive atmosphere that will be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks. And best of all, there’s no cost to attend!
You can find more information, including ticketing details and the event schedule, by visiting the event page. Advanced registration is not required, but it is encouraged.
This is the ninth year ESPN has transformed into ESPN8: The Ocho, and every year it’s gotten bigger and better. This year’s event is loaded with unique competitions and athletes who take their sport seriously, hoping to show the world their incredible skills at sports like Paintball, Omegaball (soccer with three teams and three goals), and Extreme Archery (think archery + dodgeball).
Oh, and did I mention you’ll have a chance to be part of the TV experience for these obscure sports? ESPN will be broadcasting each competition live from the sports complex on August 1, along with “The Ocho Show” and a special edition of their signature highlight show, “SportsCenter.”
Here’s a sneak peek at the schedule* for this out-of-the-ordinary day at Walt Disney World:
- Major League Paintball (10 a.m.): The day starts with elite paintball teams adding a splash of color to the festivities with their precision combat techniques.
- NWLA Wiffleball (11 a.m.): Not your elementary school gym class version of wiffleball. You’ll be amazed at these athletes’ ability to make the ball virtually unhittable.
- Omegaball (12 p.m.): A fast-paced, high-scoring version of soccer where three teams compete at the same time with three different goals.
- TurfWars Adult Kickball (1 p.m.): Good ol’ fashioned adult kickball played at the highest level.
- SportsCenter (2 p.m.): ESPN’s signature highlight show hosted by Randy Scott and Gary Striewski.
- Bullshooter (3 p.m.): You might have played a version of this game with soft-tipped darts and an electronic dart board. These athletes are just better at it.
- The Ocho Show (4 p.m.): Hosted by Clinton Yates, Arda Öcal, and Cristina Alexander, the show offers interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, and coverage from across the venue.
- The Popdarts Championship presented by APL (5 p.m.): Combining the fun of suction cups with the excitement of throwing things at a small target. This might become your next favorite backyard party game.
- Slippery Stairs (6 p.m.): Gravity and ultra-slippery soap are the real opponents in this hilarious head-to-head competition that features multiple competitors attempting to ascend a staircase.
- Extreme Archery Championship presented by Archery Tag (7 p.m.): A cross between archery and sports like paintball or laser tag. But don’t worry, this extreme sport uses soft arrows and plenty of protective gear, including helmets.
- Dodgeball (8 p.m.): The thrilling, high-octane team sport from your youth played by world-class athletes. This might be the most intense competition of the event (and the one I’m looking forward to watching the most).
- Pop-A-Shot 2025 National Championship (9 p.m.): The classic basketball arcade game played in a head-to-head format. Last year’s winner was a 37-year-old who averaged an incredible 69 shots per round!
- Pillow Fighting (10 p.m.): As a father of two boys, I’ve spent plenty of time breaking up pillow fights. Now I’m looking forward to cheering on the competitors. I wonder if the competitors will wear uniforms or adult onesie pajamas.
These events at Walt Disney World on August 1 are part of a larger four-day celebration of absurd athleticism taking place around the country. More than 65 hours of competitions will be featured on ESPN channels from July 31 through Aug. 3, including two Savannah Bananas baseball games that will be shown live in primetime from Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore. You can find more information on the full broadcast schedule here.
The live competitions of ESPN8: The Ocho at Walt Disney World will likely create an unforgettable day of fun for the entire family. Entry to the event is free, and there will be food, drinks, and special merchandise for sale. So, come on out to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on August 1 and celebrate the world’s best seldom-seen sports!
ESPN8 The Ocho at Wide World of Sports Aug 1st: SportsCenter, Dodgeball, Pillow Fighting, Slippery Stairs Free Spectator Tickets Now Available
