Tulsa to Host 2025 ACO World Championships of Cornhole 20 – Who Will Be Crowned King or Queen

Symmes Township, Ohio -

Who Will Reign as the ACO Tulsa King… or Queen

Tulsa to Host the ACO World Championships of Cornhole 20 in July 2025

In partnership with the Tulsa Sports Commission, has been selected as the host city for the American Cornhole Organization (ACO) World Championships of Cornhole 20. As the global governing body of the sport of cornhole, ACO will welcome the world’s top cornhole players to Tulsa in July 2025, culminating in the highly anticipated ACO Championships Saturday on July 26th—American Cornhole Organization World Cornhole Day—where a new ACO (Tulsa) King or the first-ever ACO Queen will be crowned.

“We are thrilled to welcome the ACO World Championships to Tulsa in 2025,” said Joel Koester, Director of National Sports Sales for the Tulsa Sports Commission. “Cornhole is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, and we are excited to be part of its momentum. Tulsa continues to build its reputation as a premier sports destination, and we look forward to hosting the world’s best cornhole players in our city.”

ACO Founder and President Frank Geers added, “As we celebrate two decades of growing the game and professionalizing the sport of cornhole, we are excited to partner with Tulsa, a city that shares our passion for innovation in sports. Joel and his team understand the significance of sporting events in bringing communities together, and we are honored to bring the world’s finest cornhole competitors—and the incredible atmosphere of Worlds 20—to Tulsa.”

The ACO World Championships of Cornhole 20 will serve as the grand finale of a season featuring thousands of regional tournaments nationwide, more than 40 ACO Majors, and international ACO qualifiers. ACO Season 20 kicked off August 29 – September 1, 2024, in Buffalo, New York, and Clearwater, Florida, setting the stage for the ultimate showdown in Tulsa in July 2025—where the next King or the first-ever Queen of Cornhole will be crowned.

For updates on competition schedules, community events, sponsorship opportunities, and more, visit www.americancornhole.com.

The Rise of Competitive Cornhole: ACO at the Helm

The American Cornhole Organization (ACO) has transformed cornhole from a casual pastime into a recognized competitive sport. Founded in 2005 by Frank Geers, “The Cornhole Dude,” the ACO has standardized equipment, cornhole rules, and formats, establishing itself as the sport's governing body of the sport of cornhole.

From its early days, the ACO focused on formalizing cornhole. In 2006, it hosted the Carson Palmer Cornhole Classic and the first Nationals Championship in Northern Kentucky, introducing individual competition with the King or Queen of Cornhole titles. This innovation paved the way for a nationwide tour and elevated the sport's competitive landscape.

A major turning point was the ACO’s development of specialized equipment. The shift from corn-filled to resin-filled bags improved durability and performance, while the dual-sided ACO PlayersChoice Cornhole Bag, introduced in 2008, allowed players to make more strategic shots. Other innovations, like the Frame Game and airmail box, added depth to gameplay.

The ACO has also created ranking and handicapping systems to ensure fairness and transparency. Its signature events, such as the ACO Majors and Pro Series Tours, attract players nationwide. In March 2024, the ACO held its first international tournament, the ACO Europe Major in Manchester, UK, highlighting its growing global reach.

Inclusivity has been central to the ACO’s mission. Partnering with the National Senior Games Association, the ACO included cornhole in senior events and developed Adaptive Cornhole formats for players of all abilities, ensuring the sport remains accessible to everyone.

Media has played a significant role in the ACO’s growth. Notable milestones include ESPN coverage of the ACO World Championships and Cornhole: The Movie, which featured ACO branding. Digital platforms like YouTube and podcasts, including ACO Hole Nation and TACO (Talkin’ ACO), further expand the organization’s reach, engaging fans and fostering community.

A hallmark achievement was the declaration of ACO World Cornhole Day in 2020, celebrated annually on the last Saturday of July. This day honors the sport's history, community, and evolution, underscoring the ACO’s efforts to promote cornhole as a celebration of skill, tradition, and camaraderie.