Less Than a Month to Go Until the US Quidditch Cup!

Start polishing those brooms, US Muggle quidditch fans. The highlight of the season is almost here as teams from across the US come together April 14–15 to battle it out for the coveted US Quidditch Cup title.

Previously known as the Quidditch World Cup, the 11th US Quidditch Cup national championship is taking place in Round Rock, Texas, and will host 88 teams, which have been selected from various regional championships. The top teams from these championships will be seeded into pools, based on their previous play from the season. The tournament will commence with round-robin play within the pools before graduating to elimination rounds, where the losing team exits the race for the title.

Local Seattle news station King 5 attended the Washington-based Rain City Raptors’ practice as the teams prepares for the championship and interviewed head coach Jake Ronhaar and Beater Siri Rigsby to discuss why they love the sport so much.

Ronhaar admits that some aspects of the sport can be tricky to get used to, while Rigsby believes that the quirky nature of the sport allows it to be accessible for those not traditionally athletically inclined.

Rigsby particularly highlights the powerful message the sport has for inclusivity.

That’s my favorite part of playing. Getting to play with non-male players, non-binary players, because I feel like the sports I played growing up were not necessarily mixed-gendered, and I think it’s really powerful, especially for young girls and young women.

You can watch the full video of the interview below.

Rain City Raptors will fight for the title against teams such as last year’s winners, Texas Cavalry, which beat Texas State with a Snitch catch in a nail-biting final.

For more information on US Quidditch Cup 11, check out its official website. And be sure to check in April 14–15 to cheer on your favorite team!