Tennessee has once again proven itself a hotbed for marbles talent, with local youth making a strong showing at the recent National Marbles Championship in Wildwood, New Jersey.
For the second consecutive year, the National Marbles Champion hails from Tennessee, a testament to the dedication and skill of the state’s young competitors.
This year’s standout was 12-year-old Vincent Ruiz, representing Standing Stone State Park, who clinched the national title. Vincent, affectionately dubbed the “King of Marbles,” was the winner of the 102nd National Marbles Tournament held in Wildwood, NJ. Ruiz competed in an impressive 70 matches in the Boyd League A Semi-Finals, finishing with a 68-2 record for the week. His only two losses were between his own Tennessee teammates, highlighting the depth of talent within the local contingent.
Other local youth who competed in the championship included:
Boys: Easton Partain (3rd Place), Aaden Mayberry (9th Place), Trey Arney (14th Place) and Brodi Dogan (16th Place)
Girls: Emma Strong (4th Place), Callie Arney (11th Place), Maci Dogan (12th Place) and Kyndel Woods (19th Place)
The strong performance by these young athletes underscores the marble community in Clay County and the surrounding areas, fostering a new generation of champions in this classic game.
Wildwood, New Jersey has been the proud home of the National Marbles Tournament for decades. Founded in 1922, the tournament has provided thousands of dollars in college scholarships to national champions and winners of the sportsmanship award for their professional skills in the rings at the historic boardwalk’s Ringer Stadium every summer. Over 1,200 games are played over the four-day tournament, set against a backdrop of ferris wheels and rollercoasters. Champion Mibsters (marble shooters) from local tournaments around the United States compete in the big show with families and fans cheering on their support.
