(NewsNation) — What was once a childhood pastime is turning into a professional sport, with the Pillow Fight Championship (PFC) leading the charge as the world’s first professional pillow fighting league.
Steve Williams, CEO of PFC, joined NewsNation’s “Dan Abrams Live” on Tuesday alongside professional pillow fighter Terrell “TJ” Jenkins to discuss the sport’s growing popularity.
The league features professional fighters, including NCAA Division 1 athletes and UFC competitors, engaged in fast-paced combat using specialized pillows.
Williams explained that the two-pound pillows underwent extensive research and development, including a patented pillowcase design for optimal control and durability.
PFC has established strict rules, prohibiting body contact, pillow dropping and opponent grabbing. Scoring is based on various strikes, with points awarded for head strikes, 360-degree strikes and knockdowns.
Jenkins, a professional pillow fighter, described his entry into the sport as a natural progression from childhood pillow fights. He emphasized the importance of showmanship and crowd engagement in matches.
Williams revealed that PFC has expanded globally, with leagues in Ghana, Nigeria, Poland, India, Brazil and the United States. He predicts the sport will be present in every country within a decade.
The sport combines elements of combat sports with entertainment, drawing comparisons to professional wrestling. Jenkins’ signature move, which he calls “smack their heads off,” has reportedly resulted in two knockouts.
PFC recruits athletes from renowned Mixed Martial Arts schools and boxing centers, particularly in South Florida, where the organization is based.