American Cornhole League - 25/26 Pro Guide

Welcome to the 2025–2026 ACL Pro Tour Season

The American Cornhole League is proud to welcome you to the 2025–2026 ACL Pro Tour—a season that promises nonstop excitement on boards across the nation.

This year, our Pro Division features an expanded roster of top-tier players—veteran icons, rising stars, and breakout rookies—all battling for national rankings and major titles. With a schedule of six Signature Opens, the journey to the World Championships has never been more intense.

Whether you're a player, a fan, or a sponsor, this guide is your complete resource for everything ACL Pro—tour structure, event details, point systems, and more.

Welcome to the action. Welcome to the ACL Pro Tour.

Ladies and Gentlemen, these bags are live.

Last updated 01/14/26

The Top 100

Being Part of ***The Top 100*: What It Includes**

As an ACL Pro, earning a spot among The Top 100 means you are part of an elite, top-tier talent group that receives guaranteed access, exclusive opportunities, and added benefits throughout the ACL Pro season.

Below is a breakdown of what you receive:

Guaranteed Bracket Placement

All players in The Top 100 at each ACL Pro Signature receive automatic entry into:

Pro Singles Brackets - seeded 1-100 overall at all signatures
Pro Doubles Brackets - seeded 1-50 overall at all signatures

Women, Seniors, Juniors

May play in the W/S/J qualifiers on Friday morning to earn points in W/S/J Pro Standings
- Please see ACLW/S/J Qualifier section for more information
These divisions will require points to participate in the World Championships

Guaranteed Prize Money

ACL-funded Pro Division payouts, which are awarded at:

ACL Pro Signatures - 104k per event
ACL World Championships - 280k

This prize pool is separate from Open payouts and is reserved specifically for the Pro Division.

Televised & Streamed Event Coverage

Members of The Top 100 are prioritized for inclusion in:

Nationally televised broadcasts
Cornhole for a Cause appearances

Paid Appearance Opportunities

The Top 100 may be invited to participate in sponsor-hosted events, clinics, and public appearances—with compensation provided by the ACL or event organizers.

Social Media Training

ACL will host exclusive media and branding seminars designed to help players:

Build their online presence
Engage with sponsors
Grow their personal brand
Monetize their platforms

ACL Jerseys

Players will be able to receive official ACL Pro jerseys, without sponsors at no cost. ACL Pro jerseys customized with sponsor logos will be eligible to order at a cost.
ACL Pro Jerseys are:

Required for all Pro Singles and Doubles Brackets at Signature Open Pro Brackets
A light and dark jersey are required for televised and livestreamed events
Customizable with approved sponsors
A key element of the official ACL Pro brand identity

Note: All players in The 100 must maintain good standing with the ACL and uphold Pro Code of Conduct standards to retain access to these benefits throughout the season.

Requirements of The Top 100

To maintain your status, all selected ACL Pros must meet the following criteria before and during the 2025–2026 season:

Meet Qualification Criteria

Players must have qualified according to the standards outlined in the 2024–2025 ACL Pro Guide, which may include:

Final season points rankings
Performance in state rankings
Exemption standards established by the ACL Staff

Sign the ACL Pro Contract

All members must sign the ACL Pro Player Agreement by September 19th, 2025.
This contract outlines:

Morality; Integrity of Game
Player Publicity Rights
Player Obtained Endorsements
Rules and Regulations

Sign the Pro Guide containing Dress Code and Pro Player Code of Conduct

All members must sign both documents by October 1st, 2025. .
This contract outlines:

Dress Code
Code of Conduct
Broadcast and Livestream specifics
Disciplinary guidelines

Purchase a Top 100 Membership

A current Top 100 Membership is required to:

Cost of $1,000
Be eligible for Pro payouts and ranking points
Access ACL Pro tools and tournament registration
Note: a Top 100 Membership includes Diamond Membership perks and also includes all entry fees into ACL Signature Open + World Championship events

Use 2026 ACL Pro Licensed Equipment

Players must exclusively use 2026 ACL Pro-licensed bags during all official ACL Pro Tour events, including:

All Signature Open Events starting on January 1, 2026
During any Pro Bracket games, you may not use the same color bag as your opponent. The higher seed will have bag choice.
Televised and livestream matches at Signature Opens will require bag colors to match your selected pro jersey

Bags may be tested by an ACL Official at any time during Pro play or following any tournament win.

All equipment must meet 2026 ACL Pro standards and be sourced from approved manufacturers.

**You may use any ACL bag within the current season regulations for any non-pro tour events**

Note: Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in removal from The 100 and forfeiture of related benefits.

ACL Pro Inclusions & Requirements

Being an ACL PRO: What It Includes

ACL Pro is composed of the top players from every state, this group plays a key role in the growth and inclusivity of the sport of cornhole.

Below is a breakdown of what you receive:

National Rankings & Stats Tracking

Full access to official ACL stats, rankings, and profile visibility across the league platform.

Earn and maintain your Pro designation as one of the top players in the sport.

ACL Jerseys

All Pro Players will be able to receive official ACL Pro jerseys, with no sponsors at no cost.
ACL Pro jerseys will be eligible to order at a cost to the player.

These jerseys are:

Required for all Pro Signatures and televised events
A light and dark jersey are required for televised and livestreamed events
Customizable with approved sponsors
A key element of the official ACL Pro brand identity

Qualifier Brackets

You will register for each Signature individually
- $100 Registration for Qualifier
- Awards placement in the Pro Singles and Doubles Brackets

The format will be:
- 5 game rounders
The following amount of players will make it through to the main bracket through qualifying play. These numbers are subject to change.
- ACLPro: 60
The players that advance through qualifying play may participate with any other qualified player outside of the Top 100 in Pro Doubles
Win cash prizes in the qualifier round—earnings start before the main bracket begins.
- $1,000 per division or 50% of entries whichever is greater

Open Bracket Participation

If you do not make it to the Main Bracket, you may play in the correct tiered event in the Open portion.
This will be at the additional cost of the Open entry fees and as long as space is available within your correct tiered event.
We encourage you to register for the Open if you know you would like to participate and you will be refunded based Main Bracket qualification

Note: All ACL PRO’s must maintain good standing with the ACL and uphold Pro Code of Conduct standards to retain access to these benefits throughout the season.

Requirements of an ACL Pro

To maintain your status, all selected ACL Pros must meet the following criteria before and during the 2025–2026 season:

Meet Qualification Criteria

Players must have qualified according to the standards outlined in the 2024–2025 ACL Pro Guide, which may include:

Final Pro season points rankings
Final State season points rankings
Performance through CPI
Exemption standards established by the ACL Staff

Sign the ACL Pro Contract

All members must sign the ACL Pro Player Agreement by October 1st, 2025.
This contract outlines:

Morality; Integrity of Game
Player Publicity Rights
Player Obtained Endorsements
Rules and Regulations

Sign the Pro Guide containing Dress Code and Pro Player Code of Conduct

All members must sign both documents by October 15th, 2025.
This contract outlines:

Dress Code
Code of Conduct
Broadcast and Livestream specifics
Disciplinary guidelines

Purchase a Diamond Membership

A current ACL Diamond Membership is required and must be purchased by December 15th:

Cost of $400
Be eligible for Pro payouts and ranking points
Access ACL Pro tools and tournament registration

Use 2026 ACL Pro Licensed Equipment

Players must exclusively use 2026 ACL Pro-licensed bags during all official ACL Pro Tour events, including:

All Signature Open Events starting on January 1, 2026
During any Pro Bracket games, you may not use the same color bag as your opponent. The higher seed will have bag choice.
Televised and livestream matches at Signature Opens will require bag colors to match your selected pro jersey

Bags may be tested by an ACL Official at any time during Pro play or following any tournament win.

All equipment must meet 2026 ACL Pro standards and be sourced from approved manufacturers.

**You may use any ACL bag within the current season regulations for any non-pro tour events**

Note: Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in removal from the ACL Pro program and forfeiture of related benefits.

ACL Pro - Women, Juniors, Seniors

Being an ACL PRO: What It Includes

ACLW (ACL Women) is a division created to spotlight and support the growing community of elite female players in the sport. ACLJ (ACL Juniors) provides a platform for talented young athletes under 18 as of January 1st, 2026 to compete, and rise through the ranks. ACLS (ACL Seniors) is dedicated to players aged 55 and older as of January 1, 2026, offering a competitive environment for seasoned throwers. Each program plays a key role in the growth and inclusivity of the sport of cornhole.

Below is a breakdown of what you receive:

National Rankings & Stats Tracking

Full access to official ACL stats, rankings, and profile visibility across the league platform.

Earn and maintain your Pro designation as one of the top players in the sport.

ACL Jerseys

All Pro Players will be able to receive official ACL Pro jerseys, with no sponsors at no cost.
ACL Pro jerseys will be eligible to order at a cost to the player.

These jerseys are:

Required for all Pro Signatures
A light and dark jersey are required for televised and livestreamed events
Customizable with approved sponsors
A key element of the official ACL Pro brand identity

Qualifier Brackets

You will register for each Signature individually
- $100 Registration for Qualifier
- Each distinction will be separated for qualifiers
- Awards placement in the Pro Singles and Doubles Brackets

The format will be:
- 5 games rounders
- Top 20 players from rounders then put into a Single Elimination Bracket played on Sunday morning. These are played for bonus points and payouts. Finals will have the possibility of being aired on ESPN+/ESPN.
The following amount of players will make it through to the main bracket from each distinction through qualifying play. These numbers are subject to change.
- ACL W: 20
- ACL S: 20
- ACL J: 20
The players that advance through qualifying play may participate with any other qualified player outside of the Top 100 in Pro Doubles
Members of The Top 100 that meet the distinction requirements will be welcome to play in these events in order to earn points in the W/S/J standings
- They will be passed over in the selection of the 20 spots in the Pro Brackets.
- They may be included in the single elimination bracket but not automatically included.
Win cash prizes in the qualifier round—earnings start before the main bracket begins.
- $1,000 per division or 50% of entries whichever is greater

Open Bracket Participation

If you do not make it to the Main Bracket, you may play in the correct tiered event in the Open portion of the event.
This will be at the additional cost of the Open entry fees and as long as space is available within your correct tiered event
We encourage you to register for the Open if you know you would like to participate and you will be refunded based Main Bracket qualification

Note: All ACL PRO’s must maintain good standing with the ACL and uphold Pro Code of Conduct standards to retain access to these benefits throughout the season.

Requirements of an ACL Pro

To maintain your status, all selected ACL Pros must meet the following criteria before and during the 2025–2026 season:

Meet Qualification Criteria

Players must have qualified according to the standards outlined in the 2024–2025 ACL Pro Guide, which may include:

Final Pro season points rankings
Final State season points rankings
Performance through CPI
Exemption standards established by the ACL Staff

Sign the ACL Pro Contract

All members must sign the ACL Pro Player Agreement by October 1st, 2025.
This contract outlines:

Morality; Integrity of Game
Player Publicity Rights
Player Obtained Endorsements
Rules and Regulations

Sign the Pro Guide containing Dress Code and Pro Player Code of Conduct

All members must sign both documents by October 8th, 2025.
This contract outlines:

Dress Code
Code of Conduct
Broadcast and Livestream specifics
Disciplinary guidelines

Purchase a Diamond Membership

A current ACL Diamond Membership is required and must be purchased by December 15th:

Cost of $400
Be eligible for Pro payouts and ranking points
Access ACL Pro tools and tournament registration

Use 2026 ACL Pro Licensed Equipment

Players must exclusively use 2026 ACL Pro-licensed bags during all official ACL Pro Tour events, including:

All Signature Open Events starting on January 1, 2026
During any Pro Bracket games, you may not use the same color bag as your opponent. The higher seed will have bag choice.
Televised and livestream matches at Signature Opens will require bag colors to match your selected pro jersey

Bags may be tested by an ACL Official at any time during Pro play or following any tournament win.

All equipment must meet 2026 ACL Pro standards and be sourced from approved manufacturers.

**You may use any ACL bag within the current season regulations for any non-pro tour events**

Note: Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in removal from the ACL Pro program and forfeiture of related benefits.

ACL Pro Tour

2025–2026 ACL Pro Tour Overview

The ACL Pro Tour for the 2025–2026 season will consist of seven total events, designed to highlight the highest level of competition in the sport. The tour will pay out a minimum of 900k.

ACL Signature Open (6 Events)

Pro Main Brackets:
- Double-elimination Stack brackets
- Top 100 automatically entered
- Includes Pro Singles and Pro Doubles
- Earn pro points and payouts
Qualifying Rounders:
- ACL Pro: 62
- ACL W: 20
- ACL S: 20
- ACL J: 20
- For main bracket placement of ACL Pro, ACL Women (ACLW), Juniors (ACLJ), and Seniors (ACLS)
- Rounders results determine placement in Main Brackets
- The following amount of people from each distinction will qualify. These numbers are subject to change
- The players that advance through qualifying play may participate with any other qualified player outside of the Top 100 in Pro Doubles
Open Brackets:
- Players who do not qualify for Main Brackets
- Players that did not participate in qualifier
Dates and Locations
- Date: January 1-4, 2026
  - Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
- Date: January 30- February 1, 2026
  - Location: Memphis, TN
- Date: March 20-22, 2026
  - Location: Overland Park, KS
- Date: April 24-26, 2026
  - Location: Cleveland, OH
- Date: June 5-7, 2026
  - Location: Fort Worth, TX
- Date: July 10-12, 2026
  - Location: Mesa, AZ

ACL World Championships (1 Event)

Location: TBD

Dates: July 27, 2026 thru August 2, 2026

Pro Singles and Pro Doubles

Main Brackets:
- Double-elimination format
- Includes Pro Singles and Pro Doubles
- Pro Singles will guarantee the Top 32 in standings
- Pro Doubles will guarantee the Top 24 in standings
Challenger Brackets:
- The top two in each bracket will earn a spot into the Pro Singles Main Bracket
- If you do not make it to the Main Bracket, you may participate in your specific Tier event.
- The top two in each bracket will earn a spot into the Pro Doubles Main Bracket
- Players must play with the partner they have the most points with
- Teams must have played in a minimum of two Signature events together.
- Exemptions will only be made if your correct partner will not be attending the event.
  - This must be approved by ACL Staff prior to registration
- If you do not make it to the Main Bracket, you may participate in your specific Tier event.
- Double-elimination format
- Designed for players who do not automatically qualify for the Main Brackets
- Singles will have 8 brackets for players ranked from 33-250 in Pro Singles Standings
- Doubles will have 4 brackets for teams ranked 25-125 in Pro Doubles Standings
- All former ACL World Champions who have not already qualified for the Main Brackets may play in their defending events challenger bracket.
Eligibility:
- Open to all ACL Pros who qualify based on Pro Standings following the last Pro Signature
- All ACL Pros not qualified for the Main or Challenger brackets are eligible to play in your specific Tier event.

Pro Women/Senior/Juniors

Main Brackets:
- Each distinction will have separate events
- Double-elimination format
- Singles tournaments only
- Will guarantee the Top 32 in standings
Challenger Brackets:
- The winner in each bracket will earn a spot into the Main Bracket
- If you do not make it to the Main Bracket you may participate in the Open W/S/J singles event
- Double-elimination format
- Designed for players who do not automatically qualify for the Main Brackets
- Will have 4 brackets for players ranked from 33-75

Payout Tables

Payout Table Breakdown
- Signature Payouts
- Worlds Payouts
- EOY Standings Payouts

NOTE: There will be amateur tournaments available at ALL ACL World Championship and Signature Open events. The format, description, and points breakdowns for these events can be found in the ACL Player Guide and within the player info tab on the event pages.