An Austrian tram driver has been crowned the winner of the first-ever Tram Driver World Championship in Vienna.
Drivers from Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro, and San Diego travelled to the city to demonstrate their tram operating skills before thousands of spectators.
The event featured a series of tram-based challenges, including quirky tasks such as bowling and curling using the vehicle.
Organisers reported that thousands flocked to witness the spectacle, marking 160 years since trams were first introduced to Vienna.
The Austrian team triumphed over the reigning European champions from Budapest, who ultimately finished in fourth place.
A total of 25 teams from around the globe faced off on a 250-metre long course. The world's tram-driving professionals were tested on their abilities through eight challenges, which necessitated smooth braking and acceleration.
One challenge involved a bowl of water attached to the front of the tram, requiring drivers to stop without spilling any liquid. Another feature, tram curling, tasked drivers with halting a bicycle trolley at a designated point, while tram bowling required the use of a giant ball to knock down inflatable pins.
While Austria took home the top prize, Poland secured second place, Norway third, and Croatia finished last. Florijan Isaku, the Austrian champion, expressed being overwhelmed and speechless with the victory, praising Vienna's public transport operator Wiener Linien as a family.
However, it was a disappointing outcome for Hungary learned that speed isn’t everything. European champion Krisztina Schneider revealed that curling proved to be her most challenging task.
Next year's European championships are scheduled to take place in Warsaw, Poland.
