German YouTuber Tom Kopke beats local rival in wild Cooper’s Hill cheese rolling chaos

Balmy people tumbled head over heels down a notoriously steep slope in pursuit of glory and a giant wheel of cheese on Spring Bank Holiday Monday, May 25.

German contender claims top prize

YouTuber Tom Kopke from Munich flew past Guinness World Record holder Chris Anderson in a dramatic finish to snatch victory at Cooper’s Hill near Brockworth in Gloucestershire. The 24-year-old crossed the line just ahead of the 38-year-old local favorite after both men hurled themselves down the near-vertical incline chasing an 8lb Double Gloucester cheese. Kopke later described the prize as the sweetest yet among his previous wins at the event.

Crowds pack the hillside for the annual spectacle

Thousands of spectators gathered on the slopes to watch competitors sprint, slip, and roll in the men’s downhill races. Hot conditions pushed temperatures close to 30ºC across Gloucestershire, creating extra challenges on a track firmed up by recent warm weather following spring rain. Organisers had said the firm surface increased risks for everyone involved in the frantic dashes.

Contestants embrace danger for tradition

Participants in multiple categories threw caution to the wind to chase the rolling cheese, with several suffering bruises and tumbles during the high-speed descents. Anderson had returned from retirement specifically to face Kopke’s challenge, adding a bit of intensity to this year’s contests. Dozens of runners were recorded across various races, including women’s and veterans’ events, all drawn by the event’s unique appeal.

Some of the Cooper’s Hill cheese-rolling hopefuls pic.twitter.com/OLtx6woUwn

— Craig Glenday (@craigglenday) May 25, 2026

The event draws global attention every year

Cooper’s Hill cheese rolling dates back nearly two centuries as a local custom in the Cotswolds area of the UK. Competitors and spectators from many countries travel to witness or join the unusual contest each May. This edition lived up to expectations with its mix of speed, falls, and unpredictable bounces as the cheese careered downhill at high speed. Kopke’s success is another international win in a competition long dominated by British entrants but increasingly popular worldwide.

Safety measures limit serious harm

Medical teams stood ready throughout the afternoon to treat minor injuries common in such a race. No life-threatening incidents occurred despite the obvious perils of negotiating the sharp gradient at pace. Spectators enjoyed the full programme of events from midday onwards under clear skies.

Organisers expressed satisfaction with another successful day that keeps this peculiar English tradition alive and thriving.