Depending on who is doing it and what it is for, stone stacking can be a form of art, religious devotion or simply a past-time hobby. It can even be a competition. 

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Only in its second year, this year's European Stone Stacking Championships brought in more than 30 artists from the United States, Italy, Spain and United Kingdom to build gravity-defying sculptures on Eye Cave Beach in Dunbar, Scotland. 

The founder of the competition, James Craig Page, practices stone balancing as a meditative art form. “I often found nature was providing me with the next stone without any deliberate thought on my part,” his website states. “Stone balance has become one of my greatest artistic passions and finding others involved in this activity has led me to some amazing connections.” 

The competition, which took place on Sunday, April 22, 2018, was broken down between children and adults and in the following categories: most stones balanced, most artistic and balance against the clock. Pedro Duran, from Spain, was named the champion for his archway. He will receive financial support for flights to attend the World Stone Balance Championship in Llano, Texas. 

In second was James Brunt, from England and Rocio Agar Marco in third. 

Some call it magic, others think of it as a science. Regardless, the end result is stunning. Take a look at the above slideshow to see snippets of this year’s competition and the sculptures created.