The UK Cornhole League (UKCL) is set to welcome back one of its brightest stars as reigning National Champion Richard Blanke prepares for his highly anticipated return to competition.
As season 3 continues, Blanke’s journey back to the boards promises to be a thrilling chapter in his already impressive career. His story embodies the passion, perseverance, and international camaraderie that define the UKCL experience. Fans can expect big things as the champion returns to defend his title and inspire the next generation of players.
For Blanke, it was a chance encounter with cornhole at a surf camp in France that sparked a passion that would later take him to the very top of the sport. After discovering some boards set up near the beach, he and his friends became hooked. “It was a lot of fun, and I didn’t expect cornhole to be such an addictive and versatile sport,” he recalls.
His UKCL journey began after reading about Konrad Rein, a German cornhole player competing in the UK, on the German Cornhole Organization’s website. Inspired, Blanke explored the UKCL season schedule, gathered friends, and travelled to a UK tournament. Reflecting on his UKCL debut, Blanke stated: “It was a great experience, and everybody was welcoming us with open arms. Furthermore, the events are very well organised and its great to see that you stream every tournament and commentate the games so that friends and family can see how we are performing in the UK.”
Blanke would go on to achieve great success, winning the Nationals in 2024 in emphatic fashion. Blanke describes it as an unforgettable experience. “Winning the Nationals last year was an incredible feeling, and it still makes me smile while thinking about it,” he notes. “It all comes down to one final tournament and you can’t make a lot of mistakes as there are the top players from the season competing for the title. So, I was more than happy of being able to play at a consistent level and making the right decisions in the right moment.”
With his UKCL return set for February, Blanke is excited to compete again. “I wasn’t sure if I’d make it to an event this season, so I’m more than happy to be returning,” he says. His focus has been on refining his skills, and he looks forward to testing himself against familiar competition.
Blanke also acknowledges the growing depth of talent in the league, naming Liam McGrath, Jon Stynes, Daniel Lilley, Ben Shaw, and Joshua Hiser as some of the top contenders. “The level of play is constantly rising,” stated Blanke. “I believe that every player that puts the work into the game has the ability to make a deep run in tournaments in general.”
Looking ahead, Blanke aims to elevate his game in 2025 by expanding his shot repertoire to become a more unpredictable player. His advice to new players is straightforward: “Keep working on your game, be patient, and never forget to have fun. Everyone started somewhere. Don’t be afraid to enter tournaments—connect with people, ask for advice, and enjoy the experience.”
As the Nationals draw near, Richard Blanke’s story serves as a testament to perseverance, passion, and the global reach of cornhole.
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