2025 Central Region Tournament
The 2025 Central Region Show Ski Tournament will be hosted by the Backwater Gamblers on July 12 and July 13 at their ski site in Rock Island, IL!
Saturday, July 12th starting at 7 AM will be an individual competition for a spot to compete in the National tournament for swivel 180, swivel 360, swivel open, swivel pairs 360, swivel pairs open, men’s freestyle jump, women’s freestyle jump, doubles intermediate, doubles open, and team jump.
The team competition will follow the individual competition on Saturday July 12th, and the remaining teams
will compete on Sunday, July 13th starting at 8 AM. Teams from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio will all be competing.
Admission and parking are free! There will be a concession stand with Riverbend pizza, hot dogs, Culver's ice cream, candy, soda, and more, as well as food trucks including El Mariachi and Brightside Brews. There will also be a beer tent with bleachers and full view of the skiing selling canned alcoholic beverages for those 21 and over.
Come join us for a full weekend of waterskiing and fun!
Team & Individual Entry
Entry deadline is June 16, 2025.
Enter your team in Central Regionals
- Entry free: $400 per team
- Running order: The running order of the shows will be determined by the team's finish at the 2024 Central Region Show Ski Tournament
- There will be an officials/team meeting on Friday, July 11 at 7pm where each team must have a representative.
Enter in an individual event for Central Regionals
- Entry fee: $50 per entry (individuals, doubles/pairs, or jump team)
- Running order: The running order of the individuals will be determined by reverse order of date/time of entry
Entry fees can made by Venmo, PayPal, or check.
- Venmo: @Backwater-Gamblers (verification code: 7654)
- PayPal: [email protected]
- Check payable to Backwater Gamblers and mailed to:
Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Show Club, Inc.
Kenzie Clawson
1515 State Street Apt. 235
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(teams limited to 1 hour; individuals limited to 15 minutes).
Lodging
Hotels
For your convenience, a limited number of rooms are blocked at a discounted rate at the following hotels under the block - Backwater Gamblers / Central Region Tournament:
- The Holiday Inn (14 minute drive from the ski site)
- 226 17th St., Rock Island, IL
- To book: call (309) 794-1212 or make an online reservation
- Reservations must be made by June 20
- The Current Iowa (16 minute drive from the ski site)
- 215 N Main St, Davenport, IA
- To book: call (563) 231-9555 or make an online reservation
- Reservations must be made by June 11
- Hotel Blackhawk (17 minute drive from the ski site)
- 200 E 3rd St, Davenport, IA
- To book: call (563) 322-5000 or make an online reservation
- Reservations must be made by June 11
Camping
Campers will be on the Ben Williamson Park property just inside our main Backwater Gamblers entrance. You will be within easy walking distance of all tournament activities. Space is limited to 35 camping units and 12 tent camping spots, so reserve your space early!
Cost is $100 for campers and $50 for tents by Venmo, PayPal, or check.
- Venmo: @Backwater-Gamblers (verification code: 7654)
- PayPal: [email protected]
- Check payable to Backwater Gamblers and mailed to:
Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Show Club, Inc.
5000 44th Street
Rock Island, IL 61201
Ski Site & Equipment Storage
Team equipment will be stored at Harold's Landing in Moline in the designated area. All water craft being used by teams in the tournament will be put in the water at that boat ramp.
