ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Juliana Kaye is nearly 4,600 miles away from her home country — the Netherlands.

She traveled to St. Petersburg to put her shuffleboard skills to the test.

“It was the most amazing day for sure because I got to carry the flag, I was singing the anthem,” Kaye said.

She’s one of 100 players from around the globe playing in the International Shuffleboard Association’s World Championship at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, the oldest and largest shuffleboard club in the world. 

What You Need To Know

  • Shuffleboard players from across the globe competed in St. Petersburg for the World Championship. 

  • The event is being held this week at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, the oldest and largest shuffleboard club in the world. 

  • Eight different countried were represented with players’ ages range from twenties to late seventies.

“They’ve all come together in the spirit of competition,” club manager Amy Marshall said. “It’s a really exciting week for us.”

Stephanie Swain is club president, she says it’s a fitting location for this year’s championship as the club is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary. 

“When we approached the international shuffleboard association about hosting the tournament this year, there was a lot of enthusiasm from the players,” Swain said. “Many of them had actually been here when we hosted in 2013, so they were excited to return.” 

US teams include players from across the country and even some local ones like Brandon Queen.

“It’s been a blast, I mean it’s a lot of shuffleboard, but overall everyone is amazing,” Queen said. “Being able to see and make friends with all these people from different parts of the globe has been awesome. It’s been hands down the best tournament I’ve ever played in.”

It’s a week of competition and camaraderie. 

The players’ ages range from twenties to late seventies.

Their backgrounds span the world, with eight different countries represented, but their love for shuffleboard unites them all.

“It’s been intense for sure, and so much fun because we always like to bond,” Kaye said. “Many people exchange their opinions like, ‘what would you do? How would you play this?’ “  

Those bonds are a big reason why these players pursue the sport. 

“Everybody comes together. We’re all looking forward to seeing each other the next time.”

For players like Kaye. It’s creating an unforgettable experience.

“Thanks to the generation that is older, they’re showing us a real example of playing as a pro or champion is and that’s what we need because we hope to give it to the next generations, the younger players one day.”