The steep gradient of Cooper’s Hill transforms ordinary humans into gravity-defying projectiles each May. This year’s cheese-rolling festival proved that ancient traditions and modern viral fame create an irresistible combination, as 23-year-old German YouTuber Tom Kopke tumbled his way to a second consecutive victory, declaring “I risked my life for this. It’s my cheese” while cameras captured every bruising moment.
While Cooper’s Hill may lack the lethal currents of the world’s most dangerous rivers, its deceptively grassy slope proves equally treacherous, claiming ankles and dignity with the same relentless force that makes extreme locations irresistible to thrill-seekers.
Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling traces its roots back over two centuries to possible pagan spring fertility rites. The tradition centers on chasing an eight-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down a 200-meter slope with a bone-jarring 1:2 gradient. What began as local Gloucestershire custom now attracts international thrill-seekers and content creators who transform ancient ritual into viral spectacle.
Competition Essentials:
- Multiple races throughout the day for men and women
- Four cheese wheels weighing 3kg each, plus three smaller 1.5kg wheels
- No entry fees or official organization since 2010 cancellation
- Free public viewing draws thousands to Cooper’s Hill near Brockworth
Food tourism has exploded, with 45% of travelers now choosing destinations based on their food scenes, while immersive food festivals become major landscape features as people seek experiences engaging all senses beyond digital consumption. Cooper’s Hill exemplifies how traditional events adapt to the social media age without losing authenticity.
Double Gloucester stands as more than social media prop. This semi-hard cow’s milk cheese earned Protected Geographical Indication status, cementing its place in British culinary heritage. Long-time cheese-maker Rod Smart, who has produced cheese for the chase for more than 25 years, once again provided the wheels for this year’s event.
The festival atmosphere extends beyond the main event through local food stalls showcasing regional specialties. Visitors sample authentic Double Gloucester alongside other county favorites, creating natural bridges between agricultural tradition and modern tourism that support local producers while celebrating rural craftsmanship. Similar culinary boundary-blurring occurs globally, with experimental dishes like quinoa-enhanced lasagna challenging traditional recipes, demonstrating how food festivals become laboratories for cultural exchange.
Notable 2025 winners included Luke Preece, continuing his family legacy as son of four-time winner Rob Preece, while Ava Sender Logan won the women’s race at her debut, and New Zealand’s Byron Smith claimed the final men’s race after placing second in 2024.
