Written by Chris Opalka.
Celebrating the moments that make WGI much more than a competition.
For anyone who has been to WGI World Championships, they know it is much more than just a competition, it’s a celebration. Yes ,the various performance spaces are packed with incredible programs, flawless tosses, and emotional performances, but a large part of the experience comes from off of the performance floor.
Welcome to the Expo Tent.
If WGI had a town square, it would be the Expo Tent. Whether you’re a performer hunting down your favorite guard’s merch, a staff member shopping for your next rehearsal hoodie, or a spectator wanting to grab some WGI brand swag, this colossal covering will have something for everybody. Vendors from across the country set up booths with flags, rifles, sabres, gloves, and more merch than you could ever need (but you will probably still want). A popular item is the mystery silk bags. A few different companies that sell flag silks will put 3-5 silks in a bag for you to only open after you purchase it. There are also several guards that have booths where they sell merch, either specific to their show or with their logo. The Expo Tent is the perfect place to interact with old friends or meet new ones from other organizations.
The Infamous Cheer
If you know, you know…and if you don’t, you will. The unofficial anthem of WGI is the cheer that arises between every few performances. The cheer is a series of claps and phrases that may change or get added to depending on who starts it. There is something electric and inclusive about the moment the entire arena joins in with the same chant. It truly becomes a wave of support and tradition for performers and spectators to participate in together. It’s sort of like WGI’s version of a standing ovation before the show even starts!
The Sign
One of the most iconic photo ops of the winter season is the WGI sign. Located near the entrance to the University of Dayton arena is a sign that has the letters “W” and “G” from the WGI logo with a platform for you to become the “I”. Many groups will get a full-guard photo or a quick pic with their best friend. Regardless of who you take the photo with, it is an experience that nearly all who attend will participate in!
New Friends, Same Passion
At the end of the day, WGI World Championships isn’t just about winning. It’s about the joy, the memories, and the shared love for this weird and wonderful activity we all call home. One of the most special parts of WGI is how it brings people together. Whether you’re waiting in line for finals wristbands, stretching out in the warm-up lots, or sitting in the bleachers between performance blocks, you’re constantly meeting people who get it. So whether you’re there to spin, toss, dance, shout, clap, cheer, or just watch in awe — make sure to soak it all in. Take a picture with the WGI sign. Buy the merch you probably don’t need. Scream your heart out for a team you’ve never heard of. Make a friend from another guard and keep in touch. Because that’s what WGI World Championships is all about. The memories that we will take with us when we all leave Saturday night and that will stay with us for years to come.
Safe travels and see you in Dayton!
