Quadball Turns 20: Honoring the Past, Building the Future
On October 9, 2005, a small group of Middlebury College students gathered with hoops, a quaffle, and a sense of imagination. What began as a fun experiment by Alex Benepe and Xander Manshel quickly grew into something much greater: a community, a competition, and a culture that has defined the lives of thousands of players, volunteers, and fans around the world. Today, we celebrate quadball’s 20th anniversary.
This milestone is not just about looking back at two decades of a sport on a broomstick, it’s also about where we’re headed next.
On the weekend of October 9-11, 2026, we’ll launch a new tradition: the USQ Regional All-Star Weekend. For the first time, the top USQ talent from across the country will gather to showcase their skills in an all-star format. Major League Quadball will also join in, adding our own all-star element to the weekend. It promises to be a celebration of excellence across every level of the sport in the U.S. More info regarding the location, selection criteria, format, and more will be released later this season.
The All-Star Weekend will not just be a moment to praise present talent but to cement the contributions of those who built our foundation, as well. USQ is creating a set of generational awards that will be unveiled this season and awarded on the weekend. These honors will recognize players, volunteers, and staff who have shaped the sport from its earliest days through today. It’s a way of preserving history and shining a light on the people whose dedication made quadball what it is.
Continuing our commemoration, we will be releasing exclusive 20th anniversary merchandise in collaboration with USQ throughout the year. We’re also excited to announce the upcoming Quadball Turns 20 book—a companion to Quidditch Turns 10. Authored by Bay Area Breaker and long-time player Kyle Pickett, the book will capture the stories, moments, and milestones that define the last 20 years.
To make sure this anniversary is felt both on the field and beyond, MLQ Creative Director Nivash Jayram is teaming up with Mighty Tak Media Founder Mark Takajay to develop refreshed promotional materials that honor the sport’s journey and inspire its future.
And today, as we mark the exact 20th anniversary of quadball’s founding, we invite you to join in the celebration. Share and tag @USQuadball and @MLQuadball in your photos, memories, and stories from your own quadball journey on social media. Whether it’s your first practice, your favorite tournament, or the relationships you’ve built along the way, your experiences are the heartbeat of this sport. Together, these moments tell the story of a community 20 years in the making.
This is a major milestone worth celebrating, but it’s only the beginning. To everyone who has played, volunteered, cheered, or supported along the way: thank you. Quadball is more than just a sport; it’s a community that continues to grow stronger with every season. Here’s to the past that shaped us, the present that inspires us, and the future we are building together.
Want to contribute to our 20th Anniversary efforts? Donate $20 to USQ as a birthday gift today.