Church Olympics Rock Paper Scissors Tournament Goes Viral | Competition

The Church Olympics Rock Paper Scissors Competition

A new trend has emerged on social media that combines good old fashioned games with church activities. Specifically, a “Church Olympics” rock paper scissors tournament was recently held, likely inspired by the hashtag games and challenges that spread virally on apps like TikTok.

The Viral Video Sparking a Trend

A TikTok video with the hashtags #fyp #rock #paper #scissors #foryoupage #headachechallenge brought this tournament to light. In the video, two church members face off in an epic match of rock paper scissors. The video has sparked many recreations from churches around the world, taking a simple hand game to create friendly competition among congregation members.

Rock Paper Scissors History and Rules

For those unfamiliar, rock paper scissors dates back centuries and has very simple rules. The game only requires two people and is used to make casual decisions or settle disputes. Each player choses to either make a rock, paper, or scissors shape with their hand. Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock. If both players make the same shape, it results in a tie. The first to reach a set number of wins is declared the champion.

How Church Olympics Adapted Rock Paper Scissors

While the original video showed a standard head-to-head match between two churchgoers, the Church Olympics put a new spin on it. Much like during the ancient Greek Olympics, churches drafted members to compete and represent their congregation. Standard bracket-style tournaments saw rock paper scissors games occur with winners advancing closer to the medals podium.

Early Rounds Format and Highlights

The first few rounds of competition were pool play, with contestants assigned to groups that competed in a round robin format. Leaders from each pool advanced to seeded slots in a 16-person bracket. There were certainly some early round fireworks, including a 7-year-old girl that cruised to a 3-0 record by exclusively throwing scissors against her older opponents. The chaos and excitement built heading into the finals...

The Finals and Medal Matches

After battling through the tournament, four competitors took the stage to cheers from the crowd. The bronze medal match saw a comeback victory after being down 4-2. Our champion was ultimately crowned in dramatic fashion, with a “for the win” throw finally clinching the championship after a marathon 25 round final!

Why Combine Church Service and Rock Paper Scissors?

On the surface, this tournament was mostly intended for harmless fun through friendly competition. Much like church softball or basketball leagues, it created bonds between members outside of standard sermons. There is also symbolism connected to the simplicity of rock paper scissors that connects to faith.

An Equal Playing Field Centered on Luck and Providence

The fact any player can win rock paper scissors regardless of age, gender, or experience can be seen as a sign that providence guides outcomes. Rather than skill, competitors must have faith that “luck” will be on their side. Is a string of victories God intervening or just odds evening out over time?

Signifying Balance and the Ability to Disrupt Order

Rock, paper, and scissors are all common items that serve specific purposes. But within the game, none are more or less valuable. Each has strengths and weaknesses showcasing checks and balances. Further, even seemingly powerful rocks can have their structure disrupted instantly by paper covering up its strength.

What’s Next for Church Olympics Rock Paper Scissors?

It remains to be seen if this viral tournament will remain a one-time fad. But there certainly seems to be enthusiasm around adapting simple games for enjoyment within church walls. If it provides harmless fun and community engagement, churches could certainly incorporate rock paper scissors into future activities. Would a faith-based version of rock paper scissors catch on? Maybe a Holy Trinity shuffle with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit selections?

Regardless, the TikTok views show there is interest in these types of events. Churches looking to inject energy into proceedings would be wise to consider quick, easy games. In the right context, even rock paper scissors can facilitate camaraderie and connectedness!

FAQs

What inspired the church rock paper scissors tournament?

A viral TikTok video showing a rock paper scissors match between two church members sparked the idea to hold a full tournament bracket inspired by the Church Olympics concept.

Who won the tournament?

After a hard-fought finals match, a winner was crowned church rock paper scissors champion following a marathon 25 round match that ended on a clutch "for the win" throw.

What rules were used?

The standard rock paper scissors rules applied. Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock. Games were played best 2 out of 3 or up to 25 rounds in the finals.

Will the tournament become an annual event?

It's unclear if the viral tournament will continue annually. But its early enthusiasm and engagement suggests churches could implement rock paper scissors competitions into future activities.