UK Cornhole League National Championship 2025 – A Thrilling Finale at Statfold Country Park

The UK Cornhole League (UKCL) brought its exhilarating third season to a dramatic close today at Statfold Country Park, where over 200 fiercely contested games determined the champions of 2025.

From the opening toss to the final showdown, the competition was relentless, with the most tightly matched field the league has ever seen. Predicting winners was near impossible, with every game proving to be a test of skill, strategy, and nerve.

In the Higher Tier. The top 16 players competed in four seeded groups before entering a fiercely contested double-elimination bracket. Only three players remained unbeaten: Liam McGrath, Jared Neusch, and Richard Blanke.

Conditions became increasingly challenging as humidity affected board speeds, turning many matches into tight, tactical affairs. After some epic battles the same three would emerge at the top.

McGrath remained flawless, advancing with an 8–0 record. Meanwhile, Neusch and Blanke battled for the final spot. Having previously beaten Blanke, Neusch faced a determined opponent in their rematch. The German player built a 9–0 lead, only for the American born Neusch to claw back into the game, eventually sealing a 24–20 victory with a five-point round win in the 20th end.

The final saw McGrath and Neusch face off. The match was closer than the 21–4 scoreline suggests, but McGrath, the season’s top performer, found another gear in the closing rounds, securing a dominant win and capping an extraordinary season having never been off the podium places.

Tier 1 Podium:

🥇 Liam McGrath

🥈 Jared Neusch

🥉 Richard Blanke

Meanwhile, in Tier Two. Out of 37 competitors, only six emerged from rounders with a perfect 4–0 record: Oliver Chivers, Roy Williamson, Craig Smith, Adam Knight, Dale Unwin, and Ben Gregory. The bracket battles saw strong runs from these names, culminating in a final showdown between undefeated Oliver Chivers and Scotland’s Craig Smith—who may well have made Tier 1 if he had been able to attend more qualifiers.

Smith had to fight through the losers bracket after an earlier loss to Chivers, overcoming Jeff Johnson, a Sacramento native temporarily visiting the UK. Johnson led for most of their semi-final match before Smith surged back to win 24–11.

The final was set. Chivers took an early 14-point lead, but Smith mounted a remarkable comeback, winning the game 21–16 and forcing a deciding match. With the boards slowed by humidity, Smith adapted best, building a steady lead and withstanding a late charge by Chivers to take the title 21–6 in 14 rounds.

Tier 2 Podium:

🥇 Craig Smith

🥈 Oliver Chivers

🥉 Jeff Johnson

As UKCL looks ahead to 2026, the league is gearing up for its most ambitious season yet, increasing the number of events and expanding to new locations across the country.

Stay tuned for exciting updates by following our social media channels, where we’ll unveil next season’s venues, dates, and all the action yet to come.

A massive thank you to every player, venue, supporter and not forgetting those who have given their time to set up, take down and provide refreshments who made this season unforgettable. The energy, talent, and passion on display were incredible let’s do it all again next season!