Sports columnist Rick Reilly traveled the globe for three years in search of the world’s dumbest sports competition. On May 4, his new book, Sports from Hell, will be released, and he will appear at the Thurber House “Spring Sports Surprise” the next day, May 5.

Reilly will reveal the results of his exploration and research beginning at 7:30 p.m., at the Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Ave.

As the author of several books, including the coast-to-coast bestseller, Who’s Your Caddy, Reilly has carved out a sports-writing niche that showcases his sports expertise and his humor. In Sports from Hell, Reilly recounts his three-year journey and his strangest encounters. Chess Boxing, Rock-Paper-Scissors Championship, sports involving nudity, Ferret Legging and the World Sauna Championships are all among the contenders.

Reilly has been voted National Sportswriter of the Year 11 times and is the back-page columnist for ESPN the Magazine, a front-page columnist for ESPN.com, an essayist for ESPN SportsCenter, ESPN golf coverage and ABC Sports. Reilly’s list of accomplishments and awards for his broadcast journalism are extensive, but for nearly 23 years, he was also a senior writer for Sports Illustrated, filling stories and columns with his unique, breezy style.

Bruce Hooley of Sports Radio, WBNS FM “The Fan,” will host the Reilly event.

Following the reading, Reilly will take questions, chat with the audience about his writing and sign books that will be available for purchase.

All tickets are $20, including advance sales and students/seniors. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 614-464-1032 or visit www.thurberhouse.org.