March 31, 2014 | In: Sports

From Backyard to World Stage: How Cornhole Evolved into a Sport of Opportunity

Have you had a heated debate with your friends as to what is a sport and what isn’t? It’s an event where things get heated. Feelings get hurt and Cornhole reportedly originates in 14th century Germany. Custom cornhole boards originated from Cincinnati, Ohio. opinions get shattered. For example, some people argue whether golf and curling are sports, considering them glorified pastimes instead. These kinds of discussions usually go nowhere since views on what can be classified as a sport is subjective. But no one can deny the popularity and appeal of (we’ll call them sports) golf and curling. More importantly, no one can argue that takes a huge amount of practice to be skillful at them.

Enter the game of cornhole. Again, not everyone is going to consider it a sport, but it’s a game that has surged in terms of popularity. Just like golf and curling, it takes a ton of practice to turn yourself into a great player. Thankfully, there are those who recognize this skill and have thus created opportunities for those who play well- paid opportunities. Of course, you should play the game of cornhole because you really like it, but you should take advantage of the payoffs that be yours if you perform well. So it’s wise to make use of those custom cornhole boards and keep on practicing. You never know where you might go.

The Roots of Cornhole

To build an appreciation of what cornhole has turned into, it’s worth looking at where it came from. Although it’s disputed, the game is thought to originate from 14th century Germany, it’s creator – Matthias Kueperman. After a long period of obscurity, the game is then believed to have been rediscovered in Ohio about a century ago (although others say Kentucky). Cornhole gained a ton of popularity in Cincinnati, Ohio and turned into such an obsession, that companies started creating custom cornhole boards for enthusiasts to buy and play with. This new found love for the game entered tailgating circles and turned into an essential activity for tailgate parties. If you’ve been to a few of these get-togethers, you’ve most likely seen how popular cornhole is among sports fans.

The Art of Crafting the Custom Cornhole Board

The game of cornhole appeals to millions worldwide, and there numerous tournaments for all ages. The topic of this post is about the sport of cornhole. However, it’s interesting to note how some companies turned the crafting of custom cornhole boards into an artform. It’s fair to assume that the early cornhole boards were most likely plain wood, intended solely for gameplay purposes instead of art. Now, a Google search could easily bring up a cornhole game set painted with all sorts of colors and designs. It may not seem like a big deal, but the addition of these designs show that there are people who truly have an appreciation for what cornhole has turned into.

Now It’s a Big Deal

Back to the topic of sport, it’s important to consider what opportunities the game has for you. It’s no longer just a backyard activity or tailgating “thing”. Rather, it’s recognized by national organizations and there are organized events which you can compete in. Outside of North America, cornhole has reached a level of popularity since people of all ages play the game in various countries. Whether the game receives recognition as a legitimate sport or not, you have to admit how respected it has become. It’s worth taking a more in-depth look at how the game has turned into a mainstay of today’s recreation.

There Are Cornhole Associations

In the USA, there are bodies that represent cornhole players and games throughout the country. The largest is the American Cornhole Organization (ACO) established and based in Cincinnati, Ohio- the birthplace of cornhole playing in the United States. The organization has created official rules, guidelines for player handicaps, and world rankings. In addition the ACO, there is the American Cornhole Association (ACA), a group with a domain focused on the U.S.

There Are Sanctioned Tournaments

Thanks to official organizations listed above, there are sanctioned tournaments for those who want to compete. These tournaments occur in cities all around the country, giving players (and their teams) an opportunity to travel and face off with competitors who are just as eager to win. As mentioned earlier, there are rankings as well so players have a chance to receive some attention for their skills.

There Are Cash Prizes

Serious cornhole players don’t put money first, but the prospect of winning a bit of cash is certainly something to look forward to. You may not earn what an NFL quarterback like Tom Brady earns, but you can definitely pick up a nice cheque if you play well and go far. For example, the ACO World Championship cash prize amounts to $20,000!

Do You Wanna Compete with the Pros?

Are you competitive by nature? We’re you an aspiring athlete who still dreams of playing on a team? If the answer to these questions are yes, then you should give these competitions a shot. The beauty of the game is that you don’t have to be a genetic-freak or elite training to get there. Of course, you need to practice hard and practice consistently as there are those who sacrifice much time and energy to be the best. You’ll therefore want to get your hands on a custom cornhole board and start improving your game as much as possible. Apart from practice, learn as much as you can about the game and enter as many competitions as you can. You will gain experience by doing this, and discover techniques from more skilled players. The formula for success in this game is simple- learn, practice, repeat.

No Longer a Pastime

The next time you attend a tailgate party and see a cornhole game in action, don’t think of it as just a warmup activity. There’s a lot more to it. From what you now know about it’s history and growing worldwide appeal, you can see that there is a bright future for this game. Thanks to the support of professional organizations, there are many opportunities for you to enter, get ranked, and earn cash. You can even do these things on an international scale. So why hesitate? If you’re serious about playing, your first step should be the purchase of a custom cornhole board. This is your practice piece, the tool for which you will improve your craft as a player. In addition to a board, make the effort to learn as much as you can, including the rules, techniques, and styles of gameplay. With time, your skills will mature and turn you into a serious competitor.

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