Meet Matthew “Panda” Barrows: The Big Personality with an Even Bigger Throw

If you’ve been to a UKCL event or spent any time at Ashby Baggers, chances are you’ve already met Matthew Barrows—although you probably know him by another name.

“Matthew who?”That’s just what it says on his tax return. To everyone else, he’s simply Panda.

Based in Derby, Panda spends his working hours behind the wheel of a flatbed HIAB HGV crane, expertly lifting and shifting all things heavy. But once the engine’s off, the only thing he’s interested in shifting is cornhole bags—and maybe the UKCL rankings.

A committed member of the Ashby Baggers Cornhole Club, Panda first picked up a bag about a year ago. In that short time, he’s become not just a familiar face, but a fan favourite on the circuit, thanks to his good-natured vibe, killer airmails, and infectious smile that rarely leaves his face—win or lose.

From HIABs to High Scores

What started as a hobby quickly turned competitive, with Panda racking up strong performances and challenging some of the league's more seasoned players. He’s got a few highlights already under his belt, but none more memorable than a 21-20 showdown with clubmate Mark Pallett—a nail-biter that had the room holding its breath and Panda’s nerves doing the hokey-cokey.

But whether it's practice nights, qualifiers, or just social throwing, Panda brings the same commitment and spirit to every toss. It’s no surprise that he’s eyeing a rankings climb at Nationals, where he’ll be looking to let those airmails fly under pressure.

All Smiles, All Heart

Away from the boards, Panda is just as passionate—whether he's gaming, watching Marvel movies, or curating his ever-growing collection of New Era fitted caps. That sense of personal style and light-hearted fun follows him to every match, helping define a personality as bold as any throw he makes.

So, what’s the goal at Nationals?

“To make my shots count, climb the table—and enjoy every second of it.”

And if there’s a few laughs (and a few Panda hugs) along the way, even better.