Date: Mar 24, 2021
Today marks one year since the WSSA launched StackMatch, a daily, online competition platform.
This program had been in development for a few years by Aaron Goers and Chad Smith who were able to make it available for stackers when in-person competitions were cancelled in the spring of 2020. The platform allows stackers to upload their best times each day in the 3-3-3, 3-6-3 and Cycle and earn points based on each day's standings. This allows stackers of all abilities to compete against each other because stackers earn more points if they participate more often and not just for being the fastest each day. StackMatch relies on peer judging with the best 2 out of 3 judges deciding if a stack is clean. StackMatch also provides the opportunity for stackers to compete in 5 different freestyles each month.
Over the past year, 411 participants from 25 countries have participated in StackMatch. Top countries are the US with 166 participants and Malaysia with 102 participants. Special recognition goes to Ethan Austin of the United States who has competed in the most matches (1,001) with Laura Beacom of the United Kingdom coming just behind him at (1,000). Laura was the all-time leader in points for most of the year, but just this past week, Alexander Engell-Hedager Damkjaer from Denmark closed the gap and pulled into the lead. He ended the year with 38,478 points. Laura had 38,399 points and Betsy Sanchez of the United States came in 3rd place for this first year of StackMatch with 33,761 points. The WSSA is sending a free set of cups to each of these stackers in congratulations of their accomplishments!
You can see full stats and learn how to participate at online.thewssa.com
The WSSA looks forward to continuing this platform and welcomes everyone to participate!