UK Cornhole Returns in Style – American Elijah Wood Steals the Spotlight

Brent Cross played host to a thrilling return for UK Cornhole as the UKCL launched its biggest season yet inside the impressive indoor baseball arena, THE108 London. With fresh energy, brand-new Hickory’s Smokehouse-sponsored boards gleaming under the lights, the stage was set for a season opener unlike any other.

From the moment players arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Veterans embraced like old friends while newcomers took in the surroundings with wide-eyed excitement. Before long, the chatter gave way to the thud of bags on polished wood as competitors warmed up for what promised to be an unforgettable day.

The opening rounders wasted no time delivering drama. Only three players emerged unbeaten with perfect 4–0 records: UK regulars Daniel Lilley and Jon Stynes, joined by a surprise visitor from across the Atlantic - Elijah Wood of Maine, USA.

Meanwhile, the battle for places in Tier 1 went down to the very last game, with Vikki Biddulph seizing her spot with win against GR8 teammate Matthew ‘Panda’ Barrows at the expense of Tony Gavan in a nail-biting finish.

Tier 1 Recap:

Once the main event began, the double-elimination format quickly claimed some big-name casualties, but it would be Season 3 reigning national champion, Liam McGrath who would face off against  the unknown American for’ King Seat’, Wood delivered a statement to quickly proved he was no tourist, his sharp throwing and calm under pressure saw him power through the bracket and into the coveted King Seat match. Having already edged McGrath 21–20 in an earlier round, the American turned on the style with a commanding 21–11 victory, announcing his presence to the arena and dropping the champion into the losers’ bracket.

Meanwhile, event organiser Nick Pettitt mounted his own charge, toppling Richard Macdonald, Chris Webster, Dale Unwin, and last year’s No. 2 Jared Neusch to the place showdown. His run ended at the hands of McGrath, but giving him his first podium place at national level, McGrath who had proved his mettle set up a dramatic final rematch with the American challenger.

The Final: A Battle for the Ages

The championship match began as a tactical duel, with six of the opening seven rounds ending level. Then McGrath, took the first serious points and surged ahead to a commanding 10–0 lead. Victory seemed inevitable.

But Elijah Wood had not flown across the Atlantic to bow out quietly. With ice in his veins, he produced a four-bagger to seize momentum  and begin clawing back point by point. The tension mounted as the scoreboard tightened, every throw carrying the weight of the title.

By Round 22, the impossible had happened: the scores were tied at 17–17. One mistake could prove fatal. Under the pressure, Wood held firm. The American sealed the final rounds with clinical precision, toppling the champion and securing a dramatic 21–17 triumph.

Tier 1 Top 5

1st - Elijah Wood (Maine, USA)

2nd - Liam McGrath (Wandsworth Whirlwinds)

3rd - Nick Pettitt (Ashby Baggers)

4th - Jared Neusch (Solent Cornhole)

5th - (Joint) Jon Stynes (Featherstone Flyers) Dale Unwin (Ashby Baggers)

Tier 2 Recap:

With the start of the day quickly splitting the field into two groups, Tier 2 shaped up to be a fiercely contested bracket.

Two names not many would have expected to see took the early initiative: Tony Gavan and Alistair Pettitt. Both had only just earned their Pro shirts for the season but hadn’t adjusted to the new qualifying format that would carry more jeopardy than in previous seasons and, on a 2 win 2 loss result along with 15 other players had a lower points ratio and found themselves in Tier 2, but as front runners for the title.

The pair carved their way through the competition and met in the King Seat match, where Ashby Baggers’ Pettitt emerged victorious, sending Snipers Cornhole’s Gavan down to the loser's bracket.

Meanwhile, Lincoln Imps’ Ian Biddulph put together a strong run to reach the 3rd place playoff game against Gavan - win, and he would earn crack at Pettitt in the final; lose and he would settle for 3rd overall. For the second time in the day, Gavan triumphed, punching his ticket into to the final, Biddulph taking 3rd.

Well accustomed to sparring in club matches, Pettitt and Gavan know each other’s styles inside and out. That showed in the final:

Pettitt takes the early advantage:  8-0

Gavan clawing it back 11-8

Gavan goes ahead: 11-12,

Pettitt piles on the pressure: 17-12

Pettitt seals the Tier 2 title: 21-12

Tier 2 Top 5

1st - Alistair Pettitt (Ashby Baggers)

2nd - Tony Gavan (Snipers Cornhole)

3rd - Ian Biddulph (Lincoln Imps)

4th - Aaron Whited (Bury Baggers)

5th (Joint) – Marv Kershaw (Manchester Cornhole), Michael Babler (Bury Baggers)

Juniors Ranking

1st - Austin Pettitt (Ashby Baggers)

2nd (Joint) - Maddy Hiser (Bury Baggers), Elliott Hiser (Bury Baggers), Lily Farmer (Solent Cornhole)

Females Ranking

1st - Vikki Biddulph (Lincoln Imps)

2nd - Helen Harkness (Featherstone Flyers)

3rd - Hellie Phillips (Wandsworth Whirlwinds)

4th - Pauline Pettitt (Ashby Baggers)

UK Cornhole is BACK!

If the opening event was anything to go by, this season is shaping up to be an absolute thriller. The battles were fierce, the surprises kept coming, and the competition level is higher than ever.

And we’re only just getting started… Next stop: Open 2 at Ashby De La Zouch on 11th October.

Mark your calendars — you won’t want to miss it!