Carli Clesmere If you thought New Jersey could not get more competitive, think again. A full-blown Rock Paper Scissors tournament is coming to American Dream, and yes, there is real money on the line. Whether you are someone who takes the game very seriously or just want to watch the drama unfold, this is one event that is guaranteed to be entertaining. Read on for more about this event.
The Second Annual New Jersey Lottery Rock Paper Scissors Throwdown is returning to American Dream in East Rutherford from April 10th through April 12th, 2026. This 3-day event brings together competitors from all over for a chance to claim bragging rights and a cash prize, all centered around the classic game everyone knows and loves.
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Looking back at last year, Kevin Wang, who traveled from Knoxville, Tennessee, came out on top after competing against 383 other players. He took home the first-place prize of $10,000.
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How the Tournament Works
For those wondering how the tournament works, the rules are simple. Players throw either rock, paper, or scissors, with rock beating scissors, scissors beating paper, and paper beating rock. Each round begins with both players saying “rock, paper, scissors, shoot” in sync before making their move.
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Matches throughout the tournament follow a best three out of five format, meaning the first player to win three rounds advances. In the finals, the competition gets even more intense with a best four out of seven format to determine the winner. A referee is present to make sure everything runs smoothly.
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As of April 10th, 2026, registration for this year’s competition is officially closed, meaning the lineup of players is set and ready to go. Spectators can still head to the venue to watch the action live and see who comes out on top.
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