The best Highland Games heavyweights are set to clash in Blackford on Saturday in what is expected to be the closest-fought season in years.
Reigning champion Lukasz Wenta broke records as he defended his title in 2018.
But now giant Czech athlete Vlad Tulacek has moved to Scotland full time in a bid to steal the crown.
Last year, the pair couldn’t be separated at Blackford – and their tussle for top spot is expected to go to the wire across the whole season.
Polish-born Wenta – a 6ft 5in personal trainer now living in East Kilbride – is the 5/6 favourite with McBookie.com to win this year’s Highland Games heavyweight league.
But man-mountain Tulacek, now of Aberdeen, is 5/4 to take the title for the first time.
He’s already a favourite with the local crowd after setting new Blackford records for the 56lb weight over the bar in 2017 and 2018.
The Perthshire village – which always holds its games on the last Saturday of May – traditionally attracts the cream of the heavyweight league and a bumper crowd to see them in action.
But there will be a stern test for the two Europeans from former Team GB shot putter Scott Rider and the top Scots contender, Falkirk hammer thrower Kyle Randalls.
McBookie spokesman Paul Petrie said: “You know summer is just round the corner when the games come to Blackford.
“Apart from being a gathering for the local community, Blackford always attracts a really strong field for the heavyweights and athletics.
“This season is promising to be one of the most exciting in years. There’s not much more than a whisker between Wenta and Tulacek.
“The Scottish Highland Games Association has done a great job setting up a junior heavyweight league too, which will make its debut at Blackford. It will be wonderful to experience the past, present and future all in one afternoon.”
Competitors accumulate points as they are tested in a series of events designed to show how far and high they can throw and how well they can toss the caber.
Locals will also have the chance to measure up against the kilted giants as registrations from all-comers are welcomed, even on the day.
Last season, Wenta became the first man to rack up more than 1,000 points over the season, which ends in September.
The weather is set fair for Blackford’s 150th Games.
It will also feature running, cycling, highland dancing and tug ‘o’ war with a pipe band parade to the field at 12.30pm.
