The History of Cornhole and its Current Popularity

Intro to the Game

Cornhole, often called bean bag toss by those who don’t know better, is a classic example of how a simple idea can evolve into one of the most popular outdoor games in America. The game is played by tossing bags filled with dried corn kernels—or sometimes synthetic materials—onto a raised platform with a hole at one end. The goal is to land the bag on the board for points, or better yet, sink it through the hole for a higher score. With its roots tracing back to a similar game called “Kugelbahn” in 14th-century Germany, cornhole began as a humble pastime among farmers in the Midwest, where corn was plentiful and creativity was a necessity.

Today, the game’s rich history is celebrated by organizations like the American Cornhole Association and the American Cornhole League, which have established official rules and host tournaments across the United States. Cornhole’s appeal lies in its simplicity—anyone can pick up a bag and play, regardless of age or athletic ability. Whether at family gatherings, backyard barbecues, or professional tournaments, cornhole has become a staple of American entertainment, evolving from a rural diversion into a professional sport with a passionate following.

The Mystery of Cornhole

It is relatively obvious that Cornhole is one of the most popular outdoor games in the United States. Whether you’re hosting a family or company barbecue or just having some friends over on the weekend, Cornhole is irrefutably the most desired game to have available. However, for most Cornhole enthusiasts, the history of cornhole is still somewhat of a mystery. The origins of cornhole are widely believed to be uncertain and debated, with various theories about where and how the game began. We saw this uncertainty as a challenge.

How Did Cornhole Get Its Name?

As Cornhole has become such a popular game, many have laid claim to inventing the sport. However, legend has it that a fourteenth-century cabinet maker by the name of Mr.

As Cornhole has become such a popular game, many have laid claim to inventing the sport. However, legend has it that a fourteenth-century cabinet maker by the name of Mr. Matthias Kuepermann created the game after watching children toss rocks into a nearby groundhog’s hole. Kuepermann was said to have been so concerned for the safety of the children that he utilized his carpentry skills and designed a safer game for them to play.

In exploring the origins of cornhole, it is important to note that early games like parlor quoits, which was documented in historical patent records as a game played on a raised platform with a hole, served as a significant precursor to the modern game.

So, where does the “corn” come into play? Well, during this time, corn was utilized more often as a weight rather than a food because of its abundance. Kuepermann determined a bag of corn was much safer to throw than a stone. The rest, as they say, is history.

Where Is Cornhole Popular?

Cornhole began its popularity in the midwestern states comprised mostly of farmland because, you guessed it, more corn. However, the game Cornhole emerged as a favorite pastime in Cincinnati about 15 years ago and soon spread like wildfire to back yard barbecues, beaches, breweries, and campgrounds across the United States

Bars and pubs across the United States now host regular Cornhole tournaments. The favorite game has also seen significant usage in marketing and custom Cornhole boards are regularly used at weddings and family events. There are even Cornhole classes being taught across the country.

Cornhole’s popularity isn’t limited to the United States, it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular outdoor games around the globe. Today, you’ll find cornhole tournaments and leagues in countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, each adding their own twist to the game. Some regions use different types of bags or boards, while others experiment with unique scoring systems or modified rules to suit local preferences.

International competitions, such as the Cornhole World Championship, bring together professional players from around the world to compete for top honors and showcase their skills. The game’s straightforward rules and inclusive nature make it accessible to players of all ages and backgrounds, fueling its rapid spread and growing popularity. As cornhole continues to evolve, its international recognition cements its status as a beloved sport and a fixture at gatherings, tournaments, and events worldwide.

Professional Cornhole on ESPN

Yes, you read that correctly. Cornhole has become so popular that the American Cornhole Organization’s World Championships of Cornhole X have even received airtime on ESPN. Hosted at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in North Carolina, players from around the country came to the Championships of Bags (COBS 2017) to contend for five days of Cornhole with a $50,000 cash prize at the finish line and ESPN was on-hand to catch every second of the action.There was surprisingly so much action, in fact, that the tournament even earned a larger viewing audience than Major League Baseball (on two separate networks), the Women’s National Basketball Association All-Star Game, and the final stage of the Tour de France that weekend as nearly 300,000 people tuned in to watch the tournament.

So, the next time someone tells you, “Cornhole isn’t a real game,” well…that’s simply not true.

If you want to become the next Cornhole champion, take a look at some of our specialty boards and Cornhole gear!