Barrientoz duo find success a PNW Bagfest

MOSES LAKE — Father-son cornhole duo Camryn and Fabian Barrientoz found success in Spokane at the Pacific Northwest Bagfest. When they began competing six years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, they never would have anticipated where they’d find themselves today. 

“Back in 2020 I didn't think that I was ever going to be this competitive into a backyard game that people drink, play and just get together,” Camryn said. “Now this is like a competitive sport. There are colleges actually giving out scholarships, and there's actually a high school and middle school in Grandview. It's pretty cool how Washington's picking up on that.”

Fabian and Camryn Barrientoz turned their trip to PNW Bagfest into a breakthrough performance, combining for an Elite Singles championship, multiple top-three finishes and nearly $1,000 in prize money while competing against some of the region’s strongest players. Due to a blind draw, the pair was split up and paired randomly with other players competing in the tournament. However, it’s nothing the duo hasn’t experienced before, they said.  

“We often meet each other in bracket play, and we both always have been so competitive too, we just try our best,” Fabian said. “If we're playing singles against each other, or if we're in a doubles match with a different partner, we still play each other at our best and see who wins out of it, and usually it’s (Camryn).”  

Fabian enjoyed a breakthrough tournament of his own, winning the Blind Draw Championship after advancing through a field of randomly paired competitors. He also teamed with Tony Beggs to finish runner-up in the 66-team Main Event, earning the King Seat advantage after an impressive winners-bracket run that included victories over a professional cornhole player and a former American Cornhole League competitor.  

His performances throughout the weekend helped Spokane Cornhole Club secure the club points title. He concluded the event with $370 in prize money and two podium finishes.  

Camryn delivered one of the tournament's top performances by capturing the PNW Bagfest Elite Singles Championship, defeating a strong 16-player field. He reached the title match with four consecutive bracket wins, including dominant 23-2 and 21-0 victories. In the championship, Camryn lost the opening game 25-15. However, because he held the King Seat advantage, his opponent still needed to defeat him twice to claim the title. 

He also finished third in the Blind Draw event and third in the Main Event alongside partner Kevin Barrows, helping Spokane Cornhole Club earn enough points to win the club competition. Camryn finished the tournament with approximately $390 in prize money and an Elite Singles championship to his name. 

Fabian was not able to register in time for the main singles tournament, he said. So, Camryn made him a promise.  

“I was like, ‘I'm going to win this for you,’” he said. 

It was also somewhat emotional competing in Spokane for the duo, as recent family events took place in the area. The elements in some way helped Camryn feel more locked in mentally during the competitions.  

“My grandma recently passed away and was buried in Spokane,” Camryn said. “There were a lot of things on my mind, but I just felt like there was a lot of strength to keep throwing, and it was just really easy. I was just making them, I couldn't miss. She was our biggest supporter.”  

Shirley Murphy had always eagerly waited for the pair to return from tournaments around Washington to hear how they went, Fabian said. Keeping her in mind throughout the tournament, Camryn said he was able to overcome several talented players from the Tri-Cities area.  

The Barrientoz household and extended family were also in attendance to support Camryn and Fabian, they said. The duo expressed gratitude for their family's support, as well. Not only do they provide encouragement throughout tournaments but also help keep them nourished and hydrated by bringing food and water to them.  

“We practice here (at home) daily,” Fabian said. “During those days at home, it's my family and just them putting up with us outside for the amount of hours that we do. It's kind of a whole big deal; it's a family thing. I always think of them first when I'msuccessful, that's what I believe motivates me. I think about them a lot when I play.” 

As their success grew, so did the cost of competing around the state. They spend anywhere between $200 to $600 on entry fees alone for each trip. What has helped them continue to pursue their passion and not get overwhelmed by the costs has been accumulating sponsorships.  

At PNW Bagfest, the Barrientoz had six sponsors. Obtaining sponsorships has allowed them to enter more tournaments and compete on bigger stages in the world of cornhole. They continue to seek more sponsors ahead of each new tournament. For anyone interested in sponsoring the duo, they can be reached at Camryn’s email: [email protected]  

As time has gone by, both players could not have predicted cornhole would have become such an integral part of their lives. With each passing tournament, the pair continues to create core memories with each other.  

Camryn recounted a lot of post tournament adventures he and his dad would go on with fellow cornhole players, too. 

“There are some nights after cornhole we'll all go out to like Applebee's and all go eat together and just have great times,” he said. “There's also great memories after the like cornhole's over. We'll go to our hotels, and there's funny memories we still remember to this day.” 

The experiences they have collected together has had a tremendous impact on their relationship, too.  

“It brings me and Camryn a lot closer together,” Fabian said. 

Their next competition will be at the Othello Fair, which runs from Sept. 16-19.  

    Fabian Barrientoz (left) taking second place in doubles with Tony beggs
  

    Camryn Barrientoz (left) poses with a teammate after taking third in blind draw competition.