Hammerschlagen®

We proudly introduced Hammerschlagen® at the inaugural Oktoberfest Northwest in 2005, and it quickly became a fan favorite—and the centerpiece of the entire festival tradition.

The rules are simple, but the challenge is real:
Be the first to drive your nail into a log using only the narrow end of the hammer.

Guests can enjoy open play throughout the weekend, but only registered competitors can face off in the Tournament of Champions on Friday and Saturday nights, with the finals at 8 PM on Saturday.

This year’s championship round will be hosted by former Seattle Mariner and current 93.3 KJR-FM radio personality, co-host of Chuck & Buck in the Morning, Bucky Jacobson!

This year, Hammerschlagen is getting an upgrade! The event will be bigger than ever, made possible by Emerald Queen Casino.

Join the Tournament of Champions

View the Legendary Wall of Champions HERE!

Each year, the bold and the brave battle it out for a coveted spot on the Hammerschlagen® Tournament of Champions Wall. Think you’ve got what it takes?

Sign up onsite at the Hammerschlagen® tent for your shot at bragging rights, glory, and some epic prizes.

It’s FREE to enter — but spots fill fast, so get there early!

Tournament Sign-up and playing Schedule:
Friday, Oct 3rd, 2025- 7PM: Round 1 - Sign-ups begin at 5PM
Friday, Oct 3rd, 2025 - 8PM: Round 2 - Sign-ups begin at 6PM
Saturday, Oct 4th, 2025 - 6PM: Round 1 - Sign-ups begin at 4PM
Saturday, Oct 4th, 2025 - 7PM: Round 2 - Sign-ups begin at 5PM
Tournament of Champions – Finals Oct 4th, 2025 at 8PM

Prizes 
•    1st: $200 + T-shirt Voucher, Free Stein Voucher + $20 Fest Bucks + Framed Photo on the Wall of Champions for Life!
•    2nd: $100 + T-shirt Voucher + Free Stein Voucher + $10 Fest Bucks
•    3rd: $50 + T-shirt Voucher + Free Stein Voucher

Bringing the Family to Oktoberfest Northwest?
Kids can join in the fun too! There's a special Hammerschlagen® area just for kids, located next to the Root Bier Garden. Teach them the rules, go over safety basics, and let them take a swing!  Note: Children must be supervised by an adult at all times while playing.

Note: Oktoberfest Northwest has the exclusive rights to operate, promote and play Hammerschlagen® at an Oktoberfest event in the State of Washington. We are proud to say that we introduced the Northwest to the game on a large scale during our inaugural event in 2005. Oktoberfest Northwest is truly the home of Hammerschlagen® in the Northwest! Hammerschlagen® is a trademark of WRB, Inc. of Minnesota.