1 in 4 admitted they would abandon their superstition after a long losing streak (Image: Getty Images)
A recent poll of 2,000 sporting fans has revealed some of the most unusual game-day rituals.
A staggering 56% admitted to having superstitions on match days, with 47% convinced that these habits can sway the outcome of the game.
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The list of peculiar habits includes wearing lucky shirts or pants, sitting in the same on the sofa and even avoiding pavement cracks before heading to the game.
Other top rituals feature carrying a lucky coin, repeating a chant or phrase three times before the game starts and avoiding people they watched a game with in which their team lost.
Interestingly, the survey discovered that 36% of sport fans identify themselves as superstitious, with a significant 56% believing in the the concept of luck. However, 18% see most game-day rituals as being more about tradition than having any real impact on the game’s outcome.
The survey, commissioned by NERDS candy in celebration of their partnership with the National Football League (NFL) in the UK and Ireland for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 seasons, highlights the significant role food plays in these sporting traditions.
Ferrara Candy UK is offering fans the chance to win NFL London games tickets if they spot the NERD Gummy Monster in London next week.
Kevin Massie, UK country manager at Ferrara Candy UK, commented on the findings: “Food plays a big role in sporting moments.”
He added, “Whether it’s stocking up on your favourite candy for match time snacks or a lucky pre-match meal, we know everyone has their own unique superstitions to help with match day jitters.”
TOP 30 SPORTING SUPERSTITIONS:
- Wearing a ‘lucky shirt’
- Sitting on the same spot on the sofa
- Wearing lucky socks
- Crossing fingers while watching the game
- Avoiding looking directly at the screen during penalties or key moments
- Standing up or sitting down at crucial moments
- Turning off phone to “focus energy” on the game
- Bringing a specific flag, scarf, or piece of memorabilia to every match
- Drinking from a specific cup or bottle
- Following a set route to the game venue or pub
- Avoiding mentioning the game to anyone beforehand
- Wearing lucky pants
- Listening to the same pre-game song or playlist
- Always arriving at the stadium or turning on the TV at the same time
- Rubbing a lucky item (like a charm or bracelet) for good luck
- Carrying a lucky coin
- Sticking to a specific routine during a winning streak – even if it means not showering or shaving
- Repeating a chant or phrase three times before the game starts
- Keeping a game ticket or programme in their pocket or wallet
- Eating a specific “lucky meal” on game day
- Eating the same sweets during every match
- Holding a specific object (like a plush toy or stress ball) during the match
- Avoiding cracks in the pavement before a game
- Watching the game alone if the team won last time
- Tying shoelaces in a particular way on game day
- Avoiding certain foods eaten before a loss
- Tapping the remote or other object a specific number of times before the game
- Avoiding people they watched with during a loss
- Wearing mismatched socks if it worked once for a win
- Keeping a specific number of lights on or off in the room during the game