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What is the King of Cornhole?
The King of Cornhole is the American Cornhole Organization’s (ACO) premier year-long singles championship title. It represents the highest achievement in professional singles cornhole competition, crowning the most consistent and dominant singles player throughout an entire competitive season.
Unlike tournament championships that are won in a single weekend, this title is earned through sustained excellence across multiple events throughout the year. It’s a true test of skill, consistency, and dedication to the sport.
How Players Earn KOC Points
The KOC standings are determined by a points-based system that rewards both participation and performance at ACO-sanctioned events.
Point Structure
Players earn King of Cornhole points based on their finishing position in singles tournaments:
- 1st Place: 100 points
- 2nd Place: 90 points
- 3rd Place: 80 points
- 4th Place: 75 points
- 5th-8th Place: 70 points
- 9th-16th Place: 60 points
- 17th-32nd Place: 50 points
- 33rd-64th Place: 40 points
- Participation: 30 points (for competing but not placing in top 64)
This structure ensures that consistently competing and advancing through brackets is rewarded, while also providing significant bonuses for top finishes.
Qualifying Events
Points can be earned at various ACO-sanctioned singles events:
- ACO Major Championships – The most prestigious events with full point allocation
- Regional Championships – Key regional competitions
- Approved League Events – Sanctioned local and regional tournaments
- World Championships – The season-ending championship event
Season Structure
The King of Cornhole race typically runs throughout the calendar year, with the season culminating at the ACO World Championships. The player who accumulates the most points across all qualifying events throughout the season is crowned King of Cornhole.
Strategy for Winning
Earning the King of Cornhole title requires strategic planning beyond just winning tournaments:
Volume Matters: Players need to compete in multiple events throughout the season. While winning tournaments is crucial, consistent participation and solid finishes across many events often outweigh a few tournament wins.
Peak Performance: Top finishes at major championships carry the same point values but often have more competitive fields, making every placement crucial.
Consistency Over Time: The best King of Cornhole contenders maintain their performance level throughout the entire season rather than having a hot streak followed by slumps.
Travel Commitment: Since points are earned at events across the country, serious contenders often need to travel extensively to maximize their opportunities to accumulate points.
Historical Significance
The King of Cornhole title has become one of the most coveted achievements in professional cornhole. Past winners have earned recognition as the sport’s elite players and often receive:
- Recognition as the year’s best singles player
- Increased sponsorship opportunities
- Automatic invitations to premier events
- A place in ACO history and record books
King of Cornhole vs. World Champion
It’s important to note that the King of Cornhole and the World Champion are not necessarily the same person:
- King of Cornhole = Best cumulative season performance
- World Champion = Winner of the season-ending championship tournament
While there’s often overlap, a player could win the World Championship but not be King of Cornhole if another player had a more consistent season overall. Conversely, the King of Cornhole might not win the World Championship but demonstrated superior consistency throughout the year.
Tracking the Standings
The ACO maintains updated King of Cornhole standings throughout the season on their official website. Players and fans can follow the race as it develops, watching how tournament results shift the standings and affect the chase for the title.
This transparency creates excitement throughout the season as players jostle for position and makes every tournament meaningful in the larger context of the year-long championship race.
The King of Cornhole represents the pinnacle of singles achievement in professional cornhole—a title that rewards not just talent, but dedication, consistency, and the grind of competing at the highest level throughout an entire season.
ACO King of Cornhole Winners (Most Recent First)
- 2024-2025 – Sebastian Barger – Most recent champion from July 2025
- 2023-2024 – Isaac Hurt
- 2022-2023 – Jeremiah Ellis
- 2021-2022 – Craig Ervin
- 2020-2021 – Gary Ferguson
- 2019-2020 – Not awarded (COVID)
- 2018-2019 – Matt Guy
- 2017-2018 – Ryan Windsor
- 2016-2017 – Jamie Graham
- 2015-2016 – Matt Guy
- 2014-2015 – Matt Guy
- 2013-2014 – Jeff Reynolds
- 2013 – Bret Guy
- 2012-2013 – Isidro Herrera
- 2011-2012 – Eric Zocklein
- 2010 – Matt Guy
- 2009 – Matt Guy
- 2008 – Matt Guy
- 2007 – Matt Guy
- 2006 – Matt Guy
Notable Facts:
- Matt Guy dominated the early era with 8 titles (2006-2010 five straight, plus 2015, 2016, and 2019)
- Sebastian Barger (#1 on your rankings list) is the current reigning King
- Isaac Hurt (#91 on your list, Lifetime ACO Pro) won in 2023-2024
- Gary Ferguson (#80 on your list, Lifetime ACO Pro) won in 2020-2021
For more information about the ACO, visit their website
