Yoyo Country of the year - USA
For the entirety of this year, I think itâs quite evident that the United States have had the largest impact on yoyoing. Despite the fact Iâm from the United States, here are a few examples of how the US has changed yoyoing:
-Ed Haponikâs one year pledge to fixed axle has revived classic yoyoing
-Innovation Movement has opened the eyes of the world in motivating players to be more creative and unique
-YoYoFactory has toured America in an effort to promote modern yoyoing
-USA yoyo manufactures continue to be the top sellers
Yoyo Player Team of the year - CLYW
Normally Iâd pick YYF for this one, but, contest rankings aside, I think CLYWâs players have had an incredible impact on yoyoing this year. Zach winning Nats inspired and surprised the world, and I think youâd be hard pressed to find a yoyoer who didnât feel any motivation to yoyo after watching his freestyle. Also, CLYW has, in one year, picked up some INCREDIBLE talent. CLYWâs players also are some of the most creative players in the sport. In the last year, yoyoing has been better because of CLYWâs players.
Yoyo Company of the year - One Drop
Now before you all go calling me out for being biased, chill out and listen. One Drop has consistently supported the community in the best way they can. CODE2 gave the community a chance to pitch the yoyo of their dreams to be made for public sales. CODE3 gave players an opportunity to showcase their creativity in a high traffic environment. Additionally, One Drop continues to make yoyos for something like ten other companies, while simultaneously successfully running their own business. I donât think Iâve ever talked to David or Shawn without them telling me they were having a busy day, and itâs the truth. David and Shawn are ALWAYS working hard to do what they can for the community. If that means helping other yoyo manufacturers to make some of their designs, theyâll do it. If they have to give away a couple yoyos to promote communal creativty, theyâll do it. If they have an opportunity to teach the community how to make a yoyo, theyâre all over it. I think One Drop has held their standard for excellence all year, and theyâve undoubtedly made the community a better place.
New manufacturer of the year- sOMEThING
In their first year Mickeyâs created a world championship winning yoyo. That speaks for itself. His success is undeniably great.
Yoyo of the year - Cascade
Again, all biases aside, the Cascade is a freaking good yoyo. You can ask any pro player, and regardless of sponsorship or affiliation, chances are the cascade is one of their favorite yoyos. I havenât used another yoyo since I got my prototype in June⌠JUNE.
Video of the year - COMPOSE
God this is such a great video. Press play.
Freestyle of the year - Gentry Stein Worlds 2012
Gentry all year has been hard at work to prove himself as yoyoer with unique style. At worlds, I remember how hard he worked on this freestyle, and his new creativity and effort should not go unnoticed. Meanwhile, Gentry continues to be a large, kind presence in the community. Thereâs not one unkind bone in his body, and he deserves that recognition.
Contest moment of the year - Zach Gormley winning Nationals for 1A
Me and Isaac Sams began watching this freestyle with our voices fully functional, and three minutes later we couldnât even whisper a word. We had screamed and yelled to the extend that our voices seemed nonexistant. This is, and Zach is, one the greatest things that could have happened to yoyoing.
Outstanding player of the year - Isaac Sams
Isaac has the smoothest, coolest, most interesting tech tricks. Heâs also pushed several envelopes in only a yearâs time. His first contest victory was also Triple Crown, an incredibly competitive competition. He is, along with Zach, undoubtedly the future of yoyoing.
Rookie player of the year - Erik Bjork
Erik is the coolest. He gives back to the community with competitions. Heâs a good soul, and heâs incredibly good at yoyoing. Heâs been yoyoing for something like two years and already is making stuff up that competes with some of the biggest names today.
