The American Cornhole Organization is bringing the American Cornhole Pros and PRO Series Tour to Branson and has opened the event to the public.
The ACO Branson Major Cornhole Tournament and PRO Series Cornhole Event is May 30-31 at the Branson Convention Center, 200 S Sycamore St., Branson, MO 65616.
A Big Blind Draw is scheduled for Friday May 30 at 6:00 pm and is open to the public. The Branson Community can test back yard cornhole skills with others having the same skills in a Pro Cornhole level environment.
“We are thrilled to include Branson as one of the over 40 cities in the ACO Season 20 PRO Tour,” said Frank Geers President of American Cornhole LLC. The ACO Branson Major includes events on Friday May 30 including Seniors, Womens, and Juniors competition in the morning, Coed at noon, Bag Masters Quads at 3:00 pm, PRO Series Main Event 5:00 pm, and the open to the public Big Blind Draw at 6:00 pm.
The ACO Branson Major Tournament Event schedule for Saturday May 31 includes ACO World Doubles action beginning 8:00 am, and the ACO World Singles action is an afternoon event beginning 2:00 pm. For more information visit: ACO Branson MO Major Cornhole Tournament and PRO Series cornhole event.
The Rise of Cornhole: From Backyard Fun to World Championships
What started as a simple backyard pastime has evolved into a global sport. Once confined to tailgates and family barbecues, cornhole has seen an extraordinary transformation over the past two decades. While its origins remain uncertain, one pivotal moment in 2004 set the game on its path to worldwide recognition. That year, marketing visionary Frank Geers discovered cornhole at an NFL tailgate event in Cincinnati, Ohio. Recognizing its potential beyond casual play, he set out to bring structure, organization, and widespread appeal to the game. One year later, in 2005, the American Cornhole Organization (ACO) was established, paving the way for cornhole’s rise as a professional sport.
As the governing body of the sport cornhole, the ACO introduced standardized cornhole rules, equipment, and official tournaments. Over the past 20 years, the organization has fostered a thriving competitive scene, hosting events across the United States and expanding into Europe. Constantly innovating, the ACO continues to refine gameplay, create new opportunities for players, and elevate cornhole’s status in the sports world.
Innovations that Changed the Game
Cornhole’s early days saw players using bags filled with corn kernels, which were prone to mold, decay, and attracting pests. The ACO revolutionized the game by introducing resin pellet filler, ensuring durability and consistency. Another game-changing innovation was the creation of two-sided bags, providing players with greater control and adding complexity to competitive play. These advancements laid the foundation for a multi-million-dollar cornhole industry, encompassing high-quality boards, precision bags, and specialized court setups. Today, ACO standards set the benchmark for cornhole competitions worldwide.
From Local Tournaments to Global Championships
As cornhole’s equipment improved, so did the level of competition. The ACO introduced singles play, previously overshadowed by doubles teams, giving individual players the chance to showcase their skills. This led to the establishment of the ACO World Singles and World Doubles Championships, now central to the nationwide cornhole tour.
With thousands of regional tournaments and over 40 major events held annually across the U.S., the ACO offers prize purses ranging from $5,000 to 100,000 per weekend. These events culminate in the annual ACO World Championships, where competitors of all ages and skill levels battle for the prestigious title of “King” or “Queen” of Cornhole.
Beyond high-stakes competition, the ACO fosters community engagement through fun and inclusive events. The Worlds Tailgator Tournament caters to backyard cornhole enthusiasts, while the ACO Lifetimers Tournament rewards dedicated players who showcase their passion for the sport with an ACO tattoo—earning free lifetime membership. Currently, over 160 players have taken this bold step, solidifying their commitment to cornhole. These dedicated players may also achieve Pro Status, competing in ACO Pro Series SKINS Cornhole tournaments, which introduce new formats and challenges to elevate the sport.
Cornhole in Pop Culture and Media
Over the years, the ACO has propelled cornhole into the media spotlight. It made its national television debut on ESPN’s Wide World of Sports in 2013, followed by SportsCenter’s coverage of the ACO World Championships in 2015. In 2007, The Wall Street Journal highlighted cornhole’s rise, while the 2010 film Cornhole: The Movie featured ACO-sanctioned boards, bags, and gameplay. ACO President Frank Geers, “the Cornhole Dude “even made a cameo appearance.
Expanding its media presence, the ACO partnered with Stadium Sports, Fox Chapel Publishing’s upcoming 2025 Cornhole Cookbook, and the longest-running cornhole podcast, TACO (Talkin’ ACO). The organization also produces Hole Nation, hosted by reality TV star Rich Pyle, and boasts a strong digital presence via YouTube (@AmericanCornhole) and social media.
Further cementing cornhole’s legacy, the Mayor of Columbia, SC, declared the final Saturday in July as ACO World Cornhole Day in 2020, solidifying its place in sports history.
The Future of Cornhole
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0DCg9siTFY
The ACO continues to push cornhole’s boundaries, expanding its reach into adaptive sports, senior competitions, and international partnerships with countries such as the UK, Canada, and others. As the sport’s popularity soars, its future has never looked brighter. As Frank Geers, the “Cornhole Dude,” proudly proclaims: “We Are Cornhole.”
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For more information about ACO Branson Major & Pro, contact the company here:
ACO Branson Major & Pro
Michael "Fin" Walter
513.919.1001
fin@americancornhole.com
American Cornhole Organization (ACO)
7832 Glendale Milford Rd
Camp Dennison, Ohio 45111
United States
