8 thrilling niche sports you should check out in 2023

The world of sports is fascinating. As well as being great entertainment, sport also has a played significant role in shaping societies and reflecting their values and beliefs. As such, each nation's sporting culture is unique and important in its own right.

While you have big-name sports like basketball, golf, Association Football (soccer) American Football, Formula One, Baseball, Cricket or Rugby Union, there are dozens of other sports that may not quite have the financial backing of the aforementioned games, but that does not make them any less thrilling or less important to their fans.

If you’re in the market to find a new sport to follow this year, you’re in the right place. Let’s look at some incredible sports that you may not know about.

Played in Ireland in some form for over 1,000 years, Gaelic football is as important as serious as it gets for many in the 'Emerald Isle'. Players are born into their teams and to change sides would be something of a cardinal sin.

The rules of Gaelic Football are distinct from other football codes, adding an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the sport. The combination of fast-paced play, physicality, and unique rules makes Gaelic Football a captivating sport to watch.

Gaelic Football is played with great passion and intensity, making for an electric and emotional atmosphere at games. The fierce competition between teams often leads to nail-biting finishes and memorable moments.

Australian Rules Football, also known as AFL (Australian Football League)in reference to its top tier, is a popular sport in Australia that attracts a large number of spectators and fans. Despite having millions of fans, it’s really only played in the three southern states of Australia.

Its a fast-paced and physically demanding gameplay, which can be highly entertaining for spectators. The combination of skill, athleticism, and physicality makes for a top viewing experience. 

While Aussie Rules is a uniquely Australian game, it does share a lot in common with Gaelic football. In fact, it is said to have been developed by settlers combining Gaelic football with a traditional indigenous Australian game, commonly referred to as 'marngrook', in the early 19th century, according to nma.gov.au

Kabaddi is a popular sport in India and several other South Asian countries, and it has a growing following around the world. A strategic and physical game, specators are drawn to its ebb and flows, as well as sudden turnarounds. It’s a game where anything can happen!

Kabaddi is a unique sport that doesn't have a direct comparison, but it is often compared to a combination of rugby, tag, and capture the flag. Like rugby, Kabaddi involves physical contact between players and the objective is to score points by crossing the opponent's line. The tag element of Kabaddi is similar to the "touch" aspect of tag games, where players must touch their opponents to put them out of play.

Kabaddi has a long history, believed to go back around 4,000 years and has cultural significance in India and other South Asian countries, though thanks to widespread broadcast, that appeal has grown somewhat.

Not to be confused with Rugby Union, Rugby League is sport played primarily in Australia, the Pacific Isalnds, New Zealand, and the UK. At the same time, its fan base in most of those countries (Australia, New Zealand, and the UK) is mostly condensed in the northern parts of each country. If that’s where you happen to be from, Rugby League will likely be the game of choice.

The game developed after a factional split from rugby in 1895, and as such a myriad of rule changes over the years have given it a unique look and feel. Rugby league tends to be a faster-paced and higher-scoring game than its counterpart, adding to its high entertainment value.

Rugby League tends to emphasise the importance of tries (similar to touchdowns) while Union values kicking game more. Its rules are generally more simplified than union as well, which makes it an easy game to pick up for beginners. As it’s played in the NFL off season, and shares many similiarites, it would make a suitable game for fans of American Football to pick up.

Handball is a fast-paced sport that combines elements of basketball, soccer, and other high-speed sports. This fast-paced gameplay and quick transitions from offence to defence make it an exciting and unpredictable sport to watch.

In fact, the spectator experience is highly valued in handball and close proximity to the action also makes it an intimate and immersive viewing experience. It can also be played on a range of different surfaces, as well as indoors and outdoors, making it a truly versatile game.

While it’s a global game with a large following in Europe and Africa, it’s most fervent following comes from Scandinavian countries. In fact, it’s actually the national sport for both Denmark and Iceland.

Hurling is an ancient Irish sport (believed to go back around 3,000 years) that is played with a stick called a ‘hurley’ and a small ball called a ‘sliotar’. The objective of the game is to score goals or points by hitting the sliotar into the opponent's goalposts or over the crossbar using the hurley.

Hurling can be compared to several other sports, including field hockey, lacrosse, and shinty. Like field hockey, hurling is played on a grass field with a stick and ball. Like lacrosse, it involves the use of a stick to handle the ball and score goals. And like shinty, it is a traditional sport with a rich history that is played primarily in Ireland.

However, despite these similarities, hurling is unique in its own right, with its own set of rules, skills, and traditions. The fast-paced and physical nature of the sport, combined with its unique stick-handling and ball-striking techniques, make it a thrilling and entertaining sport to watch for fans of high-speed and physically demanding games.

Netball is a team sport that is played by two teams of seven players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by shooting a ball into a hoop that is suspended at the end of the court.  It is among a rare number of sports which have been created exclusively for female competitors. 

Netball can be compared to several other sports, including basketball and handball. Like basketball, netball is played on a court with a hoop and ball, and involves passing and shooting to score points. And like handball, it involves a combination of running, jumping, and ball-handling skills.

However, despite these similarities, netball is unique in its own right, with its own set of rules, skills, and strategies. The emphasis on court positioning, movement without the ball, and ball-handling skills makes netball a dynamic and exciting sport to watch for fans of teamwork and athletic ability. 

Additionally, the emphasis on non-contact play and strict regulations regarding physical contact between players set it apart from other team sports and make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Calcio Fiorentino is an early form of soccer originating in Florence, Italy in the 16th century. The sport is played in a large sand pit by teams of 27 players, with the objective of scoring goals by kicking a ball into the opponent's goal. It's a physically demanding, often brutal, sport, with players using speed, agility and strength to maneuver around the sand pit.

The rules of Calcio Fiorentino differ from soccer, allowing players to use their hands, and fouls are resolved through designated "scuffles". The passion and energy of the players and fans make for a lively and engaging atmosphere.

The sport is a unique and thrilling experience, providing a glimpse into Italy's sporting and cultural heritage. The open-air arenas and fast pace of the sport offer a visually impressive and entertaining spectacle, making Calcio Fiorentino worth checking out for fans of soccer, history or anyone seeking something new and different to watch.