Think You Can Master Kubb? Prove It at the 2025 Beloit Kubb Open

Ever wanted to impress your friends with an obscure backyard game that sounds like something out of a Viking movie? Here's your chance! The Beloit Kubb Open is back, with cash prizes, and even a free hotel stay for one lucky early registrant.

How to Play Kubb (Or at Least Pretend You Know How)

Kubb is that backyard game you’ve probably seen at a cookout but assumed was some ancient Viking ritual. Turns out, you’re not entirely wrong—it’s often called "Viking Chess."

The goal? Knock over wooden blocks (kubbs pronounced "coobs") by tossing wooden batons, and if you do it well enough, you’ll get to take down the king piece for victory.

I joined my neighbor at the time after watching through the window and wondering what they were doing. Plus, the full cooler and smoking grill was an added incentive. After a few bottles from that cooler, I realized my aim was about as reliable as a weather forecast.

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Beloit’s Kubb Open: Where Glory, Cash, and Hotel Stays Await

On August 9, 2025, Beloit is throwing the Midwest’s most exciting Kubb tournament, the Beloit Kubb Open at Pohlman Field. This isn't just a casual backyard match—it’s a competition where skill (or luck) could earn you a slice of over $1,100 in cash prizes.

According to the news release, since 2014, more than $11,000 has been awarded, so if you’ve ever dreamed of making money by chucking wood, here’s your shot.

Sign Up Early, Maybe Win a Free Hotel Stay

If you register by March 17, 2025, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a one-night hotel stay on the night of the tournament. Even if you don’t win, at least you’ll have a great excuse to escape reality for a night.

Event organizers expect over 40 teams to battle it out in Beloit’s 11th annual tournament. Sign up now at visitbeloit.com/kubb or visit their Facebook page for more info. Got questions? Email matt@visitbeloit.com.

Now go practice—because nobody wants to be the team that can’t hit a kubb to save their life.