Where is it being held?
St Marys Supporters Club, Christie Rd, Lewes BN7 1PL.
When?
Saturday 3rd October, 2026
Time?
3pm. There will be an hour for warm up at doors open, and time to warm up before matches. There are no warm ups between rounds. Do not arrive before doors open, even if you are bringing tables. This year they will be collected if this is an issue. Please do not arrive needing the toilet as we can't let people in until 3pm.
St Marys Supporters Club, Christie Rd, Lewes BN7 1PL.
When?
Saturday 3rd October, 2026
Time?
3pm. There will be an hour for warm up at doors open, and time to warm up before matches. There are no warm ups between rounds. Do not arrive before doors open, even if you are bringing tables. This year they will be collected if this is an issue. Please do not arrive needing the toilet as we can't let people in until 3pm.
Can I get on the waiting list? Of course. To join the new Waiting List please email us through the DropBox page. Or if you know Jonny, (the main organiser) contact him direct via WhatsApp, in person or through the socials. Or you can try via Game of Toads on Facebook with an invite request. Please send us your number for WhatsApp and email address.
What's the likelihood of people dropping out? Ten per cent, so about five to seven spots. Stay tuned to this site and the Game of Toads Facebook group and we will alert you. We can't stop those with unwanted spots passing them on though.
But you told me...
All the info is here.
What's the likelihood of people dropping out? Ten per cent, so about five to seven spots. Stay tuned to this site and the Game of Toads Facebook group and we will alert you. We can't stop those with unwanted spots passing them on though.
But you told me...
All the info is here.
When is the draw? The night before the tournament.
I didn't get in, what do I do? Just keep an eye out for WTSC updates on the Game of Toads group on Facebook and in the WTSC Waiting List WhatsApp group. We expect a ten per cent drop-off of players come nearer the time. There are no guarantees and no refunds I'm afraid, the latter being due to website and admin remuneration for work and planning.
'I don't want to waste a twelve-fifty entry because I don't think I'll get past the first round'. Is that a winning attitude? It's the same for everyone. But it is best of 5. Straight knockout is the most fair and certain system we have so far.
We'd need a bigger venue for group stages or a Swiss style tournament etc where there would be more participants. There is a First Round Club, of which I have belonged to... twice. Financially we're also remunerating for the admin, planning, hire, the sense of occasion and being with toad mates from 3pm to late in a lovely long bar with reduced prices - as well as entry to the competition. With the 8 different toads tables the warm up hour alone is also a busy version of toad heaven.
'It's all a bit serious for me.' You'll find you'll be with inclusive, like-minded people who understand the game is a mix of the absurd with a paradoxical, almost pathological desire to win. Is there such thing as a toads player who doesn't want to do well?
Why have you chosen Table 'X' when you know it's difficult for me? A common gripe we get is from those who want a set of tables to help guarantee them a win. Nobody can agree on all the tables as all players have different preferences and styles. How can it possibly be personal when there are sixty-four players? Plus there are seven other tables in the draw. Plus you get four-five weeks out to practise on them. So when you whinge, you look silly.
The tables don't suit my game? I would argue our so-called 'worst' table is actually the most difficult one, for most players. The actual 'condition' of it is as good if not better than some other tournament tables. What some people get wrong when they whinge is that they are talking about the way it plays in relation to their throw, so then their throw is inappropriate if they want to land or hole.
Surely a new lead doesn't mean its like a normal pub experience? The Black Horse in Lewes and many league pubs like the Caxton in Brighton replace their leads annually. You can't get more established than that. When it's changed people also whinge about it, but toads players whinge when the tables don't suit their game. A new lead is a level playing surface for everyone and by the time we've had Warm Up Hour, the leads will be embedded.
Can you be fair about tables? What we can do is optimise the parity, so we offer up practise time in situ of the original venue a month before the event - does any other tournament do this? - plus we offer a pre-tournament warm-up hour, plus you can have an agreed 5 to ten-minute warm-up before your match. To then whinge you don't have a chance or that we have somehow fixed it against you is cringeworthy and only shows you're either gaming us or insecure. Complainers are definitely not pretending, as they later like to claim.
Is that all there is involved in the decision-making for tables? Do you go to the pubs? The criteria are outlined above in the tables section in detail, but bear in mind, we also visit pubs a number of times before deciding on tables. For example, we went to three different pubs twice and the deciding venue three times before inviting the owners to lend out the one table that ticked all our boxes, so it's not as straightforward as you think. Some owners also say no. Plus, and this important, many key tables are unavailable due to being league 'match leads' that are locked away, so either won't be lent out or allowed to be played in public.
'I don't want to waste a twelve-fifty entry because I don't think I'll get past the first round'. Is that a winning attitude? It's the same for everyone. But it is best of 5. Straight knockout is the most fair and certain system we have so far.
We'd need a bigger venue for group stages or a Swiss style tournament etc where there would be more participants. There is a First Round Club, of which I have belonged to... twice. Financially we're also remunerating for the admin, planning, hire, the sense of occasion and being with toad mates from 3pm to late in a lovely long bar with reduced prices - as well as entry to the competition. With the 8 different toads tables the warm up hour alone is also a busy version of toad heaven.
'It's all a bit serious for me.' You'll find you'll be with inclusive, like-minded people who understand the game is a mix of the absurd with a paradoxical, almost pathological desire to win. Is there such thing as a toads player who doesn't want to do well?
Why have you chosen Table 'X' when you know it's difficult for me? A common gripe we get is from those who want a set of tables to help guarantee them a win. Nobody can agree on all the tables as all players have different preferences and styles. How can it possibly be personal when there are sixty-four players? Plus there are seven other tables in the draw. Plus you get four-five weeks out to practise on them. So when you whinge, you look silly.
The tables don't suit my game? I would argue our so-called 'worst' table is actually the most difficult one, for most players. The actual 'condition' of it is as good if not better than some other tournament tables. What some people get wrong when they whinge is that they are talking about the way it plays in relation to their throw, so then their throw is inappropriate if they want to land or hole.
Surely a new lead doesn't mean its like a normal pub experience? The Black Horse in Lewes and many league pubs like the Caxton in Brighton replace their leads annually. You can't get more established than that. When it's changed people also whinge about it, but toads players whinge when the tables don't suit their game. A new lead is a level playing surface for everyone and by the time we've had Warm Up Hour, the leads will be embedded.
Can you be fair about tables? What we can do is optimise the parity, so we offer up practise time in situ of the original venue a month before the event - does any other tournament do this? - plus we offer a pre-tournament warm-up hour, plus you can have an agreed 5 to ten-minute warm-up before your match. To then whinge you don't have a chance or that we have somehow fixed it against you is cringeworthy and only shows you're either gaming us or insecure. Complainers are definitely not pretending, as they later like to claim.
Is that all there is involved in the decision-making for tables? Do you go to the pubs? The criteria are outlined above in the tables section in detail, but bear in mind, we also visit pubs a number of times before deciding on tables. For example, we went to three different pubs twice and the deciding venue three times before inviting the owners to lend out the one table that ticked all our boxes, so it's not as straightforward as you think. Some owners also say no. Plus, and this important, many key tables are unavailable due to being league 'match leads' that are locked away, so either won't be lent out or allowed to be played in public.
Do players really need to be there at 3pm? Yes, for the Sign in, Warm up Hour, WTSC Orientation Film, Q and A and first Table Draw. There are no warm ups between rounds. Once we have done the first Table Draw players can come and go, but run the risk of missing and forfeiting their match if late. We obviously can't organise the tournament around one player's schedule. Being there means you get a leads up on the tables, and your value from the day.
Will there be filming again this year?
If there is they will be instinctively discreet and still. They are professional and friendly people with a genuine interest in the game. Please feel free to talk to them and share your stories, if they attend.
Do you blacklist anyone? No, we invite people to behave well. If they can't we deal with that discreetly, fairly and as soon as possible. We're not a secret closed doors society and are open to challenges and feedback. At the same time we know when people are taking the mickey and will confront them head on. There is a big difference between agreeing to disagree and being out of order. It's all about behaviour.
How do you deal with unruly behaviour then? At the tournament yobbish individuals are invited outside to discuss the situation. Its in the rules under No Yobbery. This obviously extends to outside the tournament if someone is taking beefs too far between us or other players. We will ask for an explanation, apology or both and if none is forthcoming we can't afford to facilitate their appearance. The tournament can't condone or be complicit in toxic behaviour or facilitate the inhibiting of anyone else's enjoyment or safety because of a socially reckless individual.
Why aren't there more women in the tournament? There have been six female players involved in the WTSC. When people blame men for the lack of female entries that is just sexist. All players just need to practise more if they want to compete in the top hop flight. We do make a special point of inviting the best female players but we can't keep chasing people.
Perhaps boys are predisposed to games and sport techniques more like they did at school, but thisis a societal issue which is changing right now.
As far as Toads is concerned it's already inclusive, and there is seldom judgement or resentment, where the better players practise a lot and enter competitions and leagues which are open to all genders and persuasions. All the best women players are highly regarded, loved and respected. And Tayla Evans scored her first 8 at the WTSC25 🥳
What do you win? Along with the honour of being crowned "World Champion", you'll receive the gold-leafed Toadstone Trophy aka Mr 'Bufo' Toad to guard over for a year, picture left. It weighs just about a kilogram less than the football world cup.
Layered with bufonite and gold leaf the oak-disc base represents the four coins used in Toad-in-the-Hole. You'll get your name on the trophy engraved on a special tag placed on the oak coin stack that Bufo sits on. Legend has it his bufonite-layered centre will protect you from poison (!) 😂 Above Bufo is pictured on his visit to the trophy and engraving shop in Hangleton, where upon its arrival, the owner said: "I was not expecting that!'
We have some sponsorship things in the pipeline, it just takes a bit of negotiation and organising.
Will there be filming again this year?
If there is they will be instinctively discreet and still. They are professional and friendly people with a genuine interest in the game. Please feel free to talk to them and share your stories, if they attend.
Do you blacklist anyone? No, we invite people to behave well. If they can't we deal with that discreetly, fairly and as soon as possible. We're not a secret closed doors society and are open to challenges and feedback. At the same time we know when people are taking the mickey and will confront them head on. There is a big difference between agreeing to disagree and being out of order. It's all about behaviour.
How do you deal with unruly behaviour then? At the tournament yobbish individuals are invited outside to discuss the situation. Its in the rules under No Yobbery. This obviously extends to outside the tournament if someone is taking beefs too far between us or other players. We will ask for an explanation, apology or both and if none is forthcoming we can't afford to facilitate their appearance. The tournament can't condone or be complicit in toxic behaviour or facilitate the inhibiting of anyone else's enjoyment or safety because of a socially reckless individual.
Why aren't there more women in the tournament? There have been six female players involved in the WTSC. When people blame men for the lack of female entries that is just sexist. All players just need to practise more if they want to compete in the top hop flight. We do make a special point of inviting the best female players but we can't keep chasing people.
Perhaps boys are predisposed to games and sport techniques more like they did at school, but thisis a societal issue which is changing right now.
As far as Toads is concerned it's already inclusive, and there is seldom judgement or resentment, where the better players practise a lot and enter competitions and leagues which are open to all genders and persuasions. All the best women players are highly regarded, loved and respected. And Tayla Evans scored her first 8 at the WTSC25 🥳
What do you win? Along with the honour of being crowned "World Champion", you'll receive the gold-leafed Toadstone Trophy aka Mr 'Bufo' Toad to guard over for a year, picture left. It weighs just about a kilogram less than the football world cup.
Layered with bufonite and gold leaf the oak-disc base represents the four coins used in Toad-in-the-Hole. You'll get your name on the trophy engraved on a special tag placed on the oak coin stack that Bufo sits on. Legend has it his bufonite-layered centre will protect you from poison (!) 😂 Above Bufo is pictured on his visit to the trophy and engraving shop in Hangleton, where upon its arrival, the owner said: "I was not expecting that!'
We have some sponsorship things in the pipeline, it just takes a bit of negotiation and organising.
Why is the format straight knockout?
The tournament is not a pub or taproom event designed to keep people drinking, despite the fact we enjoy those competitions very much as well. The WTSC however is a serious competition to find out who the best player is. It's based on the skill of being able to land and hole on a toads table.
We've gone for straight knockout as this is how most 'pro' tournaments are structured and the fact there's no debate about winning and losing. We make the matches best of five instead of three, so there is better chance to make a match of it.
Will you be on hand during the tournament? I will greet, present the front end, answer any questions and then launch the event, but not act as steward. All the answers are here and the tables are self-governing, so between three of you, the scorer and players, you should be able to come to a decision in case of a rare issue. Players tend to err on the side of the scorer's decision. If you have questions ask them at the beginning or during the draws.
Are spectators welcome? Only if they understand it's a tournament and not to get drunk and step all over the oches or mess about in line of player sight. Club members need to know we have paid to hire the room for the day and invested in everything else so to please respect the games in progress.
Can Club members enter the WTSC?
Of course. Like any other player they need to send us their details and they can get on the Waiting List.
Do people who provide tables have an advantage? Not really. There's a one in eight probability they will end up on their 'home' table in the first round and by probabilities a 52% chance of playing it en route: if they reach the final. This can be applied to any specific individual table. So the chance you play on a home or bogey table once or twice altogether is about 1 in 2, again only on the way to the final. The chances of playing 6 different ones for a finalist is 7%.
For table-owners or regulars who use that table or have won tournaments on them, there's also the added pressure of the expectation they will be good.
For people providing tables, coins should be ready on pick up or delivery.
All player have a heads up about the tables and lengths so can prepare accordingly.
The tournament is not a pub or taproom event designed to keep people drinking, despite the fact we enjoy those competitions very much as well. The WTSC however is a serious competition to find out who the best player is. It's based on the skill of being able to land and hole on a toads table.
We've gone for straight knockout as this is how most 'pro' tournaments are structured and the fact there's no debate about winning and losing. We make the matches best of five instead of three, so there is better chance to make a match of it.
Will you be on hand during the tournament? I will greet, present the front end, answer any questions and then launch the event, but not act as steward. All the answers are here and the tables are self-governing, so between three of you, the scorer and players, you should be able to come to a decision in case of a rare issue. Players tend to err on the side of the scorer's decision. If you have questions ask them at the beginning or during the draws.
Are spectators welcome? Only if they understand it's a tournament and not to get drunk and step all over the oches or mess about in line of player sight. Club members need to know we have paid to hire the room for the day and invested in everything else so to please respect the games in progress.
Can Club members enter the WTSC?
Of course. Like any other player they need to send us their details and they can get on the Waiting List.
Do people who provide tables have an advantage? Not really. There's a one in eight probability they will end up on their 'home' table in the first round and by probabilities a 52% chance of playing it en route: if they reach the final. This can be applied to any specific individual table. So the chance you play on a home or bogey table once or twice altogether is about 1 in 2, again only on the way to the final. The chances of playing 6 different ones for a finalist is 7%.
For table-owners or regulars who use that table or have won tournaments on them, there's also the added pressure of the expectation they will be good.
For people providing tables, coins should be ready on pick up or delivery.
All player have a heads up about the tables and lengths so can prepare accordingly.
History of the WTSC
The WTSC - World Toads Singles Championship - is now in it's fifth inleadible year. In 2022 sixteen of the best Toads players came together to compete rallied round by organiser Jonny Wills. In 2023 that number doubled to 32 and in 2024 and 2025 that number doubled as well. This year there will again be sixty-four players, making it the largest singles tournament in the known history of the game.
The WTSC is held at St Marys Supporters Club in Lewes, a private members venue renowned for it's sport and games-playing history and it's famously long bar counter.
What are the WTSC's intentions and how does it distinguish itself? The tournament seeks to make itself a beacon for fair play and non-competitive edging and uses eight different Toads tables to represent the idiosyncrasies inherent in the game. As well as the general rules of Toad-in-the-Hole it has it's own WTSC Rules and Guidelines including self-governing oches where other players are invited to score or be the 'Toadrunner'.
The WTSC is aware the game is both multi-levelled and absurd and welcomes serious competitors finding their Toads home among friends. To this end the event itself celebrates the game with humour, a bespoke orientation film and soundtrack, keen organisation and solid structure for serious competition.
Players meet with other enthusiasts in the community in an atmosphere geared towards fellowship and fair play and tend to have a brilliant day regardless of how far they progress in the tournament. This year the tournament brings together all the communities of Toads, including Brighton, Lewes, Lincoln and London; East, West and Mid-Sussex, plus players for the first time from Germany.
The WTSC - World Toads Singles Championship - is now in it's fifth inleadible year. In 2022 sixteen of the best Toads players came together to compete rallied round by organiser Jonny Wills. In 2023 that number doubled to 32 and in 2024 and 2025 that number doubled as well. This year there will again be sixty-four players, making it the largest singles tournament in the known history of the game.
The WTSC is held at St Marys Supporters Club in Lewes, a private members venue renowned for it's sport and games-playing history and it's famously long bar counter.
What are the WTSC's intentions and how does it distinguish itself? The tournament seeks to make itself a beacon for fair play and non-competitive edging and uses eight different Toads tables to represent the idiosyncrasies inherent in the game. As well as the general rules of Toad-in-the-Hole it has it's own WTSC Rules and Guidelines including self-governing oches where other players are invited to score or be the 'Toadrunner'.
The WTSC is aware the game is both multi-levelled and absurd and welcomes serious competitors finding their Toads home among friends. To this end the event itself celebrates the game with humour, a bespoke orientation film and soundtrack, keen organisation and solid structure for serious competition.
Players meet with other enthusiasts in the community in an atmosphere geared towards fellowship and fair play and tend to have a brilliant day regardless of how far they progress in the tournament. This year the tournament brings together all the communities of Toads, including Brighton, Lewes, Lincoln and London; East, West and Mid-Sussex, plus players for the first time from Germany.
Do you really have to plan the event?
Yes, and the help we have received through our friends at St Marys in making the event a success has been outstanding and we are very grateful. Obviously we have paid money to hire the main room of the venue, so we assume that everyone wants us there and for all to have a good time.
Prior to the event, we submit a plan that is ratified by the club committee and organise the room accordingly. As it is an important event for the Toads community and Sussex, now gaining a niche amount of national and international traction, we hope members will understand the room will be a little different to other days and refrain from playing on the toads tables - as they don't belong to us - when the event is in progress.
If any members still have a problem please contact organiser and St Marys club member Jonny Wills directly and he will gladly answer your questions, or he will come and find you and address the matter in person. We have instructed our welcome hosts to invite everyone to remember to sign in: players, members and spectators, to insure accountability and a cordial atmosphere, so that we know everyone is there to make the day a nice one for all.
How can I guarantee entry if a space comes up? By paying to confirm you're coming when asked to do so. Please bear in mind this is a standalone private club event not a pub or league one
Yes, and the help we have received through our friends at St Marys in making the event a success has been outstanding and we are very grateful. Obviously we have paid money to hire the main room of the venue, so we assume that everyone wants us there and for all to have a good time.
Prior to the event, we submit a plan that is ratified by the club committee and organise the room accordingly. As it is an important event for the Toads community and Sussex, now gaining a niche amount of national and international traction, we hope members will understand the room will be a little different to other days and refrain from playing on the toads tables - as they don't belong to us - when the event is in progress.
If any members still have a problem please contact organiser and St Marys club member Jonny Wills directly and he will gladly answer your questions, or he will come and find you and address the matter in person. We have instructed our welcome hosts to invite everyone to remember to sign in: players, members and spectators, to insure accountability and a cordial atmosphere, so that we know everyone is there to make the day a nice one for all.
How can I guarantee entry if a space comes up? By paying to confirm you're coming when asked to do so. Please bear in mind this is a standalone private club event not a pub or league one
Are all abilities welcome? Yes. Toads is an inclusive and levelling game. We will spread out the levels and draw out of a hat to balance things out and give everyone a fair crack. The standard though is generally very high. The tables are diverse, but of course there many variables with how players enjoy the game, and the best the WTSC can do is facilitate eight different tables to reflect that. The tournament is not just for the best players, it's for all competitors. The hop flight players already get their due as seeds.
How do you do the draw?
Out in the open. No secret Illuminatoads Societies here. This stops doubts that the event is being fiddled in some way, or to the advantage of those running it. Well it's just me and my sister, so.... eh-hum. The plan for the draws is above under the heading: FORMAT
Do you take toads seriously or is it just fun? Be aware this is a serious yet friendly event and draws the connoisseurs and competition-orientated players of the game. Everyone wants to win - even the bitter pub newbies that rig events so anyone, or they in particular can win - as you can see that on their faces when they do. And we all already know it's an absurd, beguiling game, so at this level the absurdity of Toads is even more refined!
Don't be put off though, because you couldn't meet a profoundly cooler bunch of people. It's just that the WTSC ethos is based on practised skill.
How do you do the draw?
Out in the open. No secret Illuminatoads Societies here. This stops doubts that the event is being fiddled in some way, or to the advantage of those running it. Well it's just me and my sister, so.... eh-hum. The plan for the draws is above under the heading: FORMAT
Do you take toads seriously or is it just fun? Be aware this is a serious yet friendly event and draws the connoisseurs and competition-orientated players of the game. Everyone wants to win - even the bitter pub newbies that rig events so anyone, or they in particular can win - as you can see that on their faces when they do. And we all already know it's an absurd, beguiling game, so at this level the absurdity of Toads is even more refined!
Don't be put off though, because you couldn't meet a profoundly cooler bunch of people. It's just that the WTSC ethos is based on practised skill.
What happens if I'm late?
Matches will carry on regardless of a no-show or if you are late. Please don't wander off if you have an imminent match. Just listen out for when the music goes off and announcements are happening. BTW: There are no refunds, as we blew the budget long ago. Examples are: doing at admin at midnight for players paying after the pub, talking in venues to explain everything, social media posting etc. The list is as endless as you want to make it.
Matches will carry on regardless of a no-show or if you are late. Please don't wander off if you have an imminent match. Just listen out for when the music goes off and announcements are happening. BTW: There are no refunds, as we blew the budget long ago. Examples are: doing at admin at midnight for players paying after the pub, talking in venues to explain everything, social media posting etc. The list is as endless as you want to make it.
What's the difference between the 'Lewes Worlds' in April and the WTSC 2023 in October? Yes, we have been asked this question 😂 Ours is a singles event designed to find the best player and 'World Champion' across 8 different tables, principally how the game is normally played – one on one – when you walk into different venues. The oche lengths respect the original venues.
The WTSC is held at a private members club and from a competition point of view separates out the home-table champions to see who has really got game. For some it works like a New Year celebration for the new season.
The Lewes Worlds in April is like a brilliant 'Toads Christmas' end of season event at Lewes Corn Exchange with approximately 200 in attendance. The matches are for teams of four – like a last round league match – on eight near-identical sheet-lead tables, so strategically, it's a different approach. The ethos is to let the tables stay the way they are without maintenance where the holes close up: which means toads get stuck in the hole more and the games are more often than not, low-scoring.
The WTSC looks to limit happenstance and keep the holes as open as possible to measure players' skill at landing AND holing, making it a tournament for dedicated players, and less so, casual ones. As there are eight different tables, the holes vary in size and offer unique scoring possibilities and puzzles for players anyway.
The WTSC is held at a private members club and from a competition point of view separates out the home-table champions to see who has really got game. For some it works like a New Year celebration for the new season.
The Lewes Worlds in April is like a brilliant 'Toads Christmas' end of season event at Lewes Corn Exchange with approximately 200 in attendance. The matches are for teams of four – like a last round league match – on eight near-identical sheet-lead tables, so strategically, it's a different approach. The ethos is to let the tables stay the way they are without maintenance where the holes close up: which means toads get stuck in the hole more and the games are more often than not, low-scoring.
The WTSC looks to limit happenstance and keep the holes as open as possible to measure players' skill at landing AND holing, making it a tournament for dedicated players, and less so, casual ones. As there are eight different tables, the holes vary in size and offer unique scoring possibilities and puzzles for players anyway.
Where does my entry fee go, I usually don't have to pay for toads etc?
We've hired a private club and spend the year on and off, organising the tournament. A normal pub or taproom puts on events to make a great day and sell beer and food. They are designed to keep you there, so they are mostly free. Or of course, maybe your admin fees for other events are paid for by someone else?
The WTSC is a standalone private event to facilitate toads-playing connoisseurs to enjoy their beloved game of 'drops' in an optimum environment without distraction or yobbery.
The ongoing work I do as WTSC Organiser throughout the year equates to all-hours admin, emails, SMSs, FB messages, WhatsApp messages, social media, promotion, marketing, artwork, website hosting, networking, data curation, liaising with facilitators, discussing seeding with experienced players, and fielding questions from potential participants - every time I go out😂.
There is always something to update every week and daily in the build up, where the tournament has expenses for preparation, transport, event set-up and set-down, and of course the making of player framework and infamous orientation film. Still, Benton Wieldy, Jim Rosentode, Sean Connery and Michael Balls have all kindly waived their fees.
All of the above is done as a passion hobby and there is no profit, as you can calculate by adding up the hours from all the activities. Please don't be flippant and start rumours, just imagine if you want to bother doing it. And no, I didn't nick this idea off anyone, it was born at a Lewes Singles night in 2018. Ideas for events are in the air, so why not organise something yourself?
All in all, the entry fee total comes to three days full-time freelance work at my usual rate before tax, and the actual work I put in is from three weeks up to a month full-time. And I do all this in my spare time after work.
This year we are looking for sponsors and ways to grow the WTSC.
We've hired a private club and spend the year on and off, organising the tournament. A normal pub or taproom puts on events to make a great day and sell beer and food. They are designed to keep you there, so they are mostly free. Or of course, maybe your admin fees for other events are paid for by someone else?
The WTSC is a standalone private event to facilitate toads-playing connoisseurs to enjoy their beloved game of 'drops' in an optimum environment without distraction or yobbery.
The ongoing work I do as WTSC Organiser throughout the year equates to all-hours admin, emails, SMSs, FB messages, WhatsApp messages, social media, promotion, marketing, artwork, website hosting, networking, data curation, liaising with facilitators, discussing seeding with experienced players, and fielding questions from potential participants - every time I go out😂.
There is always something to update every week and daily in the build up, where the tournament has expenses for preparation, transport, event set-up and set-down, and of course the making of player framework and infamous orientation film. Still, Benton Wieldy, Jim Rosentode, Sean Connery and Michael Balls have all kindly waived their fees.
All of the above is done as a passion hobby and there is no profit, as you can calculate by adding up the hours from all the activities. Please don't be flippant and start rumours, just imagine if you want to bother doing it. And no, I didn't nick this idea off anyone, it was born at a Lewes Singles night in 2018. Ideas for events are in the air, so why not organise something yourself?
All in all, the entry fee total comes to three days full-time freelance work at my usual rate before tax, and the actual work I put in is from three weeks up to a month full-time. And I do all this in my spare time after work.
This year we are looking for sponsors and ways to grow the WTSC.
Does the WTSC Toadstone say 2023 or 2025? The trophy says 2023 in a traditional engraving font. The misreading and subsequent rumour may have been caused by light conditions, age-related eyesight, inebriation, the lateness of the hour, sledgey-banter: or all five.
Will the Toadstone Trophy be given permanently after three wins? God, no. There is room on the four oak discs for a roster of names throughout the years, increasing it's value to the community.
What happens if the holes won't let toads go down? Is our end game to play with closed holes? The WTSC believes this is a developed quality too far and we have an in-house hole maker in the event toads keeping getting more stuck than not. Toads will occasionally get stuck, and this makes for a more strategic game. But there comes a point when players who know they are in form and holing toads regularly have their skill compromised for the sake of the faux notion of authenticity. There's a line between interesting developed qualities of a lead and a shit table. In our collective WTSC opinion, leaving the hole to close is developed quality too far. The game is not called Toad-Stuck-in-the-Hole or even Toad-on-the-Lead.
Will the Toadstone Trophy be given permanently after three wins? God, no. There is room on the four oak discs for a roster of names throughout the years, increasing it's value to the community.
What happens if the holes won't let toads go down? Is our end game to play with closed holes? The WTSC believes this is a developed quality too far and we have an in-house hole maker in the event toads keeping getting more stuck than not. Toads will occasionally get stuck, and this makes for a more strategic game. But there comes a point when players who know they are in form and holing toads regularly have their skill compromised for the sake of the faux notion of authenticity. There's a line between interesting developed qualities of a lead and a shit table. In our collective WTSC opinion, leaving the hole to close is developed quality too far. The game is not called Toad-Stuck-in-the-Hole or even Toad-on-the-Lead.
Does the organiser have an advantage?
It's notoriously difficult to win your own tournament and with all the info here you can see we - myself, helpers, tournament advisors - have gone to great lengths for parity and honour.
It's all a bit cliquey and about you though isn't it? No. I personally go to great lengths to invest in parity for all while facilitating the 'as is' quality of idiosyncratically different tables, oche lengths and toads coins. Most of my jokes are about the nature of ego, not from a place of ego. It's an inclusive event and everyone is welcome to take part. If the lists get bigger we will find a way to take it to those numbers.
Before edging towards a personal preference we - from consultation - consider the big picture implications for the tournament and the repercussions in the small and focused toads community. You could say I have a bias towards the game's underwhelming/overwhelming paradox and want to honour both the absurd and nail-biting aspects of the sport.
It's notoriously difficult to win your own tournament and with all the info here you can see we - myself, helpers, tournament advisors - have gone to great lengths for parity and honour.
It's all a bit cliquey and about you though isn't it? No. I personally go to great lengths to invest in parity for all while facilitating the 'as is' quality of idiosyncratically different tables, oche lengths and toads coins. Most of my jokes are about the nature of ego, not from a place of ego. It's an inclusive event and everyone is welcome to take part. If the lists get bigger we will find a way to take it to those numbers.
Before edging towards a personal preference we - from consultation - consider the big picture implications for the tournament and the repercussions in the small and focused toads community. You could say I have a bias towards the game's underwhelming/overwhelming paradox and want to honour both the absurd and nail-biting aspects of the sport.
Are you mad or obsessed? I will answer this as it may have an indirect bearing on the vibe of the WTSC: Some will claim I'm mad, but we're all pretty mad - passionate or obsessed - playing this game. Some will claim I'm ultra competitive, but anyone who plays toads wants to win.
Some claim I analyse too much then two seconds later give me their improvement on my analysis. Those that bear grudges have ideas in their heads I am not party to, so I can only let haters hate, as Taylor Swift once sang. In the end, no one knows more about the game than Benton.
Some claim I analyse too much then two seconds later give me their improvement on my analysis. Those that bear grudges have ideas in their heads I am not party to, so I can only let haters hate, as Taylor Swift once sang. In the end, no one knows more about the game than Benton.