Sitting Room Style Balloon World Cup inaugurated in Spain; See Pics

Anyone who has ever leapt over a couch to prevent a party balloon from touching the living room floor can now dream of parlaying those skills into a World Cup triumph. Inspired by a series of viral videos and organised by Barcelona soccer player Gerard Pique and internet celebrity Ibai Llanos, the inaugural Balloon World Cup took place in Tarragona. Thirty-two countries compete for the title in the first “Balloon World Cup," inspired by a trio of siblings from Oregon and their viral TikTok and Instagram videos that have attracted millions of views.

Anyone who has ever leapt over a couch to prevent a party balloon from touching the living room floor can now dream of parlaying those skills into a World Cup triumph. Credit: Reuters Photo

Inspired by a series of viral videos and organised by former Barcelona soccer player Gerard Pique and internet celebrity Ibai Llanos, the inaugural Balloon World Cup took place in Tarragona, Spain. Credit: Reuters Photo

Francesco De La Cruz emerged as the first champion after beating German Jan Spiess 6-2 in the final on a 8x8 metre court littered with living room furniture, as well as a small car. Credit: Reuters Photo

The rules of the game are simple. Players have to hit the balloon in an upward direction and they score points if their opponent fails to prevent it from touching the ground. Credit: Reuters Photo

Teams from 32 countries took part including the American team of Antonio and Diego Arredondo, whose videos of the game they played with their sister, Isabel, at home in Oregon were a huge hit on social media and inspired the tournament. Here are some glimpse from the event. Credit: Reuters Photo

Paraguay's Raul Eduardo Gimenez tries to save a point as Georgia's Tamaz Tsagareishvili looks on. Credit: Reuters Photo

Germany's Jan Spiess and Brazil's Diego Mendez in action during the Balloon World Cup. Credit: Reuters Photo

Germany's Jan Spiess in action with Peru's Francesco De La Cruz during final of the Balloon World Cup in Spain. Credit: Reuters Photo

Jan Spiess reacts during his match with Francesco De La Cruz at the final of the Balloon World Cup in Spain. Credit: Reuters Photo