The marbles action unfolds on the beach at Ringer Stadium in Wildwood. (Courtesy of National Marbles Championship)
Champion marble shooters from across the country will gather in Wildwood to compete in the 102nd annual National Marbles Tournament from Monday, June 16, through Thursday, June 19 – all vying for the title of “King” and “Queen” of Marbles.
The tournament, a 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.
Held at the Ringer Stadium, located on the beach right off the Wildwood Boardwalk at Wildwood Avenue, the event will feature four days of thrilling matches, showcasing the skills and strategies of some of the nation’s most talented marbles players.
The “Mibsters” – male and female marble players ages 8-14 who have qualified by winning local tournaments throughout the United States – will compete for national honors, college scholarships, and an array of other prizes and awards during the tournament.
The tournament draws players from across the country. (Courtesy of the Wildwoods, N.J.)More than 1,200 games of marbles will be played throughout the tournament at Ringer Stadium, with the top eight shooters advancing to the semi-finals competition. The top two male and top two female players will compete in a “Best of 15” series for the championship.
The victorious male and female champions will be crowned the “King” and “Queen” of Marbles. As the victors of the tournament, and as part of a longstanding tradition, the male winner will give a congratulatory kiss to the cheek of the winning female.
The marbles game in which competitors will participate is called “Ringer” and 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 tournament will take place from 8 a.m. to noon daily and is free for spectators.
On Thursday, June 19, at 5:30 p.m., the National Marbles Tournament welcomes Mibsters to meet Leah Lee, author of “Pudgy Knuckles, A Mibster’s Story,” at the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, located at 3306 Pacific Avenue in Wildwood. Hear Leah share her story of coaching national champion marbles players and hosting competitions.
For additional information, visit www.NationalMarblesTournament.org or call 304-337-2764.
