Sports, 3rd prize
Lucha libre at La Loba
Tomasz Gudzowaty
for <em>National Geographic Polska</em>
for <em>National Geographic Polska</em>
15 June, 2011
Lucha libre, the Mexican version of free wrestling, is probably rivaled only by soccer in popularity among Mexican people.
Tomasz Gudzowaty
Tomasz Gudzowaty was born in 1971 and studied law at the University of Warsaw. He began his photographic career with nature photography, later turning to social documentary. For ...
Mexico City, Mexico
Masked lucha libre wrestlers, at the La Loba arena in Mexico City. Lucha libre, the Mexican version of free wrestling, is probably rivaled only by soccer in popularity among Mexican people. At least a dozen big arenas host lucha libre in Mexico City, most having shows twice a week. They range from the 16,000-seater Arena Mexico to smaller neighborhood venues. Disguising one’s identity is part of the culture of lucha libre—wrestlers are often masked, have nicknames, and sometimes even cross-dress. Emphasis is placed on the spectacle of skillful moves, rather than on force.
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