Quick List of Events
See full event descriptions below. View full schedule
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Featured Events
Player's Cup (BMAB) Tournament
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Starts on Thursday
REGISTRATION DEADLINE Aug 27th (one week prior to event start date). Four matches, 13pts each match, 52 BMAB experience points $150 entry, 100% return $100 registration fee, includes: recording, transcription, and BMAB submission fees Optional Side Pools Side pool A, $50 entry, 95% return Side pool B, $100 entry, 95% return To enter side pool B, side pool A must also be entered. Learn more about our BMAB event |
Riverboat Chouette Cruise
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Start your tournament out right with a Mississippi River cruise. Sip on 2 for 1 margaritas and snack on a complimentary taco bar. Opportunity to chouette or just enjoy the scenery.
Wednesday Meet at tournament hotel for rideshare at 4 pm Boarding at 5 p.m. Cruise 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. $45, you may purchase a ticket through our registration form. All attendees with cars are encouraged to meet at the tournament hotel to share your car with those needing transportation. Boarding is on Harriet Island, 205 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55107 |
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2026 Learning Session
Sharpen your match play with Neil KazarossLearn from the best. Join Neil Kazaross, #1 all-time ABT points leader, Hall of Famer, and all around warrior of the board.
Saturday 9/5/2026, 9:30 am. Free to attend. |
Neil Kazaross
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Cash Money PokerGammon
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Cash Money PokerGammon - In this backgammon-poker hybrid, players face off in backgammon battles across multiple rounds with escalating stakes. Outwit your rivals and amass the largest stack of poker chips!
Starts on Monday (Labor Day) 5 rounds, 30 min per round. Winners are paid based on their chip total at the end of round 5. Champion receives our Viking themed mug. $50 entry fee + $10 registration. Players receive 10 poker chips ($5 per chip). Rebuys available at $5 per chip. (100% return on entry fees) Learn more about PokerGammon |
MAIN EVENTS - AMERICAN BACKGAMMON TOUR
Main events are eligible for American Backgammon Tour (ABT) master points.
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Odin Open ABTBring your hard-won knowledge and expertise to the table to battle in elite warrior fashion.
Full Swiss - Triple Elimination - 9 points $300 entry + $10 ABT Fee. 90% return $150 side pool, 95% return Clocks Required Odin trophy Thor Advanced / Intermediate ABTWith the sound of thunder, lay down your hammer-like skills over the board to crush your foes.
Full Swiss - Triple Elimination - 9 points $160 entry+ $10 ABT Fee. 85% return $80 side pool, 95% return Clocks Required Thor trophy |
For Novices
The Viking Classic is going all in for new players. With $1,500 in added prize money, a Novice Workshop, and no schedule conflicts between beginner events, we've created an incredible tournament experience for beginners and novices.
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Viking Beginner ABT* - $500 addedGet a taste of battle on the Viking training grounds. Three-loss format, specifics determined by the number of entrants. Sunday, 9/6, 12 pm (registration deadline 11 am) Free entry, discounted registration fee of only $20 (Normally $60), plus a $10 ABT fee. Viking trophy
Register here * Must be a USBGF member, discounted memberships available. Viking Beginner Free Roll - $200 added, Sponsored by Jonah Seewald A chance to win free money. Players must play in the Viking Beginner ABT to play in the Free Roll.
This event begins Sunday evening, after the Beginner ABT tournament. Free entry, single elimination, cash prizes. Register on-site. |
Novice Workshop
Backgammon for Everyone! Dive into the fundamentals of backgammon with a two-day program designed for novices. Build a strong foundation and boost your confidence for tournament play. Delivered by Juluis High and Tom Jayne.
Saturday, all day starting at 9 am, and Sunday is a half day, allowing you time to play in the Beginner ABT tournament. $150 Register for the workshop on the USBGF website
Saturday, all day starting at 9 am, and Sunday is a half day, allowing you time to play in the Beginner ABT tournament. $150 Register for the workshop on the USBGF website
MASTERS LEVEL
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Grand Crystal Beaver XXVII27 years of history, prestige, and legacy.
11 points $500 entry, 90% Return $250 side pool, 95% Return Grand Crystal Beaver trophy |
2026 Grand Crystal Beaver entrants
past Grand crystal beaver winnners
Past Winners
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2025 Ray Fogerlund (NV)†
2024 Gerry Tansey (MO) 2023 Kit Woolsey (CA)* 2022 John O'Hagan (IN) 2021 Dana Nazarian (CA) 2020 Jeremy Bagai (CA) 2019 Bill Finneran (MD) 2018 Ray Fogerlund (NV)† 2017 Harvey Gillis (AZ) 2016 N/A Not held 2015 Yury Millman (MN)* 2014 David Todd (MO) 2013 Ray Fogerlund (NV)† 2012 Carter Mattig (IL) |
2011 Yury Millman (MN)*
2010 Malcolm Davis (TX) 2009 Steve Sax (CA)* 2008 Ray Fogerlund (CA)† 2007 Howard Markowitz (NV) 2006 Richard Lloyd (TN) 2005 Sean Garber (IN) 2004 Steve Brown (MN) 2003 Bob Zavoral (IL) 2002 Kit Woolsey (CA)* 2001 Paul Weaver (AL) 2000 Steve Sax (CA)* 1999 Kent Goulding (MD) |
* Two-time winners - † Four-time winner
In 1999-2009 the Grand Crystal Beaver event was held at the Midwest Backgammon Championships. From 2010-2015 it was held at the Central States Invitational (CSI). It was not held for one year in 2016. From 2017 onward the Viking Classic has kept the tradition of this prestigious event alive.
In 1999-2009 the Grand Crystal Beaver event was held at the Midwest Backgammon Championships. From 2010-2015 it was held at the Central States Invitational (CSI). It was not held for one year in 2016. From 2017 onward the Viking Classic has kept the tradition of this prestigious event alive.
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Longship JackpotAssemble your powerful forces by sea. Raid and plunder in style.
13 points. No first round byes in this high-equity event. $1,000 entry, 95% return Longship trophy |
2026 Longship entrants
past Longship winnners
Past Winners
2025 David Todd (MI)
2024 Kit Woolsey (CA)
2023 John O'Hagan (IN)
2022 Marty Storer (NH)
2021 Steve Reichelt (MN)
2020 Longship event not held
2019 Ray Fogerlund (NV)*
2018 Roberto Litzenberger (VA)
2017 Ray Fogerlund (NV)*
2024 Kit Woolsey (CA)
2023 John O'Hagan (IN)
2022 Marty Storer (NH)
2021 Steve Reichelt (MN)
2020 Longship event not held
2019 Ray Fogerlund (NV)*
2018 Roberto Litzenberger (VA)
2017 Ray Fogerlund (NV)*
* Two-time winners - † Three-time winner
JACKPOTS
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Berserker Limited JackpotAll qualify, with the exception of elite level Open players.
9 points $200 entry, 85% return $100 side pool, 95% return |
MIXED LEVEL EVENTS
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Early RavensEarly birds get more. Arrive on Thursday and spread your wings.
7 point matches Early Raven Advanced $20 entry/$20 side pool (all players except Open level) Early Raven Open $60 entry/$60 side pool (all players), 85% return on entry, 95% return on side pools |
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Rainbow Bridge DoublesJoin forces on the Rainbow Bridge, as Heimdall opens the way for you and your partner to fight as one.
7 point matches $200 team entry, 85% return $100 team side pool, 95% return Heimdall trophies |
CONTINUOUS ENTRY EVENTS
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FriggaLet Frigga, the wife of Odin and Queen of Asgard, guide you to glory.
7 point matches $60 continual entry, 85% return. Frigga trophy. |
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Shieldmaiden ChallengeCalling all shieldmaidens to compete for glory, honor, and prestige.
7 point matches $60 continual entry, 85% return. Shieldmaiden trophy. |
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Midgard JackpotsCompete in Midgard for treasure in four-player brackets with varying entry fees.
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