After looking for a variety of events I have come to the conclusion everything a person or animal can do has a world championship somewhere. Cleveland had the privilege of hosting the 2016 World Yo Yo Championships at the Renaissance Hotel on Public Square. The previous year’s event was held in Tokyo, so it was a big deal to be in Cleveland.
The even had over 1,000 competitors from more than 30 countries, the majority of the contestants were from Asia, competing in five styles of play: 1A (single yo-yo), 2A (double yo-yo looping), 3A (double yo-yo sleeping), 4A (offstring) and 5A (counterweight).
We arrived to a packed hall, with people on stage practicing, while others were visiting the numerous vendors surrounding the room. We came home with a couple of yo yo’s ourselves. Not really knowing what to expect, it turned out to be a very artistic, amazing event. Who knew?