Card players from across the United States and beyond will gather at the York Country Store in Fentress County next Saturday for the 24th Annual World Pig Championship.
Organizer Jim Buck formalized the rules for the regional card game in 2001, transforming a local pastime into a competitive event. The tournament now draws more than 100 participants annually to play the game, which shares similarities with Rook.
“Actually, the BBC did a special on it and we have a branch in Liverpool, England, that plays pig now,” Buck said.
While the game has gained attention from outlets like the Smithsonian and CMT, its roots remain firmly planted in the Upper Cumberland. Buck noted that the specific rules and use of jokers historically varied between Fentress and Pickett counties before he copyrighted a standardized version.
“I’ve got a good friend in Indianapolis, Indiana,” Buck said. “He comes down from Indianapolis every year to play in this pig tournament. I’ve got another good friend that’s going to be spending the night with me; he comes all the way from Washington DC once a year to play in the card game.”
The competition begins at high noon and continues until 5:00, with players rotating through different games rather than facing immediate elimination. The participant with the most wins at the end of the day earns the title of World Champion.
“The women go to beauty shops and gossip, the men go to York Store and gossip,” Buck said. “They talk about the price of cattle, they talk about who’s sick, what’s hay doing, what’s cost of fertilizer doing, it’s kind of just a community place where you get together and you play cards and talk at the same time, it’s just such fun and everybody has a good time.”
The demographic of the tournament has shifted over the last two decades, moving from a male-dominated field to one where women often outnumber men. Buck has also introduced the probability-based game to local high schools and community centers to ensure the tradition continues.
“But you got to – you got to jump in there and play; that’s the way you learn,” Buck said.
Those interested in learning the rules or participating can contact Buck directly or visit the York Country Store on the day of the event.
The championship takes place February 28.