Sweden has claimed the distinction of officially recognizing sex as a sport. In June, the country will host the first European Sex Championship, announced by the national sex federation (SSF) through its official platform.
The event is set to take place near Gothenburg, beginning on 8 June and running across several weeks. Participants from around the world, representing twenty countries, are expected to compete in a three-stage format, with points awarded at each stage based on performance.
Live coverage will be provided through a dedicated broadcast channel, and the federation will cover participant expenses.
Events will span sixteen disciplines, including seduction, various forms of body massage, affection and touch, foreplay, oral techniques, penetrating acts, stamina, appearance, positional creativity, switching between positions, and timed goals for orgasms. Other areas include artistic expression, pose exchanges, physiological responses during competition, and assessments of beauty, communication, and overall artistry by both jury and audience as the competition progresses.
SSF was established in 2016 and is presently the only organization that treats sex as a sport. It positions itself as a prominent force in sex education and competitive events, with more than thirty affiliated associations and upwards of three thousand members nationwide.
According to SSF statements, the federation issues certifications, provides training, and offers scholarships to active participants in sex education and competition. It notes its role in organizing the first European Sex Championship and emphasizes a commitment to gender equality, particularly in countering male dominance in the field.
“The important thing is that sex is not included in the Olympic program”
Sexologist Irina Makeeva discussed the European Championship in an interview with socialbites.ca. She weighed the event from a sporting lens, addressing how participants might feel under scrutiny from judges and spectators.
She described sport as requiring endurance, discipline, and resilience, while noting that sex should not be reduced to a mere mechanical activity. The idea of watching such a competition outside its organizational framework was intriguing to her.
She pondered whether participants might feel self-conscious in front of onlookers but suggested that, if viewed as sport, the presence of a crowd may be manageable. The atmosphere and third-party involvement could be both challenging and enjoyable, she added.
Makeeva offered several favorites for the most engaging disciplines, highlighting that artistic elements elevate the event. She singled out oral techniques and the most artistic communication as particularly compelling, arguing that performance and artistry deepen the experience beyond sport alone. She supported a clear, objective evaluation process and believed the event could unite like-minded individuals while avoiding broadcast on broad national channels.
When asked about comparing participants of different sex pairings, Makeeva cautioned against bias, noting distinct experiences and approaches across genders. If treated as sport, she suggested using heterosexual pairings as a baseline for assessment.
SSF leadership and past legal matters
The head of the SSF, Dragan Bratic, who organized the championship, is a notable figure in Sweden, known for owning several entertainment venues. His public record includes a conviction for tax evasion and related offenses, along with other legal challenges over the years.
In 2018, Bratic received a prison sentence of two years for tax evasion and embezzlement involving several million Swedish krona. His business partner faced penalties as well, and Bratic was identified as the principal actor in the illicit activities. Both were prohibited from conducting business for several years.
Bratic has also appeared in court on environmental charges in a separate case, though the outcome in that matter differed. These episodes have colored perceptions of leadership within the federation and the broader context of its activities.