SUNNY ISLES BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) – Pillow fighting, a staple at slumber parties, has become a professional sport and is gaining traction around the world.

Pillow Fighting Championship (PFC), which began in South Florida in 2021, has transformed this childhood game into a global phenomenon.

“You don’t just have a pillow fight in your bedroom,” said professional pillow fighter Parker Appel.

PFC CEO Steve Williams emphasised that the sport is growing rapidly internationally.

“We have teams in Ghana, Brazil, Poland and India,” he said.

Using specially designed pads, fighters aim to land the most strikes on their opponents over the course of three rounds.

“We think it’s the oldest combat sport in the world because everybody’s done it,” Williams said. “We’ve formalized the sport: We’ve put in the proper rules and oversight. It’s booming.”

Williams described the sport as “the most cardio-intensive combat sport”. Each round lasts 90 seconds due to the high physical demands. He started the league with his own money, and the sport has gained popularity among MMA fighters and boxers.

“I like fighting but when you get hit with a pillow and you get paid for it, you don’t get any damage, you don’t get any cuts, you don’t get a broken nose, it sounds really nice,” said fighter Danilo Pereira.

Pereira said that while people initially laughed at the concept, they soon understood its intensity and legitimacy.

“They laugh but then they see that I’m getting paid and when they see the fight, the intensity, they realise it’s a real combat sport,” he said.

PFC offers financial incentives to participants.

“We pay $250 if you lose, $500 if you win,” Williams said. “If you win the championship, it’s $5,000 to $10,000. Hopefully with the series, the single major prize will be $50,000 for the winner.”

Professional pillow fighting is no longer just a fun pastime; it is a serious and organised sport that is increasingly gaining international attention and bringing significant financial rewards.

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