(North Platte, Nebraska) – The third annual National Avocado Launching Championship came to a close Saturday afternoon after a day filled with comradery, competition, and of course, flying avocados.
This unique sporting event, at Pals Brewing Company in North Platte, consisted of a Friday night event for the contestants. They were given the opportunity to test out their launching mechanisms one last time and get a feel for where the competition would be taking place. After five hours of test launches the evening ended and the anticipation of Saturday morning was high.
The National Avocado Launching Championship began at 10:20am on Saturday. Contestants played through two rounds of pool play, followed by a 16-team single elimination bracket. The launching mechanisms ranged from trebuchets to water balloon launchers, spring-loaded devices to mounted crossbow-like contraptions, and more. The dedication and creativity the teams brought to the competition was incredible. Spectators cheered on the teams and many patrons of Pals Brewing came to take a look as well. After hours of competition, avocado mascot races, and trips to grab brews and food from Pals, the 2024 National Avocado Launching champion was declared!
Team Holy Guacamole of North Platte came in first place. Team captain Brian Johnston and his teammates Joe Staroska and Jeff Pearsal were awarded $3,500 and ultimate glory. The runner up was Brown Sugar 2.0 of North Platte. Team captain Daniel Vega and his teammates were the proud winners of $2,000. The other two teams to win prize money were Libertarian Launchers of Sidney and Avid/Candlewood Suites North Platte. Both teams were awarded $750.
Visit North Platte wants to thank their sponsors the U.S. Army, Allo Communications, Pals Brewing Company, the Western Nebraska Craft Beer Festival, the Walmart Distribution Center, the Lincoln County Historical Museum, Dusty Trails, and Double Dips Ice Creamery as well as all the competitors, volunteers, spectators, and everyone else who played a part in making the 2024 National Avocado Launching Championship not only successful, but incredibly fun!
Follow Visit North Platte and National Avocado Launching Championship on Facebook for upcoming information regarding the fourth annual National Avocado Launching Championship, coming to North Platte in 2025!
