The American Cornhole Organization (ACO) is bringing the ACO Cornhole Pros to Birmingham, UK and has opened the event to the public. March 8-9.
ACO Pros from Europe and the USA will compete in various cornhole events including Singles, Doubles, Womens, Seniors, and Juniors matches all vying for their respective championship crown with a guaranteed $5,000 purse.
A Big Blind Draw is scheduled for Saturday March 8 giving all cornhole enthusiasts, from all ages, a chance to test their skills at this exciting new sport.
The ACO Europe Major cornhole tournament is in Birmingham, Statfold County Park, Ashby Road, Tamworth B79 OBU, United Kingdom.
This is the second ACO Europe Major. The inaugural ACO Europe Major was held March 2024 in Manchester with Kaleb Hurt USA winning the ACO Europe Singles Crown.
The ACO Europe Major includes events on Saturday March 8 and Subday March 9. Saturday doors open at 9am. Doubles Pool begins at 10:00 am. At 2:00 pm Doubles All Brackes (Main/Tier) finals take place. At 6:00 pm the open to the public Blind Draw takes place.
Sunday March 9 doors open 9:00 am with the Womens/Seniors/Juniors events beginning at 10:00 am.
The Singles pool begins at 12 Noon and at 2:00 pm All Singles Brackets (Main/Tier) finals will take place
For more information about this event visit ACO Europe Major Birmingham UK
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.
