Celebrating Champions!

By Ty Hughes

January 6-8, 2012 was a special weekend for Medalist Dart League players everywhere around the great Pacific Northwest.

Fall leagues were culminating in fine fashion at Tacoma’s Emerald Queen Casino when those that qualified came together to compete at Medalist’s high-brow League Finals event. Always a treat and highly celebrated among the players, Medalist hosts a solid weekend soaked drenched with intense competition and true sportsmanship.

Thousands of players spent a significant amount of those three days milling around the tournament floor competing, socializing, as well as providing support for friends and family. One by one, dreams were broken on that floor. For every broken dream, there was a fire stoked in someone else who aspired to play their way onto that almighty stage for the league championship.

Hundreds of dartboards stood side by side, six rows deep, each a block long. As each flight kicked off, every dartboard came to life, chattering and chirping from end to end. Medalist also presented their popular cash added Bring tournaments each day, for those not currently playing in league finals.

Participating dart players are lavished with top-notch Medalist hospitality and their signature pageantry. The EQC staff is fantastic to work with. They work hard to keep everyone happy, and interact with the players.

The tournament charts were posted and closely followed. Monitors around the room called out board assignments by name. When each flight went down to the final matches, everyone gathers around, fully aware of what’s on the line, moved by the importance of every dart thrown. The ups and downs are momentous. Exhausting at times.

Cash and hardware were awarded to the best of the best. Once the top two teams are revealed, they are personally introduced to the room, and whisked away in the infamous Pit March. Ushered into the Pit playing Eye Of The Tiger loud and proud, a fancy flowing trophy cart directs the teams to the stage for final match play. The audience grows excited, lining up at the foot of the stage in support. The big screens flanking the stage on both sides pictured each team playing for that elusive 1st Place finish.

Many talented players graced that stage. All winners. Amazing weekend of competition. Everyone there has a story to tell. Congratulations to everyone who attended and big thanks to Medalist and company for all they do to elevate the game and provide a positive experience.

Special recognition to Ray Cowles who played his way on stage in three consecutive events, taking the Championship each time! It was said that nobody has done that since the late 80s! What an incredible performance turned in by Ray Cowles, Flights Pub, Everett. I’m sure I saw his wife, Mary, hit the jackpot on the slots shortly after winning in the Pit with her husband! Way to go guys!