In an extraordinary display of inactivity, a man has been officially crowned the 'world's laziest man' after winning a bizarre 'bed rotting' competition in China that tested participants' ability to remain motionless for hours on end.
The Ultimate Test of Laziness
Two hundred forty competitors gathered in a shopping mall in Batou, Inner Mongolia, for the third edition of this unusual contest organised by a home-furnishings brand. The event, dubbed the 'lazy competition', saw participants sprawled across mattresses as they attempted to outlast each other in what organisers called a 'lie flat' contest.
Footage from the competition shows contestants strewn across mattresses in various states of repose, with many taking the extreme measure of wearing nappies to maintain their positions. The rules were simple but strict: competitors could turn over, use mobile phones, read books, and order takeaways, but were strictly prohibited from sitting up, leaving their mattress, or using the toilet.
Survival Strategies and The Winner's Triumph
Participants came prepared for the long haul, bringing their own blankets, power banks, and food supplies to maximise their chances of victory. The contest had no fixed end time, with organisers determining it would continue until the final three winners emerged.
By the 24-hour mark, 186 contestants had quit, leaving just 54 determined participants still lying flat. The eventual champion demonstrated remarkable endurance, lasting an additional 8 hours beyond this point for a total of 33 hours and 35 minutes of continuous bed rotting.
His reward for this feat of inactivity? The prestigious title of 'world's laziest man' and CNY 3,000 (£323) in prize money. For those who missed this opportunity, the company has announced plans to stage similar 'lie-flat' competitions in other cities across Inner Mongolia.
The Bed Rotting Phenomenon Explained
This competition taps into the growing 'bed rotting' trend that has gained popularity on TikTok, where followers stay in bed for extended periods, sometimes for a full day or entire weekend, as a form of self-care.
The trend has sparked debate among health professionals. Supporters argue that bed rotting provides crucial catch-up sleep and valuable rest time, offering both physical and mental health benefits. However, sceptics warn that excessive bed rest can lead to deconditioning, where the body reduces muscle strength, and may negatively impact mental health by limiting physical activity.
As this unusual competition demonstrates, what some might dismiss as simple laziness has evolved into an organised sport with dedicated participants willing to test their limits in the pursuit of ultimate relaxation.
