How to earn an ACL Pro spot

So, you think you got what it takes to be an ACL Pro?
To secure an ACL Pro spot in the upcoming season, it’s crucial to absorb this information. Although the 2025 season hasn’t even started yet, if you aspire to attain one of those coveted Pro spots, it’s essential to commence preparations immediately in order to transform your dream into a tangible achievement. Without further ado, let’s delve into the latest updates that require your undivided attention.

There are some HUGE changes for the 2025/26 Pro season but here are the Top 3.
1. The most important change is the ACL is slimming the field to only 100!! That’s right, after this season there will only be 100 ACL Pro players!
2. Another big change is that there are no longer Conferences and no longer a Top 100 list in said conference.
3. Top 5 Pro/Elite players in each state that do not re-qualify to be a pro will play in their own Pro Qualifier at the ACL World Championships with the top 6 players becoming ACL Pros the following season
4. It is going to be VERY hard to become a Pro in 2026!!

Earn a 2025/26 ACL Pro Spot

Ways to qualify for an ACL Pro spot for the 2024/25 season: 

1. Top 20 ranked ACL Pro Doubles Teams at the conclusion of the season will become ACL Pros the following season (40 players)
2. Top 32 ranked ACL Pro Singles at the conclusion of the season will become a ACL Pros the following season (up to 32 additional players)
3. Top 5 Pro/Elite players in each state points standings will play in their own Pro Qualifier at the ACL World Championships with the top 6 players becoming ACL Pros the following season (6 additional players)
4. The 4 winners of the ACL Pro Doubles Challenger brackets at the World Championships will become ACL Pros the following season (8 additional players)
5. The 8 winners of the ACL Pro Singles Challenger brackets at the World Championships will become ACL Pros the following season (8 additional players)
6. If there are less than 80 qualified players from steps #1-5, then the remaining spots to fill 80 ACL Pros will be filled top-down from ACL Pro Singles standings. If there are more than 80 players, then there will be more than 100 ACL Pros for that season.
7. The top 16 finishers at the 2025 ACL Pro Qualifier will qualify to be ACL Pros the following season. The ACL Pro Qualifier is open to all ACL members.
8. Sponsor exemption spots to be selected by the ACL if desired
9. If there are less than 100 pros based on #1-7 above after contract review, then all remaining spots will be filled top-down from ACL Pro Singles Standings who have not already qualified via 1-7 above.

What’s New for the 2026 Season?

There is a TON of new information and honestly, my head was spinning trying to make heads or tails of it. So instead of posting it all here, click here and scroll to page 8 where it starts!

Regulations

Once you earn your ACL Pro spot you are required to pay entry fees for the season up front, totaling $1,000 per player, which is highly recommended (but not required) to be paid by a sponsoring business or organization. Players who qualify for the 2023-2024 ACL Pro Divisions via the ACL Pro Qualifier can apply a $100 credit towards their entry fees. ACL Pros will sign a contract with the ACL. This will include certain restrictions and expectations. It is not a player representation contract. ACL Pros may obtain their own independent agents or represent themselves in business matters.

ACL Pros are expected to actively promote the ACL and the sport.

Officially licensed ACL Pro jerseys may be purchased directly through the ACL, or another officially licensed ACL distributor. Purchasing of these jerseys is not required. In the event of an ACL Pro reaching a nationally televised game and does not have an ACL Pro jersey, they will be provided a generic ACL Pro jersey.

ACL Pros are expected to play in only ACL points events or approved special events, no other nationally organized Cornhole association tournaments are permitted.

ACL Pros are expected to honor agreements with any sponsors.

ACL Pros are held to the highest standards found in the ACL Player Code of Conduct.

ACL Pros will no longer be permitted to participate in Competitive, Intermediate, or Novice division tournaments at ACL World Championships. For Open, Conference, Regional, and Local events, ACL Pros are required to compete in the Advanced or Open division

ACL Pros are expected to maintain a positive social media presence that facilitates the growth of the game.

ACL Pros are expected to attend and be seated for all ESPN and CBS Telecasts when attending events and seats are available.

ACL Pros are required to use officially licensed ACL Pro bags in all ACL Singles and Doubles tournaments (not required for Blind Draws).

Check the full ACL Schedule of events here

This is the information we have about ACL pro spots and it comes directly from the ACL. For more info, visit their website directly and be sure to tell them, you heard about it on Cornhole Addicts. This is subject to change and if it does, we will make the appropriate changes here.