Unique Sports in South Carolina

This southern state isn’t afraid to try something new

By Tinder Kiely

South Carolina continues to be a thriving economy for all things sports. College football and basketball reign supreme, with Clemson and the University of South Carolina having some of the most competitive teams in the country. But the Palmetto state has much more to offer than just the big two. Strongman competitions? They’ve got them. Rubik’s Cube tournaments? Yep. The fourth largest 10k road race in America? Come watch it in South Carolina.

Stay Ahead in Sports Planning—Subscribe Today! and Read More Sports Info for FREE

strong man competition in south carolina

Charleston, South Carolina Sports

The Cooper River Bridge Run isn’t just any race: it’s a world-class competition in a unique setting with gorgeous views of the Cooper River and an elite exposition of athleticism. The 10k hosts 40,000 annual racers, including some of the top long-distance runners in the world, all competing for their best time. Ranked as the 4th largest 10k in the U.S., the race has had a tremendous impact on the community by generating 33 million dollars in just one weekend, with a mission to promote health and wellness and support their charity and grant connections.

The Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering has been held for 53 consecutive years and is the second oldest event of its kind in the Southeast. The games draw over 10,000 people to watch traditional Scottish strength competitions like Putting of the Stone, Weight Throws, Sheaf Toss, Caber Toss and more. There are also Highland Dancing competitions, Border Collie demonstrations, and the crowd-favorite bagpipe performances. The Games showcase Scottish traditions, culture and history in a fun and interactive way for people all over the world.

Springtime in coastal Southern Carolina means wind, and wind means good sailing. Established in 1996, The Charleston Race Week has become the largest keelboat regatta in the Western Hemisphere. Competitors from all over the United States and even some from abroad brave the winds, but locals are still a force to be reckoned with. In 2024, 70 of the nearly 200 competitors were students or alumni from the College of Charleston sailing team, many of whom secured podium spots.

Charleston is also home to an underwater hockey league, curling, hurling (considered the fastest game on grass and the oldest recorded field sport in the world) and women’s roller derby.

Unique Sports in Columbia, SC

Although South Carolina does not have a Major League Baseball team of its own, there is plenty of good baseball to be had. Columbia’s minor league team, the Fireflies, is one to look out for. Aptly named after the amazing, synchronized fireflies that light up nearby Congaree Swamp, this team has been on fire this summer.

South Carolina is renowned for its fishing, but it’s more than just salt water and deep-sea experiences. Lake Murray holds the impressive rank of number four in the country for bass fishing, and Bassmaster named it as the “Top Lake in the Southeast.” Annually, top-tier fishing tournaments such as the Bassmaster Elite Series and Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour are hosted here. The lake was also the first location in the United States to host the Black Bass World Championship, which features over 25 countries in attendance.

Level Up Your Event Planning Skills—Subscribe Now and Download the SPG Magazine for Expert Tips and News

Myrtle Beach, SC Sports

The 47th World’s Strongest Man competition was held just this past May in Myrtle beach, after the city proved itself in 2023 as a top pick for this tournament. Myrtle Beach saw fans from all around the U.S. and the world cheering on the strongmen at this exciting four-day event.

Myrtle Beach hosts the American Cornhole League Collegiate Championships each year at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center. This isn’t some backyard BBQ cornhole tournament—this event has over 1,000 total participants competing for the trophy and thousands of dollars’ worth of scholarships. The tournament is proud of its open format which allows teams from any college, large or small, to participate in the games.

Florence, South Carolina Sports

Esports have gained popularity and momentum in the last half-decade, and Florence County Parks and Recreation has staked its claim in this growing field of sports. The Peach Belt Conference is NCAA recognized and includes several esports titles such as Rocket League, Overwatch, Valorant, and League of Legends. The Peach Belt Championships for Valorant and Rocket League are hosted at the Florence Center, where competitors vie for prize money and bragging rights. Concurrently, the Carolina Games Summit hosts an open-registration tournament for nine other video games, along with a high school showcase in Super Smash Bros, Madden and Rocket League, offering registered participants the opportunity to compete in front of college recruiters.

Unique Sports in Spartanburg, SC

In a colorful display of speed, skill and strategy, over 400 Rubik’s Cube competitors converged on Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium in June 2024 for CubingUSA’s Southeast Championship. This three-day event drew cubers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Participants competed across 17 different speed cubing events. Dylan Miller clinched the top spot in the main event, solving the 3x3x3 Cube with an average time of 5.72 seconds.