The Best Bocce Player in the World

Millions of individuals have enjoyed bocce ball throughout the centuries. However, only a select few were extremely skilled in the game. Find out about the best bocce player in the world in this article.

I do not know about you, but whenever I play bocce, I cannot help but think of other people who are experts on it. Sure, I am a relatively good player if you ask me. But I am not good enough to play the sport professionally.

For me, bocce has always been a casual backyard game. I just found out earlier this year that it hosts tournaments every year. Hundreds of players participate in these games. That is why I became more and more curious about the professional leagues. As such, I started to wonder about who is the best bocce player in the world.

So if you are curious like me, you will find the answer soon enough. Read on to learn about the best bocce player in the world.

A Brief History of Bocce Ball

Before I get into the best bocce player in the world, I would first like to discuss the history of bocce briefly. 

The word “bocce” comes from “boccia,” an Italian word that means bowl. Some Italians also call the sport “volo,” derived from the verb “volare,” meaning “to fly.” That’s a reference to the strategic move of tossing a ball to directly hit the opposing player’s ball out of the way.  

Bocce dates back thousands of years. Many people believe that the ancient Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks invented the early form of the game. Back then, players used plain wooden balls. Some individuals would fortify these bocce balls by adding nails. However, they still wore out quickly because the ground was too hard for the ball material.  

Meanwhile, the present form of bocce finds its origins in Italy and France. Players started to use bocce balls custom-made from metal and other materials. These bocce balls vary in weight and diameter. Customization allows players to choose one that is best for their throwing style and the size of their hands. 

Furthermore, participants divided themselves into two teams. The first team throws the pallino and ball first, then the other team goes to play next. Whoever tossed their bocce balls nearest to the target ball will earn a single point for their team.

Bocce rose in popularity when it became part of the Special Olympics programs globally. Besides the Olympics, the Confédération Mondiale des Sports de Boules (CSMB) and the Fédération Internationale de Boules (FIB) also regulate international bocce. The international bocce federation hosts the World Bocce Championships. As such, it dictates the official rules of the sport.

Today, bocce game is commonly played in western, southern, and southeastern Europe. It also thrives in locations with a large population of Italian immigrants. These include Australia, North America, and South America.

Who is the Best Bocce Player in the World?

Now that I have established the brief history of bocce ball, it is time to reveal the best player in the world. 

Many believe that Umberto Granaglia is the best bocce player in the world. He hailed from Italy and was born on May 20, 1931.

He received the “Player of the 20th Century” award from the Confederation Mondiale des Sport de Boules in 2005. During his 23-year playing career, he played in and won 12 European, 13 World, and 46 Championship games. He has more awards than anyone in the entire world. And while there have been amazing bocce players in the past and today, none are as well-known as Umberto Granaglia.

Other Notable Players of Bocce in the Past

If you are curious to know other notable bocce ball players, you have come to the right place. Below, I will name other great bocce players in the past.

First up is the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus. Back then, Romans of all classes enjoyed the game of throwing balls to a target, which would later be known as bocce. When the Roman Emperor started playing bocce, it became the sport of statesmen and rulers.

Another notable bocce ball player is the astronomer Galileo Galilei. Many Italians like him played and appreciated the sport for its athletic qualities to rejuvenate the body.

The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates also spoke highly of the bocce ball game as it is highly beneficial to your health. 

Conclusion

There is no doubt that bocce is a popular sport around the world. Millions of players enjoy its competitive and fun nature. However, only a select few have been regarded as the best in the sport. Many bocce enthusiasts, players, and official organizations agree that Umberto Granaglia is the best player in the world. He won multiple World Championship games, beating hundreds of players.

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