READ! THE BIZZARE TALES OF SENEGALESE WRESTLERS AND THE SECRET BEHIND THEIR SUCCESS

Enter the arena

Christian Bobst, a Swiss photographer, travelled to Dakar in Senegal to document the battles of the 'gris gris' wrestlers, who draw on mystical forces to gain an edge on their rivals. Due to high temperatures in the day, competitions always take place in the evening and often last until midnight.

In the shot of the gym above, competitors train at the school of the ex-wrestler Balla Gaye. Few can afford to train here, so less wealthy contenders head to the beaches of Ngor in Dakar, on the Atlantic coast.

Milking his success

Kherou Ngor washes himself with milk at Ngor. He performs this ritual to draw on the strength of a ghost who lives in the stones on the seashore.

Magic in the air

Rituals performed by marabouts – local holy men – include washing chickens, mixing potions and using plant milk as an offering to make the wrestlers invincible. The wrestlers also adorn 'gris gris' amulets for luck.

The crowd go wild

Wrestling is even more popular than football in Senegal

A poster advertises a clash between Balla Gaye 2 and Eumeu Sene, two superstars of the sport. As well as fame, success can lead to a steady job in the security industry or as a wrestling trainer.

Two wrestlers line up in the small Adrien Senghor village arena in the Yoff district. The prize money for the winner in this tournament is about £4,600; the biggest fights can net the winner more than £200,000.