Bean Bag Tournament a Toss of Success

 

JS Games Second Annual Event Tournament Proves

To Be Fun For All.

   Who would have thought that a game consisting of tossing a bean bag through a 6” hole cut into a 2’x3’ board would bring so many people together for a day in the sun?  Scott Lovingfoss, co-owner of JS Games sure did.

   “It looks like the turnout this year is larger than last year.  More and more people are looking for these events to show off their skills and meet fellow players.  The game is really growing.”

   On Saturday August 27th, JS Games held its 2nd Annual bean bag tournament at Oak Forest Bowl-The Park 15420 S. Cicero Ave in Oak Forest Illinois.  It was a chance for teams, consisting of two players, to compete for cash prizes, trophies and bragging rights.  The tournament was a best two out of three single elimination tournament in which 31 teams competed. 

   Bean bags, also known as cornhole in many areas, has grown in popularity over the past few years.  More and more places, such as bars and park districts, are hosting tournaments and leagues.  It is also very common at many sporting events to find tailgaters tossing bags in the parking lots. 

   “I like the game because women can compete fairly against the men,” said Suzanne Ragsdale, of Chicago, who entered the tournament with confidence.  “If the guys don’t watch out, they’ll be going home early.”

 

 

 

The Little Lebowski’s and No Use For a Name battle it out in the first round.

 

 

Who’s Next took home the 1st Place Trophy and $400 cash.

 

 You could feel the intensity at times.

 

   John Haavig, also co-owner of Js Games, thinks that the growth of the game is contributed to the fact that anyone can play.  “We’ve sold many sets to parents buying them for their kids.  In fact, many places are removing horseshoe pits and volley ball nets so they have more room to set up bean bag boxes.  The feedback from college kids and campuses has been overwhelming.”

   After four hours of competition Who’s Next, Geno Rangazeo and Bill Sitarz of Homer Glenn took first place.  They walked away with $400, a trophy, t-shirts and a set of 8 golden bean bags.  “Not bad for a day in the sun,” said Rangazeo.  “We will be back next year.”

   Tim Knutson, the third of the owners who founded JS Games, believes that these tournaments will only get larger.  “The game is being played year round rather than just in the summer.  The sale of our products extends through the winter months and many people ask us about hosting tournaments indoors.  It’s like people can’t wait until the next time they play.”

   Although only the top three finishers took home close to a thousand dollars in

 

 

cash and prizes, many people walked away happy after the event on Saturday.  Shari Willy of Chicago said,” I just love going to the events JS Games has because of all the fun people that show up.  It really is a good time whether you win or lose.”

   For a small company that started by building boxes for friends, JS Games has grown by hosting tournaments that bring people from all over the area to play as well as selling some of the best bean bag box sets around.

   “We just enjoy the game and try to spread the word about it however we can.  Whether it is building the best bean bag boxes around or having the greatest tournaments, we just want to have fun with the game,” Knutson said.

   JS Games is planning on having tournaments throughout the year.  For more pictures from the tournament, event dates, or product information visit www.jsgames.com.