Wrestling With the Champ has won Best Sport Podcast at this year's Independent Podcast Awards, triumphing over shows focused on football, martial arts, and gambling addiction. The scripted comedy series chronicles the adventures of a veteran wrestler still competing in the Pub Wrestling Federation.
The judges praised the show in the official awards book, stating: "This show is brilliantly done. There's clearly a lot of work that goes into creating it, with a huge amount of attention to detail in the script. The trailers are very clever and fun, and the whole show has excellent production values. The team makes a very niche subject completely accessible, and it really draws you in."
Since its 2020 launch, the podcast, created by comedy duo Damien St John and Ant McGinley, has attracted listeners across more than 70 countries. The show has reached the top ten Apple Podcast charts in several countries, including Norway, Sweden, and Ireland.
"It's been a hell of a ride so far," says Damien, a lifelong wrestling fan. "The wresting community is more engaged with digital content than ever, and they'll let you know if what they love or hate what you're serving up to them. So to see our hard work and their loyalty acknowledged with an award feels special."
Wrestling With the Champ
The funniest ride in wrestling
WINNER - Best Sports podcast at the Independent Podcast Awards 2024. This funny wrestling podcast follows the anarchic adventures of the Ginger Ninja and his manager Damo in the Pub Wrestling Federation. Starring Ant McGinley and Damien St John. Affiliate: Protect your privacy online faster than a surprise steel chair to the back with Surfshark VPN, the only security service that lets you stream wrestling content from anywhere without buffering. Click the link below to claim up to three months free: https://surfshark.club/friend/ScZGD2aG
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The podcast's unique storytelling follows the Ginger Ninja's exploits in the Pub Wrestling Federation. Recent storylines have featured The Champ being replaced by AI, racing to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe, and surviving a Halloween encounter with a crazed former boss.
Professional wrestlers who have attended the podcast's live shows consistently praise one aspect: its authenticity. As Ant explains: "The Champ is the best and worst of any entertainer to have ever set foot inside the squared circle. Even though our show is a parody, he and the storylines are effectively a love letter to one of the most colourful and controversial viewing experiences of all-time."
Wrestling With the Champ was a finalist in the Best Comedy category, as part of nine nominations for Podomedy, the podcast comedy network. Fellow stablemates recognised for their hard work included Ramon Fear's Terror Tapes, You Should've Been Here Last Week, and When Football Began Again.
All 50 episodes of Wrestling With the Champ are available on major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and Castbox.