A total of 19 teams took part in the championships from America and even Alegria in the event in West Sussex
19:53, 03 Apr 2015
Losing their marbles: People take part in marble matches during the annual British and World Marbles Championships(Image: Getty)
Hundreds gathered outside a traditional village pub to witness the British and World Marble Championships.
Organiser Julia McCarthy-Fox said: “We have got people who have played for over 60 years and some who have never played.
“People like quirky things, it catches people’s imagination. And what other world championships can you just turn up to and play?
A total of 19 teams made up of six players from as far afield as the US and Algeria played outside the Greyhound Pub, at Tinsley Green, near Crawley, West Sussex.
Marbles: People take part in marble matches (Image: Getty)
The 16th century game was once one of few sports that could be played during Lent, leading to the contest being held on Good Friday.
Teams included four from Germany and a regular from Denver, Colorado.
The tournament was launched in 1932 but follows in the tradition of the game that dates back to the 16th century.
Julia said: "We always say that this competition is more about tradition than competition and the tradition element is far more important, and that why it's lasted as long."
In more religious times, marbles was one of the few sports that could be played during lent, leading to the contest being held on Good Friday.