Rootberry winning the coveted "Peoples Choice Award" IJA Reno 2003
- Bill Berry
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The People’s Champion: Looking Back at IJA Reno 2003
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a performance stops being a "routine" and starts being a shared experience. In 2003, at the IJA Summer Festival in Reno, Nevada, we felt that magic firsthand.
While the technical competitions at the IJA are legendary for their intensity, there is one honor that stands apart: The People’s Choice Award.
Why the People's Choice Matters
In a room filled with the world’s most elite jugglers, critics, and historians, the People's Choice Award is the ultimate "seal of approval." It isn’t decided by a panel of judges behind a desk counting drops or measuring technical difficulty. It is voted on by the entire theater—your peers, your idols, and the fans.
Winning it means you didn't just juggle well; it means you connected. For Rootberry, winning this in 2003 was a defining moment in our journey. It confirmed that our blend of skill and (let’s be honest) chaotic humor resonated with the people who know juggling best.
The "Trophy" Moment
The video above picks up right in the aftermath of the win. We’ve just gotten the trophy, and as usual, Jonathan couldn't help but lean into the moment and crack some jokes. It’s a fun, nostalgic look at where we were back then.
The Official Record:
We aren't just blowing smoke! You can find Rootberry listed in the official IJA archives among some of the greatest names in the history of the sport.
Official IJA Record: IJA Award Winners - People's Choice
The Year: 2003
The Location: Reno, NV
People's Choice is a prestigious award, placing Rootberry alongside legends like Anthony Gatto and Viktor Kee.
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