ATTENDEES

INVITED PLAYERS

Augie Fash

Augie Fash

Duncan

Augie Fash, aka "El Yoyo" started yo-yoing in the fall of 1997 when he found a trick book in a store, deciding that if dedicated enough recesses, he could master this thing. Within just a few months, he had his uniform-short pockets stuffed so full of 10+ yo-yos that he would have to waddle out to recess every day to practice. Not super-coordinated from the get-go, he was just a gangly kid with no rhythm or style. But he put in the time: 3 chipped teeth, countless broken eye glasses, and a million hours of practice later, he's won near every title, toured the world, and works full-time for Duncan Toys.

US National Yo-Yo Champion, 4x Regional Champion, 5x California State Champion

Bryan Jardin

Bryan Jardin

Duncan

One of the best 5A players on the entire planet, Bryan Jardin is the 2-time Asia Pacific Champion. Recently transplanted to the U.S.A. from his native Philippines, Bryan now works full time as a Duncan Professional in Orlando Florida, honing his craft and inspiring thousands of new players. A note from Bryan: "Hi! I'm Bryan Jardin, a proud member of Duncan Crew Worldwide. I was born and raised in the Philippines and now, I'm living the dream here in the US of A!"

Hank Freeman

Hank Freeman

Duncan

A lot of players can say that they have a Triple A title; few players can say that they helped form the division as we know it. The 3A trick you just learned? In all likelihood, Hank probably created it. Hank is a yo-yo legend. He is the pinnacle of the modern mixed with the classic. He has a smooth, buttery style wrought from practice on the low-budget yo-yos of the past. He has long, complicated combos at a perfect tempo, wrought from the advantages of intensely engineered yo-yos of the day. Affectionately referred to as "1-Take Hank", Hank is known for perfect execution, the first time, every time. Upon first impressions, Hank seems so chill that you would never know that he is a risk-taker. However, even at major events, Hank often takes one set of yo-yos on stage, no backups. One knot and he is out. All or nothing. There is a reason he is the 3-time world champion. Bravery is definitely one of those reasons. Currently located in Prague, Hank is working with the Czech community, merging his 15 years of yo-yo experience in America with the cutting-edge innovation coming out of the modern European yo-yo scene.

Isaac Sams

Isaac Sams

Duncan

As one of the most innovative and influential yo-yo players of today's generation, Isaac Sams creates far more than he absorbs. He is the co-founder of Innovation Movement, a project focused on inspiring players to be more creative in their play. Isaac inspires the modern yo-yo player, positioning them to break the rules, innovate, and push yo-yo forward. Isaac is a frequent top placing competitor in state, regional, and national events, including his 2012 win as the Triple Crown of Yo-Yo Champion. Some of Isaac's innovation may be attributed to his inspirations. Not just looking to yo-yo for new ideas, Issac finds inspiration in other mediums: for instance, photography, music, and the visual arts.

Janos Karancz

Janos Karancz

Duncan

Reigning world champion, Janos Karancz matches his has it all: competitive skill, supreme innovation, unbelievable difficulty. Primarily known for being the first European to ever capture a 1A world title,. Janos is many things. Most of all though, he is a stand-out: he is a true anomaly. He may be a soft-spoken and humble man, but don't let that fool you. He is twice as good as the players throwing twice as long as him. Even though ranked as one of the most dominant players in the world, he somehow maintains the attitude of your neighborhood best friend. He is a great player, a great person, and a great competitor. Watch out for him as one of the favorites of this year's competition. A few words straight from the man himself: "I am János Karancz from Hungary. I have been playing since 2005 and I am a Duncan Crew Worldwide member and part of the Backspin team. I love slacks, whips, lacerations, rejections and tension tricks. You can find me at yo-yo events both competing and judging. I really enjoy the atmosphere of yo-yo players."

Sean Perez

Sean Perez

Duncan

No stage will ever be big enough for Sean. Affectionately referred to as "Coffee Boy" by his friends in the yo-yo community, his furiously energetic style of play is an amazing mix of creativity, accuracy and power. And he just keeps getting better. One amazing player to watch in action, Sean is definitely a key player giving offstring a new attitude.

Sebastian Brock

Sebastian Brock

Duncan

If you can say anything about Sebastian Brock, it is that he has put in the time. An icon to other players, Sebastian or "Sebby" as his friends call him, started his climb to the top in 2004. In an industry where the average top player lasts for 2-3 years, Sebastian has been at the top for an entire decade. One of the most humble yet intense yo-yo players in the USA, Sebastian is as competitive as he is innovative. He is a U.S. National Champion, a European Open Yo-yo Champion, and two-time medalist at the World Yo-yo Contest. Not content to just explore one style, you can find Sebby competing in both the 1A and 5A divisions at competitions around the world.

Zack Rubino

Zac Rubino

Duncan

Zac Rubino lives and breathes yo-yos in Chico, California. He started yo-yoing in 2007 and became inspired to pursue offstring in 2008 after yo-yo professional Augie Fash performed at his school. In 2009, yo-yo master and 2000 World 4A Champion, Hironori Mii, became Zac's yo-yo mentor. In Zac's first contest, the Bay Area Classic 2009, he placed 3rd and has been competing ever since. Now, Zac is one of the best offstring yoyo players in the world! He placed 5th at in the world yo-yo contest and has won the three most prestigious yo-yo contest in the nation and is the reigning USA National Champion! Zac is sponsored by Duncan and competes with the Skyhawk. When not competing, you can find Zac teaching the next generation of yo-yoers every Saturday at the Chico Yo-Yo Club.