CHASKA, Minnesota — On a cool and wet morning 46 then 47, and eventually 48 competitors from North Carolina to California showed up in Chaska to participate in the 1v1 Kubb World Championship. Competitors were treated to their own playlist made up of submitted songs over the loudspeakers. This group of kubbers has an eclectic taste in music. Random facts about the players were shared throughout the day from items that were submitted during the registration process. It was fun to learn some interesting things about people that we are around at tournaments.
There were five qualifying rounds before the brackets were determined. After the bracket play the men and women were separated into two divisions. In the spirit of growing the game, the goal was to crown the first ever 1v1 Women’s World Champion. In the brackets, everyone played best of three series. If you lost, you were put into a best of one bracket and everyone played out to their exact finishing spot.
In the cage, Barb Lancette bested Lilly Erdman while Jenny Linge bested Lindsey Koehler. At the end of the day, Lancette of Minneapolis became the first ever 1v1 Women’s Kubb World Champion.
On the men’s side, Trevor Bailey defeated Dan Corey while Zach Oman defeated Ethan Forney. Bailey from Bloomington, Minnesota won the Men’s Division.
The following are some questions that were asked to some of the players of the 2025 1v1 Kubb World Championship.
Tell us a little about your kubb history and how many 1v1s you have played
Barb Lancette
I started playing kubb whenever Ben Lancette, Brian Ramsey, and Josh Carpenter (TC Choppers) went to the U.S. Kubb Nationals for the first time. I jumped in on a backyard game being played at Brian’s. This was actually my second 1v1. I played in one at the Beloit Kubb Open, and I recall one game where Sy beat me in less than a minute. I think I may have placed last or second to last.
Trevor Bailey
- Five virtual kubb leagues (one first place)
- Two years at the World 1v1 in Sweden (T17 and T9)
- Five years at 1v1 Kubb World Championships
- One Great Lakes 1v1 2023 (First)
- Two U.S. 1v1 National Championship (T5 and Second)
So 18 1v1s i guess? I’m probably forgetting something.
John Oman
I have been playing kubb actively since 2012. I am celebrating 10 years as a lefty in December. I would give anything to be a righty again.
Jake Skerletts
I was first introduced to Kubb in 2011 in Vermont and didn’t play it again until 2021 when working at Shakopee Public Schools. I was walking out of the school building and saw Trevor Bailey playing it and walked over and started throwing. He asked if I wanted to join a group of other players and I said yes. I’ve been playing consistently since that day. Mostly I’ve played in tournaments that are minimum two players and have only participated in two 1v1 tournaments.
J.J. Weigel
I got into kubb after meeting some of my wife’s co-workers at a teacher social event. A bunch of them play in the Chaska Kubb Club together and after meeting a few of them I had to get together with them and try it out. After a few socials and getting re-introduced to the game I got hooked and now participate in two to four tournaments a year! I have just as much fun playing for fun at local parks as I do playing in tournaments. The group is easy to get along with and we always are sharing laughs and stories when playing for fun. I have played in the 1v1 tournament three times now. I took a year off in the middle for a vacation. My first year playing in it was so much fun. It is a good opportunity to really learn the rules and strategies as a new player playing against players of all skill levels. I like the concept of challenging your full all-around skill in the game against your opponents. I will continue to play in the 1V1 tournament, my second favorite tournament only to Nationals.
What was your most memorable throw of the day?
Barb Lancette
I was playing against Aaron, drilling back and got a neighbor! But then I ruined it with the next kubb I drilled. Still fun for a minute.
Trevor Bailey
10-in-play. 10-in-play. 10-in-play.
John Oman
After starting out 0 for 8 against eventual fourth place finisher Dan Corey, I switched to my “last option” throw and cleared the baseline in the next two turns to grab the win right before entering the bracket.
Jake Skerletts
Most memorable throw for me was successfully rescuing a kubb with one attempt!
J.J. Weigel
My most memorable throw this year came in my first and best match of the day. Within two rounds my opponent and I had six kubbs in play. I had a fantastic drill and after the setup, I took my first blast and took down all six kubbs! Same turn was able to finish my 8s and the king that same round. A very memorable moment for me.
What’s one turn you wish you could mulligan and why?
Barb Lancette
Definitely the turn in the second game against Samantha where I hit the king instead of securing the last baseline kubb. It blended in with the ground!
Trevor Bailey
Some people say I missed the king two consecutive times in game three of the finals. They probably think it’d be that one. I only remember hitting the king, though.
John Oman
My last turn in the round of 32 against Matt Braa. Something felt off with my arm and I couldn’t explain it. Just some ugly 4 meter throws that cost me.
Jake Skerletts
I wish I could mulligan against my third game because I felt that I could have won that game if I didnt leave a porch.
J.J. Weigel
A turn I wish I could have back happened at least twice that I can remember. Two back-to-back games I had penalty kubbs that set me back early. Got too greedy I guess…
What’s the best part of playing without teammates?
Barb Lancette
I think the pressure it puts on you forces a level of focus. I’d rather have teammates, though.
Trevor Bailey
Intrusive thoughts, that’s really it. Teammates are the best part of kubb without a doubt.
John Oman
I like all phases of kubb so I am always happy to throw at everything in the 1v1 format.
Jake Skerletts
Best part of no teammates is being able to knuckle down and learn how to drill.
J.J. Weigel
The best part about playing without teammates I touched a little bit on already. This style of play is great to really get a full concept of a full turn where you need to be focused on all shots. Plus you can watch your opponents, learn their strategies and even try to apply them to your later games.
What’s the worst part of playing without teammates?
Barb Lancette
The lack of a safety net. When you have a truly bad turn and miss all the 4 meter kubbs, there’s no teammate to clean up the mess!
Trevor Bailey
Isolation. Although I’d argue the majority of the time, even in a 1v1, I have a teammate. Kubbdog Rowan is legendary.
John Oman
I miss goofing around with teamates and also problem-solving with them. I miss having my boys carrying me too!
Jake Skerletts
Worst part is that there is no banter with your team. I really enjoy the few moments of not throwing and cracking wise with my teammates or talking what we hope happens during an opponents throw.
J.J. Weigel
Worst part about no teammates is not having anyone there to pick up your slack. Kubb overall is a team sport and having teammates there to pick you up after a bad round, or you doing the same for them when they are in a slump. Miss the high-fives after a good round/shot.
Describe playing in the “cage”
Barb Lancette
It was an honor to play against both Lilly and Jenny in the cage! We had a few spectators, and I felt the atmosphere elevated everyone’s game. I think we all brought our best to those matches, and it was a really fun experience.
Trevor Bailey
I’m not entirely sure how to describe the cage. It’s hard to put into words — Stepping into the cage feels almost like a trance: numb yet charged with adrenaline, hearing but not understanding, seeing but not interpreting, moving but not feeling. The tension leading up to the lag toss… the first 8 meter, or that sneaky isolated field kubb, can’t quite be explained. Momentum swings in an instant. The roar deafens any internal monologue, then fades to dead silence as the crowd locks in on the next throw. Every baton feels like it is life or death, and that’s what makes this moment so special. However, perfection isn’t always attainable, and that’s okay. In the end, the winner is the better player at that moment — nothing more. If you ever get the opportunity to play in the cage, lean into it, cherish the moment, and maybe even crack a funny or two with the fans.
