Hundreds of Harry Potter fans have hopped on their broomsticks and flown to New York City's "Quidditch World Cup."

The mythical game from the popular novels by J.K. Rowling has inspired college students to take part in the broom-straddling challenge with participants from various college teams competing.

Players warmed up on the field, as others stood on the sidelines cheering on their teams as preparations got underway for the ball-and-broomstick match.

Each team consists of 12 to 15 players, seven of whom are on the field at a time. They include a "keeper" to defend the hoops through which scores are made; "chasers" whose job it is to put the quaffle through the hoops; and "beaters" who throw balls called "bludgers" at their opponents.

There is also a "seeker" who chases the elusive "golden snitch" around the field during the game. The capture of the snitch, usually after about 15 minutes, signals the end of the game.

As two teams competed, crowds cheered as they watched some exciting plays.

The unofficial purple NYU team managed to score the final point for their match, while the crowd erupted with cheers.

The seven wildly popular books have sold more than 400 million copies worldwide and spawned a movie franchise that has earned billions of dollars.

The latest installment, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part. 1" will open in cinemas in the US on November 19.