The Bests

The Bests is a fun and engaging icebreaker game that involves players competing in a series of unusual challenges. The purpose of this activity is to bring people together through laughter and friendly competition, making it an excellent choice for breaking the ice among strangers or having a good time with friends. The game tests a wide range of skills, from physical abilities such as walking backwards quickly and blowing the widest bubble with gum, to mental challenges like speed arithmetic and finding a particular word in the dictionary faster than others.

As the organizer, you’ll set up the game by gathering various items and randomly dividing players into groups. Each round focuses on a different skill, and players must choose one teammate they believe will excel in that area, without knowing the specific challenge beforehand. The first part of the challenge’s name is announced, followed by the reveal of the full title and instructions once all teams have picked their representatives.

These quirky challenges create a lighthearted atmosphere and encourage participants to interact with one another, making it easier for them to form connections and engage in conversations. The Bests icebreaker guarantees a fun-filled experience that leaves players excited and eager to participate in future activities together.

1. The game is organized by one person who does not participate in the game.
2. Gather items such as paper cups, dictionary, coin, tape measure, chewing gum, tennis ball, and stopwatch for the challenges.
3. Divide players into groups of four or five.
4. Organizer announces the first part of the challenge without revealing the full title.
5. Each team puts forward one player to compete in the round.
6. Reveal the full title of the challenge and explain how to play.
7. Give all players the necessary equipment and referee the round to determine the winner.
8. The winner of each round gets one point for their team.
9. Read out the scoreboard in reverse order, announcing the winning team at the end.
10. Make up your own crazy rounds for added fun.

• Paper cups (six or more): You will need these for the “The greatest at stacking paper cups” challenge. The players must stack a pyramid of 6 cups, then put all the cups together again, in the shortest amount of time.
• Dictionary: This will be used for the “The quickest at finding a particular word in the dictionary” challenge. Players will compete to see who can find a specific word the fastest.
• Coin: You’ll need this for the “The longest time you get a coin to spin with one touch” challenge. Players will try to keep a coin spinning on a flat surface for as long as possible with just one touch.
• Tape measure: This will be used for several challenges, including measuring head circumference in the “The biggest head circumference” challenge and checking the height of throws in the “The tallest throw with a ball that is caught” challenge.
• Chewing gum: You’ll need this for the “The widest bubble blown with bubble gum” challenge. Players will compete to see who can blow the widest bubble using chewing gum.
• Tennis ball: This will be used for the “The tallest throw with a ball that is caught” challenge. Players will try to throw the ball as high into the air as possible and catch it.
• Stopwatch: You’ll need this to time various challenges, including “The fastest at walking backwards,” “The shortest time it takes to sing the Alphabet song,” and others.

To set up for the “The Bests” icebreaker activity, you will need to gather a group of 8 to 20 players and divide them into teams of four or five members each. You will also need to gather various items such as paper cups, a dictionary, a coin, a tape measure, chewing gum, a tennis ball, and a stopwatch, which will be used for different challenges. It is recommended that the organizer of the game, who will not be participating, collect these items. The organizer should also prepare a pen and paper to record the results of each challenge.

Before starting the game, the organizer should randomly assign players to teams and explain the rules of the game. They should also make sure that each team understands that every player needs to be picked once before anyone is chosen to participate in a second round. It may be helpful for the organizer to write down the names of the players on a piece of paper and draw names at random to ensure fairness.

It is important to set up the space where the game will take place so that there is enough room for the challenges and so that all players can see and hear the organizer clearly. The organizer may also want to designate a specific area for each team to gather and discuss which player they will nominate for each round.

Overall, setting up for “The Bests” icebreaker activity involves gathering materials, dividing players into teams, and preparing the space where the game will take place. By taking the time to properly set up for the game, you can help ensure that it runs smoothly and is enjoyable for all participants.

1. Gather necessary items: As the organizer, I gather paper cups, a dictionary, a coin, a tape measure, chewing gum, a tennis ball, and a stopwatch. These will be used for various challenges.
2. Create groups: I randomly put players into groups of four or five.
3. Announce the challenge: I start each round by announcing only the first part of the name of the challenge. For example, I say “The fastest…” but do not reveal what they need to be fast at yet.
4. Select a player from each team: Each team puts forward one of their players to compete in the round, who they believe will excel in the announced category. Every player needs to be picked once before anyone is chosen to participate in a second round.
5. Reveal the full challenge: After selecting players from both teams, I reveal the full title of the round and explain how to play.
6. Provide necessary equipment: I give all players the equipment they need for the challenge and tell them when to start. I referee the round to determine who wins.
7. Announce the winner: The winner of the round gets one point for their team. When all challenges have been completed, I read out the scoreboard in reverse order, finally announcing the winning team.
8. Create your own challenges: Feel free to come up with your own unique challenges and make sure to get hold of any equipment you will need.

Here are some example challenges:

• The quickest at finding a particular word in the dictionary.
• The biggest head circumference.
• The fastest at walking backwards.
• The longest time you get a coin to spin with one touch.
• The strongest at speed arithmetic (ask 10 math questions, and the team who gives the fastest correct answers most often wins the point).
• The best endurance in a staring contest.
• The shortest time it takes to sing the Alphabet song.
• The widest bubble blown with bubble gum.
• The greatest at stacking paper cups (they must stack a pyramid of 6 cups, then put all the cups together again, in the shortest amount of time).
• The tallest throw with a ball that is caught (both players have a chance to throw the ball into the air and try to catch it — the highest throw that is also caught wins).
• The most hair.

Make sure to keep things fun and inclusive for all players, regardless of their age or abilities.

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• Breaks the ice effectively: The Bests is an excellent icebreaker game that helps strangers to get to know each other through fun and unusual challenges. It creates a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere, making it easier for people to connect and interact with each other.
• Encourages teamwork and collaboration: The game requires players to work together in teams, which promotes cooperation, communication, and coordination among the members. This can help to build stronger relationships and foster a sense of community within a group.
• Boosts self-confidence and morale: Participating in quirky challenges and showcasing unique skills can be an empowering experience for individuals, leading to increased self-confidence and positivity. Winning rounds and earning points also contributes to building a sense of accomplishment and pride among team members.
• Provides physical and mental stimulation: The Bests features a variety of challenges that test both physical abilities, such as speed, agility, and strength, as well as mental skills, like memory, arithmetic, and vocabulary. This diversity keeps players engaged and motivated throughout the game while providing an enjoyable workout for their bodies and minds.
• Sparks creativity and innovation: Creating custom challenges or adapting existing ones allows individuals to tap into their creativity and inventiveness. This can lead to a more engaging and dynamic gaming experience, as well as inspire new ideas and approaches in other areas of life.
• Easily adaptable for different group sizes and ages: The game is suitable for small to large groups, making it an ideal choice for various social gatherings and events. Additionally, its diverse challenges cater to a wide range of abilities and interests, ensuring that players of all ages can participate and enjoy the game.
• Encourages active participation and engagement: By involving every team member in at least one round before allowing anyone to participate again, The Bests ensures that everyone is actively involved and engaged throughout the game. This contributes to a more inclusive and enjoyable social experience for all participants.

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• Teamwork: Players must work together to decide who from their team will participate in each round, requiring communication and collaboration.
• *Competitive spirit: I learned to enjoy healthy competition while striving for my team to win. This helped build a sense of camaraderie with my teammates.
• Problem-solving: Each challenge requires players to think creatively and strategically, helping develop problem-solving skills.
• Resilience: Losing a round can be disappointing, but staying positive and moving on to the next challenge builds resilience.
• Public speaking: By nominating oneself or others for challenges, players can improve their public speaking skills in a supportive environment.
• Time management: Some challenges require players to complete tasks as quickly as possible, helping them practice time management.
• Hand-eye coordination: Certain challenges, like stacking cups or throwing and catching a ball, can help improve hand-eye coordination.
• Listening skills: Paying close attention to challenge instructions and rules is crucial for success, which helps develop active listening abilities.
• Confidence: Stepping out of one’s comfort zone to participate in quirky challenges can build confidence and self-assurance.
• Adaptability: Unexpected challenges require players to think on their feet and adapt to new situations, fostering flexibility and adaptability.

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I like the “The Bests” icebreaker because it offers a unique and entertaining way to bring people together. The game’s unusual challenges make for a fun and engaging experience that can help break the ice among strangers or provide laughter and enjoyment among friends.

What sets this icebreaker apart is its versatility, as it caters to groups of various sizes and ages. Additionally, the organizer has the freedom to create their own challenges, allowing for a personalized touch based on the group’s preferences or interests.

The game encourages participation, friendly competition, and teamwork, making it an excellent choice for fostering connections and building camaraderie. I also appreciate that each participant gets to showcase their unique skills and abilities in a lighthearted and supportive environment.

Lastly, “The Bests” icebreaker can help create memorable moments and strengthen relationships by providing a shared experience that evokes laughter and good-natured fun. Overall, the game’s ability to bring people together through its quirky challenges makes it an enjoyable activity for any social gathering.

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• Tip: Use a variety of challenges that cater to different strengths and abilities. This will ensure that everyone has a fair chance to participate and showcase their skills.
• Tip: Avoid challenges that require specific knowledge or skills that some players may not have. For example, instead of asking players to find a particular word in the dictionary, you could ask them to find the longest word on a page.
• Tip: Consider using challenges that involve creativity or storytelling, as these can be more inclusive and allow for self-expression. For example, you could ask players to draw a picture or tell a story based on a given prompt.
• Tip: Encourage players to cheer each other on and support one another during the game. This will help create a positive and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued and included.
• Tip: Be open to modifying or adapting challenges on the fly to accommodate players with different abilities or needs. For example, if a player has mobility issues, you could modify a challenge that involves physical activity to make it more accessible.
• Tip: Make sure everyone understands the rules and instructions for each challenge. Take the time to explain the rules clearly and answer any questions players may have. This will help ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate and succeed.

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1. What was your favorite challenge and why? This question can help participants reflect on what they found enjoyable about the game and highlight which activities resonated with them the most.
2. How did you feel when it was your turn to participate in a challenge? By asking this question, facilitators can gauge how comfortable participants were while engaging in the icebreaker, as well as identify any areas that may need improvement in terms of creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
3. Did you learn anything new about your teammates through their performances in the challenges? Encouraging participants to recognize and appreciate each other’s strengths can help build stronger relationships and foster a better understanding of team dynamics.
4. Were there any challenges that made you uncomfortable, and if so, why? This question allows facilitators to address potential concerns and ensure that the activities are inclusive and respectful for all participants. It also provides an opportunity to discuss strategies for managing discomfort in future icebreaker sessions.
5. How can we apply some of the skills or attributes showcased in this game to our work or project? Connecting the icebreaker to real-life scenarios can help participants recognize how they can utilize their strengths and talents in a practical setting, fostering a stronger sense of purpose and engagement within the team.
6. If you were to create your own challenge for The Bests, what would it be? Encouraging creativity and personalization can make icebreakers more engaging and memorable for participants, as well as help facilitators tailor future activities to better suit their group’s interests and preferences.

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