What to Expect at Your First YoYo Contest
Yoyo contests are exciting! It’s not only an event to show off your skills on stage, but it gives you a chance to meet some of the top yoyo players who enjoy the same passion as you. If you’re either preparing to compete at your first yoyo competition or are simply attending to enjoy the vibes, here is a quick guide on tips, what to bring, and ultimately what to expect at your first yoyo contest.
Venue Atmosphere
Depending on the type of yoyo contest, the size can range from a more intimate gathering or a large scale event with attendees from all around the world. You can expect a lively environment with yoyo players from all different skill levels. Some of returning competitors, top yoyo social media influencers, or first time players looking to upgrade their yoyo.
One of the highlights of attending a contest is meeting other yoyo players. We’re all connected through screens to share tricks and learn on own our. But attending in person is another experience altogether. Whether you’re chatting with other people or meeting your favorite players, don’t be afraid to ask for tips or ask to learn a trick from someone. Yoyo contests have a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all skill levels.
What to bring:
- Bring sharpie for autographs (get players to autograph your yoyo)
- Yoyos you may want to trade. Players bring their cases with yoyos to sometimes trade with others or to show off their expanding collection. Hard case is a great option to carry all of your yoyos.
- Budget to purchase any special releases of yoyo. It’s a perfect place to try out yoyos before buying them (vendor booths) or other merchandise
Yoyo Competition
There are a range of categories which competitors compete in. Yoyo players typically register ahead of time and submit music to accompany their performance on stage.
Depending on the contest, some players may register to compete the day of the event.
On the highest level of contests which span multiple days, there may be multiple rounds of a particular division until a select few are competing in the final round.
There are designated practice areas for competitors to practice throughout the event.
If you are competing:
- Prepare your routine or tricks beforehand. If you are using music, bring headphones to run through your routine. There are designated practice areas for you to practice before you go on stage.
- Bring additional thin pads and yoyo strings. If not, there are booths which typically sell these necessary accessories.
- Bring “back up yoyos” with you on stage. There’s nothing worst than the feeling of getting a knot on stage and needing to get out of it if you do not have a back up yoyo to reach to on stage.
- Bring baby powder. Some players use a bit on their hands before they go on stage to prevent sweaty hands. If not, washing and drying your hands before you go on stage helps immensely.
- Stay positive. It’s natural to be nervous. Even the top players experience it.
- Have fun. Yoyoing is about enjoying yourself.
