VALENTINE, Neb. – Cornhole, once just a backyard pastime, has become one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and Valentine is preparing to take center stage by hosting a regional tournament.

The American Cornhole League regional competition will take place in Valentine on April 5-6, drawing competitors from across the region. Kim Valen, the director of the local cornhole club, said the event is open to all skill levels and is expected to attract more than 100 participants.

“There’s all sorts of events—Blind Draw, Doubles, Women’s, Co-ed, and Singles,” Valen said. “That’s for any division, so if you’re just starting out, you can play. If you’re better than a lot of other players, you can play.”

One of the competitors is 14-year-old Nash Hesse, a Valentine native who is already making a name for himself in the sport. Hesse, the youngest member of the minor league cornhole team The Missouri Maize, competes not only in Nebraska but also across the country.

“I went to Little Rock, Ohio, Des Moines. I’m going to Louisiana next weekend, and then I’m going to go to Detroit,” Hesse said.

Hesse takes the sport seriously and describes the intense focus required to compete at a high level.

“You can’t think about it too much,” he said. “One of the championships I won at a regional tournament—I was completely shaking after I won it.”

Cornhole’s rise in popularity accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it was an easy game to play while social distancing. The sport has since gained national recognition, with professional players now competing on national television.

“Any age can play. If you can hit the board, you can play,” Valen said.

For young athletes like Hesse, the sport offers more than just recreation—it could lead to scholarships or even a professional career.

“Become a pro and make a bunch of money,” Hesse said.

The regional tournament in Valentine will be hosted at the former Shopko building. You can find out more information about the tournament on the event's Facebook page.