Marble League

The Marble League (formerly known as the MarbleLympics) is an annual event where marbles from different teams compete against each other in a number of different sports events. It is run by the Jelle's Marble Runs Committee. So far, there have been 4 Marble Leagues. All competitors are 16 mm in diameter.^[1]

HistoryEdit

The Marble League was started in 2016. It grew out of the Knikkegen Marble League, a marble sports competition started by Jelle and Dion Bakker. In 2013 the KML grew in popularity due to appearing in a viral TV featurette about the growing popularity of marble sports tournaments. The next year the KML received applications from around the world, most of which the Bakker brothers had to decline. The growing popularity of the KML attracted the attention of Greg Woods who ran the Fruit Circuit. In late 2014, Woods met the Bakker brothers and they began planning an expansion to the KML that would add an international league. In 2015 this plan was expanded further to the entire tournament, becoming the Marble League 2016.^[2]

Marble League 2016 Edit

Main article: Marble League 2016

The first annual Marble League was held in 2016 and was won by the Savage Speeders. There were 16 teams and 12 events. This was the only Marble League where there were no qualifying rounds, as it was the first year.

The sixteen inaugural teams are as follows; Pinkies, O'rangers, Rojo Rollers, Snowballs, Kobalts, Savage Speeders, Limers, Oceanics, Thunderbolts, Team Primary, Chocolatiers, Balls of Chaos, Team Galactic, Jawbreakers, Mellow Yellow, and Team Momo.

Final StandingsEdit

Marble League 2017 Edit

Main article: Marble League 2017

The second annual Marble League was held in 2017 and was won by the O'rangers. The points system was changed for 2017, and a qualifying round was held for the first time.

Four new teams debuted in the 2017 season, including the Jungle Jumpers, Midnight Wisps, Shining Swarm, and Quicksilvers.

Final StandingsEdit

Marble League 2018Edit

Main article: Marble League 2018

In 2018, the first Winter Marble League was held instead of the regular Marble League. Additionally, it was the first edition to be held in a host stadium, in this case the Snowballs' Arctic Circle.

24 teams entered the qualifying rounds, split into three groups of eight. The top four of each group would be qualified for Marble League 2018. Although eight new teams entered the qualifiers, only four qualified, those being the Hazers, Raspberry Racers, Minty Maniacs, and Crazy Cat's Eyes.

After injuries sustained by Momomo and Momomomo of Team Momo, Team Momo and Team Primary, the latter of which did not qualify, temporarily merged to compete as Team Momary.

The championship was won by the Midnight Wisps, with the Savage Speeders and Oceanics in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Final StandingsEdit

Marble League 2019Edit

Main article: Marble League 2019

The fourth annual Marble League was held in 2019 and was won by the Raspberry Racers. It was the first edition to have 16 events instead of 12 events. The 3-point penalty for disqualification was also dropped this year.

Two new teams debuted, the Indigo Stars and the Green Ducks.

Marble League ShowdownEdit

Main article: Marble League Showdown 2019

2019 contained the first edition of the Marble League Showdown, a tournament where the teams who failed to qualify for Marble League 2019 competed to qualify for the next year's qualifiers. Marble League Showdown 2019 was won by the Snowballs. Marble League Showdown 2019 was the first tournament to use the "Marble League" branding, replacing the "MarbleLympics" name.

Final StandingsEdit

Marble League 2020 Edit

Main article: Marble League 2020

The fifth annual Marble League began in June 2020. It is to be hosted by Team Galactic. This was the first year that no new teams debuted, although this is the first year the Hornets and Bumblebees have participated in the main Marble League after participating in the Showdown in 2019.

Current StandingsEdit

Stats up to date up to ML20 Event 3

RulesEdit

Points SystemEdit

Main article: List of Marble League points scoring systems

Below is the official scoring system, introduced in 2017.

DisqualificationsEdit

Main article: List of Disqualifications

ReferencesEdit

1. ↑ @Jelles_com. Twitter (11th January 2018). “The official size of marblelympic athletes is 16mm, but their friends from Sand Marble Racing are actually bigger with a diameter of 24mm!”
2. ↑ Stynth (31st January 2020). RetRollSpective – Team Primary. Marble Sports.