Cornhole Pros Clash in Fort Lauderdale: ACL Pro Season Kickoff Heats Up the Competition
The American Cornhole League (ACL) kicked off its 2024 Pro Season with a thrilling showdown in Fort Lauderdale, drawing top players from across the nation. This high-stakes tournament showcased precision throws, intense rivalries, and unexpected upsets as professionals battled for supremacy on the boards.
Why This Tournament Matters
Cornhole has evolved from backyard BBQ pastime to a professional sport with serious competition. The Fort Lauderdale event marked the first major tournament of the season, setting the tone for an exciting year in the ACL.
- Record-Breaking Participation: Over 200 professional players competed
- National Attention: ESPN featured highlights from the tournament
- Prize Money: $50,000+ purse attracted elite talent
Standout Moments from the Competition
The tournament delivered unforgettable plays that had fans on their feet:
- Defending champion Mark Richards was dethroned in a shocking quarterfinal upset
- Rookie sensation Jamie Kowalski landed 12 consecutive "cornholes" (perfect shots)
- The doubles final went to sudden death after a tie at 21-21
Cornhole's Rise to Professional Status
Once considered just a tailgating game, cornhole has gained legitimate athletic credibility:
- ACL now boasts over 250,000 members nationwide
- Standardized professional boards and bags ensure fair competition
- College scholarships are now offered for standout players
What's Next for the Pros?
The Fort Lauderdale tournament was just the beginning. The ACL Pro Season includes:
- 15 major tournaments across the U.S.
- The World Championships in August
- Expanded TV coverage on sports networks
What Do You Think?
- Should cornhole be considered an Olympic sport?
- Is the professionalization ruining the fun, casual nature of the game?
- Would you pay to watch professional cornhole tournaments?
- Should colleges recruit cornhole players like other athletes?
- Is cornhole more skill-based than other recognized sports?
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