Triumph and Tears: A Recap of the American Cornhole League 2023 World Championship
The American Cornhole League (ACL) 2023 World Championship brought together the world's best cornhole players to showcase the commitment, hard work, determination, and skill within the world of professional cornhole. With stand out achievements honored at the Stevie Awards, the most exciting, captivating and for some heartbreaking moments of the championship, this was an extraordinary event we were proud to be a part of.
Unprecedented Gatherings:
The 2023 World Championship attracted an impressive array of cornhole enthusiasts, players, and fans from across the globe. The event provided an incredible platform for 2,272 players from around the world to demonstrate their dedication to the sport and compete at the highest level against the best of the best. elevating the status of cornhole in the realm of professional sports.
ACL Teams Event
Going into the 2023 ACL World Championship there was 4 teams left to compete for the the title of Teams World Champions. The Pennsylvania Ringers took on Ohio Aviators and moved on to the finals. Then the Arizona Burn took on Missouri Maze, allowing Arizona Burn the chance to compete to win it all. During the live airing on CBS Sports, the Pennsylvania Ringers. which included Gladiator Cornhole Gear's own Kensie Beach, walked away victorious!
Celebrating Achievements with the Stevie Awards
The 2023 ACL World Championship wasn't just about on-board triumphs; it also celebrated exemplary contributions off the boards. The Stevie Awards recognized outstanding achievements and innovations in the world of cornhole. From the honor of Most Valuable Player to recognizing the hard work of directors these awards celebrated the diverse facets that contribute to cornhole's growth.
Team Gladiator's Adrian Johnson was awarded ACL Pro Leadership Award which is an award voted on by his follow Professional Cornhole Players.
ACL Pro Shootout
There is nothing like being at a live ESPN broadcast event to get you fired up and cheering for your favorite players. Pro Shootouts are held throughout the season and the best of the best battle it out fro $25,000. This year's Pro Shootout Winners were:
Men's Singles: Kyle Malone
Women's Singles: Cheyenne Bubenheim
Doubles: Jordan Power & Jay Rubin
The Superhole
The energy that was in the room during this event was unmatched. Every seat was filled, and every spot in the "standing" section was taken. The superhole matches up professional cornhole players with athletes, actors or other professionals to battle the boards. Its no secret that Shamar Moore is a cornhole enthusiast and his skills shined on the boards crowning himself and Try Burchfield Champs of Superhole!
The Gauntlet:
For those aspiring to be pros, or those hoping to re-qualify as a pro, the final day of the World Championship is where dreams are made....or crushed. Around 800 players were competing Sunday for a shot at becoming a professional cornhole player. While the numbers dwindled down, some dreams were just in reach and others were left with the final toss of a bag. HUGE congrats to Justin Doss, Kenzie Beach, & Tyrell Maxey who all were either re-qualified or became a ACL Pro for the 2024 season! Good luck to Mike Wright who finished in the top 16 senior singles standing to be a PDC Pro! all were either re-qualified or became a ACL Pro for the 2024 season!
Last Tent Standing...3 Years In A Row!
The Gladiator Tent was one of many that set up at the 2023 World Championship. We had ACL Cornhole Bags, Cornhole Glove, Cornhole Backpacks and merch available for players to purchase. If you were lucky, you got to meet some Team Gladiator Pro Players while you shopped and maybe even snagged an autograph!
Each year there can only be one that sticks it out til the end. For the 3rd year in a row, Gladiator was the last tent standing! We are hoping the ACL will recognize this as a Stevie Award for 2024...hey we can dream right?!
The championship was a celebration of both competition and camaraderie, reminding us that cornhole is more than just a game—it's the fastest growing sport and a community united by a love for friendly rivalry and the joy of tossing bags.
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