In brief
The inaugural Tram Driver World Championship took place in Vienna, showcasing the talents of drivers from various cities worldwide. Event highlights included creative challenges such as tram bowling and curling, allowing thousands of spectators to witness the excitement. The Austrian driver clinched the title while teams from Poland and Norway followed closely behind in the competition.
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 show off their tram operating skills in front of thousands of spectators.
The event saw drivers compete in a series of tram-based challenges, including quirky tasks of bowling and curling using the vehicle.
Organisers said that thousands of visitors came to watch the spectacle, which marked 160 years since trams were introduced to Vienna.
The Austrian team beat off competition from reigning European champions Budapest who were on track to win, but ended up in fourth place.
A total of 25 teams from across the globe battled out on a 250 metre long course.
The world's tram-driving pros were tested on their ability to operate the vehicles in eight challenges, including braking and accelerating smoothly.
One test involved a bowl of water strapped to the front of the tram, where the driver had to brake smoothly to avoid spilling any liquid.
Another challenge - tram curling - had drivers push a bicycle trolley to halt at a specific spot.
Tram bowling, using a giant ball to knock down inflatable pins, was another fan favourite.
While Austria nabbed first place, Poland secured second, Norway took third, and Croatia finished last.
Austrian entrant Florijan Isaku expressed being overwhelmed and speechless about winning in his native country, calling Vienna's public transport operator Weiner Linien a family.
However, it was a disappointing day for Hungary as European champion Krisztina Schneider reflected on the challenging curling task, admitting that speed alone wasn't sufficient for success.
The upcoming European championships are scheduled to take place in Warsaw, Poland next year.
