After breaking the previous record in a satirical competition held yearly in a vacation destination in northern Montenegro, seven contenders are now fighting for the coveted title of “Laziest Citizen” while sprawled out on mats.
The competition in the resort village of Brezna set a record by lying down for 117 hours last year, but as this year’s tournament neared its 20th day on Thursday, the remaining competitors stated they were ready to keep going.
According to Reuter, Radonja Blagojevic, the tournament’s creator and resort owner, said the contest was first held in the tiny Adriatic nation 12 years ago to bust the widespread misconception that Montenegrins are lazy.
She claimed that the seven contenders still alive out of a beginning field of 21 had been dormant for 463 hours.
The candidates are given 10 minutes every eight hours to use the loo; however, standing or sitting is prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification, according to the rules.
Competitors are also able to read and use laptops and telephones.
Filip Knezevic, 23, a first-time competitor from Mojkovac in the north, expressed confidence in taking home the 1,000 euros ($1,070) first-place prize.
“We have everything we need right here, and the company is great. Time is flying by,” he added.
The 2021 champion, Dubravka Aksic, 38, also gave her opinion, saying that it was a great experience for her and that there were no health issues as all that was needed was to remain in bed.