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- David Jakins 2/1 favourite to defend his World Conker title
- 58th annual Championships take place in Southwick, Northamptonshire
- Event follows 2024’s “steel conker” controversy
Jakins Favourite to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champion David Jakins heads into Sunday’s World Conker Championships in Southwick as the 2/1 favourite with betting sites to retain his men’s title, one year on from the now infamous “steel conker” saga that drew international attention to the quirky autumn tradition.
Jakins, 82, first entered the competition back in 1977 and finally claimed the coveted crown in 2024.
His triumph was overshadowed when a national newspaper alleged he’d swapped his conker for a metal substitute an accusation he strongly denied.
A subsequent investigation by the World Conker Championships Committee cleared Jakins of any wrongdoing, confirming that “nothing untoward” had been witnessed by judges or umpires.
He's now favourite with the bookies to win the competition once again with the market putting him clear of the rest of the field.
Far from deterring him, the scandal seems to have only strengthened his resolve.
World Conker Championships 2025 Odds
| Competitor | Odds (Moneyline) | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| David Jakins | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Ray Kellock | 8/1 | 11.1% |
| Simon Cullum | 8/1 | 11.1% |
| Alistair Johnson-Ferguson | 10/1 | 9.1% |
| Ady Hurrell | 10/1 | 9.1% |
About the Championships
Now in its 58th year, the World Conker Championships have become one of Britain’s most eccentric sporting traditions.
The event sees competitors from Europe, the US, New Zealand, and beyond descend on Southwick, Northamptonshire, threading horse chestnuts onto strings and taking turns striking their opponent’s conker until one shatters.
The atmosphere is a blend of village fête and global tournament, with separate junior and adult divisions and thousands of spectators watching ringside.
Event Details
- Event: 2025 World Conker Championships
- Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025
- Location: Southwick, Northamptonshire
- Competitors: 200+ across men’s, women’s, and junior categories
- Format: Knockout tournament
Where To Bet
Markets for the World Conker Championships are available across a range of UK betting sites.
New customers can also claim free bets and promotions across quirky autumn events and novelty markets.
For more coverage of unique contests like this, visit OLBG’s best entertainment betting sites guide.
