‘You could absolutely rip your bloody hand off’: competitors gather for England oyster shucking championship

The Guardian Environment Sunday 20 September 2026, 11:00 UTC By Helena Horton 1 min read

Key Points

The English have been eating oysters for thousands of years, and advocates say they are an important indicator of the health of coastal watersBeneath bunting in the middle of Mayfair, there was a feverish atmosphere as the finals of potentially the poshest sport in England began: oyster shucking, judged by actor Stanley Tucci. “The secret is not being scared of stabbing yourself in the hand,” says Quincy Coulter Young from Rocks Oysters, one of the fastest oyster shuckers in the country.

The English have been eating oysters for thousands of years, and advocates say they are an important indicator of the health of coastal waters

Beneath bunting in the middle of Mayfair, there was a feverish atmosphere as the finals of potentially the poshest sport in England began: oyster shucking, judged by actor Stanley Tucci.

“The secret is not being scared of stabbing yourself in the hand,” says Quincy Coulter Young from Rocks Oysters, one of the fastest oyster shuckers in the country.

England (LOCATION) Stanley Tucci (PERSON) Quincy Coulter Young (PERSON)

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‘You could absolutely rip your bloody hand off’: competitors gather for England oyster shucking championship

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