History

The Legacy of WrestleFest

The WrestleFest movement began in New York City in 2005, when a small group of wrestling enthusiasts came together for a weekend of matches. Over the years, WrestleFest NYC has grown into the largest annual queer wrestling event, bringing together hundreds of participants.

In 2023, WrestleFest Canada was founded in Toronto, welcoming over 100 wrestlers from across the world. The event expanded the WrestleFest tradition, offering a space for LGBTQIA+ athletes to train, compete, and connect.

We honor the dedication of our New York and Canadian wrestling brothers, who have built this tradition and paved the way for queer combat sports worldwide.

The Birth of WrestleFest Europe

Inspired by this legacy, WrestleFest Europe was founded in Berlin—a city known for its openness, diversity, and strong queer community. With its unique blend of combat sports and alternative culture, Berlin was the perfect place to launch Europe’s own WrestleFest.

Our mission is to create a uniquely European chapter in the history of queer combat sports. With a focus on grappling, wrestling, MMA, and combat sports culture, WrestleFest Europe offers a space for fighters of all levels to train, connect, and celebrate their passion.

We provide a mix of:
✔ Open mats & guided training led by experienced coaches
✔ A semi-pro boxing ring & oil wrestling area
✔ Workshops & social events connecting wrestlers across borders
✔ A safe and welcoming space for fighters to explore their passion for combat sports

Queer Wrestling Before WrestleFest

Queer wrestlers have gathered in New York, Chicago, London, and Berlin long before the digital age. Clubs like the New York Wrestling Club (NYWC) and other grassroots wrestling groups provided spaces for LGBTQ+ fighters to train, compete, and build community since the 1970s.

Early wrestling communities connected through newsletters, meetups, and underground fight clubs, fostering a tradition of queer combat sports that continues today.

A New Chapter Begins

WrestleFest Europe is more than just an event—it’s a movement. As we grow, we aim to build a lasting tradition, connecting queer fighters across Europe and beyond.

We’re proud to stand alongside our New York and Canadian brothers, but now it’s time to write our own chapter in the history of Queer Wrestling Festivals.

See you on the mats, and before you do that, do enjoy these pictures scanned from original copies of NYWC newsletters ranging from 1979 – 1986.