American Cornhole League holds national tournament in Corpus Christi

John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times
·3 min read

Movie theaters were closed and restaurants were shuttered when COVID-19 pandemic restrictions impacted the world.

So were live sports venues. That fact presented an opportunity for Fred Boucherle, the chief operating officer of the American Cornhole League.

"We told ESPN people could play cornhole and social distance at the same time," Boucherle said. "We told them we'd give them live sports and they told us they'd give us primetime slots. It was a great way to give sports back to people during that time."

Bags fly across the American Bank Center during the American Cornhole League Kickoff Battle tournament on April 8, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. About 300 competitors compete over the summer season for prize money.
Bags fly across the American Bank Center during the American Cornhole League Kickoff Battle tournament on April 8, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. About 300 competitors compete over the summer season for prize money.

Since its inception, the ACL has hosted countless tournaments and gained even more professional players in the league. The organization started in 2015 in Rock Hill, North Carolina.

Today the sport is thriving.

At the American Bank Center Saturday, the ACL's 2023 Kickoff Battle took place with 300 players competing for a prize pool of more than $1 million.

It was the first time the league held a national tournament in Corpus Christi.

Founder Stacey Moore said his organization has hosted in Galveston and Fort Worth, but said he would love to come back to Corpus Christi in the future for other events.

About 300 players compete in the American Cornhole League Kickoff Battle tournament at the American Bank Center on April 8, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The tournament was the first in a four regular event season. The Championship tournament is held in August.
About 300 players compete in the American Cornhole League Kickoff Battle tournament at the American Bank Center on April 8, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The tournament was the first in a four regular event season. The Championship tournament is held in August.

"Corpus has treated us great so far, so I don't see why we wouldn't come back," Moore said.

After watching people play the sport competitively at tailgates, Moore said he realized the friendly game could become a legitimate sport.

He said he never expected the ACL to evolve into as big as it is this quickly. Moore said his next goal is to continue growth of the sport and make a big push to have it be a competitive sport at the Olympics.

"I think it would be incredibly popular to watch on television," Moore said. "It's a great family sport. We have professionals that are brothers, father and son and father and daughter. When you come out to one of our events, you build new friendships and get more engaged with this community."

Bags fall into the "red zone" at in the American Cornhole League Kickoff Battle tournament at the American Bank Center on April 8, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Bags fall into the "red zone" at in the American Cornhole League Kickoff Battle tournament at the American Bank Center on April 8, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The league has 12 professional teams in its roster that include Arizona Burn, Cali Slingers, Carolina Coasters, Chicagoland Spinners, Colorado Timber, Florida Freeze, Georgia Sliders, Kentucky Kernels, Michigan Marauders, Missouri Maize, New England Woodchucks, Ohio Aviators, Pennsylvania Ringers, Texas Bully Baggers, Vegas High Rollers and Virginia Cutters.

Eddie "Steady Eddie" Grinderslev, captain of Texas Bully Bags, said he's been playing cornhole for about 13 years and playing professionally for five.

"I enjoy it and have a good time with my friends," Grinderslev said. "As long as I stay competitive, I'll keep going."

The 31-year-old said when he's competing, he has tunnel vision. He said he doesn't hear anything around him − he just pays attention to the game.

Professional corn hole player Eddie Grinderslev, of Lexington, watches a bag fly while competing in the American Cornhole League Kickoff Battle tournament at the American Bank Center on April 8, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Professional corn hole player Eddie Grinderslev, of Lexington, watches a bag fly while competing in the American Cornhole League Kickoff Battle tournament at the American Bank Center on April 8, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

As a captain, Grinderslev said it's a lot of work but rewarding to watch his team battle.

"The best things about this game are the friendships and camaraderie," Grinderslev said. "You get to meet different people all the time. It's a good way to build friendships. I have countless friends I've made since playing this."

For more information on the American Cornhole League, visit iplaycornhole.com.

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva.

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: American Cornhole League holds national tournament in Corpus Christi