While most states choose basketball, football, or baseball as their official sports, Maryland took a different path. The Old Line State's official sport isn't played on a field or court—it's jousting, the medieval tournament competition where armored riders charge at targets with lances.

Yes, the same sport from King Arthur legends and Renaissance faires is alive and well in Maryland. And it's been the state sport since 1962.

Two Styles, One Tradition

Maryland jousting isn't just one activity—it's split into two distinct competitions. Ring jousting involves riders galloping at full speed while trying to spear small rings suspended on arches. Miss the ring, and you're out. The rings get progressively smaller as rounds advance, testing precision and horsemanship.

Mounted skill-at-arms is the more theatrical version. Riders charge down an 80-yard track targeting wooden heads, rings, and other obstacles while wielding an 8-foot lance. It's the version that looks most like what you'd see at a medieval fair, complete with period costumes.

A Sport With Deep Roots

Maryland's jousting tradition dates back to colonial America. The first recorded tournament happened in 1840, making it one of the oldest continuously practiced sports in the United States. Unlike European jousting where opponents charged at each other, the American version focused on skill and accuracy rather than combat.

By the mid-20th century, Maryland's jousting community successfully lobbied to make their sport official. The state legislature agreed, cementing jousting's place in Maryland history.

Where to Watch Real Jousting Today

Maryland hosts numerous jousting tournaments throughout the year. The National Jousting Championship happens every October, drawing competitors from across the country. Local clubs organize smaller competitions at fairgrounds and farms, keeping the tradition accessible.

The Maryland Jousting Tournament Association oversees official competitions
Tournaments welcome spectators, many of them free to attend
Riders range from children to retirees—it's a true family sport
Both men and women compete on equal footing

Why Maryland Chose Jousting

The decision wasn't random nostalgia. Maryland wanted a state sport that reflected its unique heritage and colonial history. While other states were picking mainstream athletics, Maryland embraced something distinctly its own—a sport that connected modern residents to their state's past.

Today, jousting serves as both sport and living history. Participants don't just compete; they preserve a tradition that predates the founding of the United States itself. The combination of horsemanship, accuracy, and speed makes it genuinely demanding, not just ceremonial.

So next time someone asks about Maryland's state sport, you can confidently tell them it's jousting. It's verified, it's official, and tournaments happen year-round. Medieval? Yes. Made up? Absolutely not.

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