Rolling into the CHAMPS Trade Show in Denver this year felt distinctly different—a mix of nostalgia and excitement hung in the air. After a successful 13-year run in the Mile High City, the renowned trade show was bidding farewell to Denver. Local enthusiasts and industry professionals came out in full force to celebrate one last time, making it one of the busiest Colorado shows in recent years.
The energy on the show floor was electric, with Buyers eager to make the most of the final Denver CHAMPS. Two lucky shops walked away with an extra $1,000 each. On Day One, Adam from Vitrum Smoke Shop in Houston, Texas, took home the cash prize. Day Two saw Crown Smoke Shop from Elizabethtown, Kentucky, claim the winnings. Both winners wasted no time, reinvesting their prizes right back into the bustling marketplace.
Among the highlights were the Glass Games and the Goblet Grab contest, which boasted its largest turnout of goblets in years. The competition was fierce, but ultimately, Colorado native Matt Z clinched first place in the Goblet Grab, edging out Shayla of Windstar Glass, who took second place, and Pedro Grime, who secured third.
The “Make It a Set” game was another crowd-pleaser, showcasing creative sets ranging from intricate tables and bongs to elaborate 11-piece smoker collections. Glass Smith emerged victorious, taking first place, followed by Stephen Boehme in second, and Rye Dyer rounding out the top three.
The excitement didn’t stop there. The “Ménage à Trois” event, a three-person collaboration challenge, brought together some of the finest talents in the industry. The first-place team comprised Ben Burton, Shayla of Windstar Glass, and Shackman. Second-place honors went to Alec Blows Glass, Rye Dyer, and Jack Albershardt, while the third-place team included JSmart Glass, Jeremiah, and Jenna of 7ten Glass. All three artists on the winning team go to the Masters.
As the final day drew to a close, it was clear that this CHAMPS Trade Show was a fitting tribute to Denver’s vibrant glass community. The event celebrated not only the end of an era but also the enduring spirit and creativity that have defined the local scene for over a decade. It was a memorable farewell, marking the end of CHAMPS in Denver with the same enthusiasm and camaraderie that has always made it special.
