'Fastest-growing sport in North America': Cornhole play expanding
Long known as a backyard game, the growth of Cornhole as a sport has been rapid.
There are currently more than 2,500 people playing the sport competitively in Ontario.
Of those 100 of them are here in the north, taking part in American Cornhole League (ACL) events.
A regional ACL tournament was held in the Sault, with dozens in attendance including travellers from Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
It is being called "the fastest-growing sport in North America" by many.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Sara Grisdale, the Organizer for the Twin Soo's Cornhole League agrees.
“Last winter we were seeing 6, 8, 10 players coming out,” said Grisdale.
“Now we’re seeing 20, 24 and we just keep spreading the word and every time someone new comes they tell their friends and they bring a new group.”
Geoff Waterman, the regional director for the ACL in the area said much of the rise in popularity is a result of the pandemic.
"It was one of the few sports where you could social distance while playing it with a mask, so ESPN jumped all over it," said Waterman, adding the attendance in Sudbury went up 400 per cent.
Not only is it a fun competition, but its accessible he said.
"You don't have to be extremely athletic," said Waterman.
Spencer Spears from the Sault began playing the sport in a setting many do.
"At the cabin with my buddies, having a couple drinks," he said.
Spears told CTV News getting involved in the competitive events has been a great time.
“Anyone can come out and play,” he said.
“There’s a skill level to mastering it, and getting a good mechanic down, but it’s so welcoming for anyone. Men, women, boys, girls, anyone can play it.”
Waterman's 10-year-old son Gude does not play – but attends many tournaments his parents run.
Despite little interest in the sport, he said the environment is something he loves.
“It’s a good atmosphere because all the people are having a good time and there’s no conflict,” said Gude.
Waterman said "anybody can throw a bag in a hole," but it is more than that when you reach a certain skill level.
“A lot of people who haven’t played it, or are seeing it for the first time don’t realize how technical it can be – a lot like golf.”
At this time there are no professional cornhole players from the north.
Organizers said if the sport’s popularity continues to grow they think that may not be the case for long.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Maple Leafs eliminated from NHL playoffs with Game 7 OT loss to Bruins
Sheldon Keefe told his players hockey history would remember them one way or another.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
What a judge's gag order on Trump means in his hush money case
A gag order bars Trump from commenting publicly on witnesses, jurors and some others connected to the matter. The New York judge already has found that Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, repeatedly violated the order, fined him US$9,000 and warning that jail could follow if he doesn't comply.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Pro-Palestinian protesters at USC comply with school order to leave their encampment
Protesters left a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Southern California early Sunday after they were surrounded by police and told they could face arrest if they didn’t go.
Israel says Hamas attacks a crossing point into Gaza, wounding 10 Israelis and forcing its closure
Hamas militants on Sunday attacked Israel's main crossing point for delivering humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, reportedly wounding several Israelis and prompting Israel to close the terminal.
Trudeau 'absolutely' best person to lead the Liberals in next election: LeBlanc says
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc insists he's not planning a leadership campaign to head the Liberal party, should current leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resign, seemingly quashing rumours he's planning to make a move for his boss' job.
Bombarded with spam texts? Stats show the problem is getting worse in Canada
In particular, messages that involve phishing — an attack where a scammer tries to trick the recipient into clicking a malicious link, downloading malware or sharing sensitive information — are on the rise.