How the Ballot Works

Your guide to entering the World Stone Skimming Championships 2026

Why Do We Have a Ballot?

The World Stone Skimming Championships is one of the most popular events of its kind, with thousands of people wanting to take part each year. However, Easdale Island can only safely accommodate so many competitors!

To give everyone a fair chance of competing, we use a ballot system. This means that entering the ballot doesn't guarantee you a place — but it does give you a fair shot at one!

How the Process Works

Enter the Ballot

Pay the ballot entry fee and you're in the draw. One entry covers your whole group (up to 2 adults and 3 children/juniors).

Wait for the Draw

We run draws throughout the year, releasing around 100 places at a time. If you're not drawn in one round, you stay in the pool for the next.

If You're Drawn — Register!

Winners have 7 days to register their competitors (names, categories, etc.). Don't miss this deadline or your place returns to the pool.

Purchase Your Tickets

After registering, you have another 7 days to buy your competition tickets through our ticket partner. Adults are £20, under-16s are £7.

See You on the Island!

Bring your tickets to Easdale Island on competition day. Check in, get your competitor number, and get ready to skim!

Family Entries

Coming with children or juniors? Family entries get a boost in the draw!

Family Entry Bonus: If you're bringing under-16s, your entry gets a 25% higher chance in the draw. This helps us ensure a good mix of competitors across all age groups.

A single ballot entry can include:

You'll specify who's competing when you register after winning the draw — not when you enter the ballot.

Key Dates for 2026

Ballot Opens
31 January 2026
Ballot Closes
4 April 2026
Competition Day
5 September 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I'm not drawn?

Your entry stays in the pool for future draws. We run multiple draws throughout the year, so you have several chances. If all places are filled and you weren't drawn, your ballot entry fee is non-refundable but goes towards supporting the event.

Can I enter more than once?

Each email address can only have one active ballot entry per year. Additional entries from the same email will be flagged and may be removed.

What if I miss the registration deadline?

If you don't register within 7 days of being drawn, your place returns to the ballot pool and will be offered to someone else in the next draw. Unfortunately, we can't make exceptions as it wouldn't be fair to others waiting for a place.

Can I change my competitors after registering?

Yes, you can update competitor details through your entry portal up until a certain date before the competition. Major changes (like swapping adults) may need to be done through our volunteer support team.

Is the ballot entry fee refundable?

The ballot entry fee is non-refundable, as it covers the administration of the ballot system. However, if you win a place and later can't attend, please let us know so we can offer your place to someone else.

How do I check my entry status?

Use your reference code (sent by email after payment) to check your status anytime on our entry status page.

Fair Play

The ballot system is designed to be fair to everyone. A few things to note:

  • Each person can only compete once per year
  • The draw is randomised — we don't influence who wins
  • Previous years' top finishers may receive automatic invitations
  • We monitor for duplicate entries and may disqualify those attempting to game the system

We want everyone to have fun and compete in the spirit of the event. If you have concerns about fairness, please get in touch.

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