The Wildwoods crown King and Queen of Marbles at 101st Annual National Marbles Tournament

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The Wildwoods concluded the 101st Annual National Marbles Tournament on June 20, celebrating the crowning of the new King and Queen of Marbles. 

Katelynn Gaumer, 13, of Cumberland, MD was crowned National Girl’s Marbles Champion. Myles Lacy, 9, of Clay County, TN, claimed the Boy’s title. 

Champion marble shooters from across the country gathered in the Wildwoods to compete in the 101st Annual National Marbles Tournament from June 17 through June 20, all vying for the title of “King” and “Queen” of Marbles. 

Players who qualified from local tournaments held in cities throughout the United States convened in the Wildwoods for four days of serious marbles competition and fun on the island’s award-winning beach and nationally recognized boardwalk. The “Mibsters” (male and female marble players ages 8-14) competed for national honors, college scholarships, as well as an array of other prizes and awards during the annual tournament. 

More than 1,200 games of marbles were played at Ringer Stadium, a series of 10 brightly colored concrete shooting platforms on the Wildwood’s beach, with the top eight shooters advancing to the semi-finals competition. Gaumer and Lacey competed in a ‘Best of 15’ series against their closest competitors for the championship. 

The marbles game in which competitors participated is called ‘Ringer.’ It is played by placing 13 marbles in the form of an “X” in a 10-foot circle, with players then alternating shots to knock marbles out of the ring. The winner is the individual who is first to shoot seven marbles out of the ring. 

The Wildwoods Marbles Tournament, a true slice of Americana, was founded in 1922, and has long been cherished as a testament to the enduring nature of friendly competition and the artistry of the game of marbles. Over the past century, the tournament has brought together players from near and far, fostering camaraderie, sportsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the game’s rich history. 

For additional information, visit www.nationalmarblestournament.org message or call 412-913-1184. 

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.