ELORA – The fourth annual Waddies Classic is fast approaching and it will be bigger, better and have a larger purse for the winning teams.
“It continues to grow,” said co-creator Andy Speers in a phone interview, adding the event will be moved to a larger venue this year because “it felt a little cramped last year.”
The tournament is on May 24 at the Jefferson Elora Community Centre on the floor (without ice) rather than the community hall, which was used last year.
Speers is hoping for 100 teams – currently about 50 have signed up already.
Speers is a little stunned that the game and especially the tournament is gaining traction.
Waddies is a tossing game similar to corn hole but it uses rubber pucks, allowing for its own, unique way of playing.
Speers and his buddies have been playing it since they were teenagers and it is believed to have started at the Fergus Legion, but there is little clarity on the game’s origins.
During COVID-19 lockdowns, Speers and his friends decided they’d manufacture the game and hoped it would take off.
They held their first tournament in 2022 with 64 teams signing on. In 2023 there were 68 teams; and last year 84 teams played in the tournament.
“It’s unreal to see the game grow at such a fast rate,” Speers said.
Many teams are local, but Speers said there are a lot of out-of-towners signed up as well.
“I had no idea,” he said. “It’s exciting that more people are playing it.”
Last year’s winner, Team Sparkle Puff, is returning, “so we could have our first repeat winner.”
Thanks to presenting sponsor Prestige Interior Solutions and beer sponsor Wellington Brewery, the first prize includes $2,000 along with the honour of hoisting the Waddies Cup.
The second place team gets $1,000 and third place wins $500. There will also be door prizes.
Entry is $120 per team but spectators are welcome at no charge.
Games get underway at 1pm and the final game is expected to begin at 8 or 8:30pm. Food and drinks will be available to purchase on site.
For more information and to register, visit waddies.ca.
