Introduction to European Sport Stacking
Could you stack 12 cups in under two seconds? If not, the European Sport Stacking Championships may not be for you. However, five competitors from Northern Ireland, including three children, are preparing to compete in the championships in Spain next weekend with the goal of achieving success.
The sport, also known as cup stacking or speed stacking, is both an individual and team event where participants stack nine to 12 specially designed cups in predetermined sequences as quickly as possible. These cups feature air holes to allow airflow, facilitating rapid stacking in a race against the clock or other players.
Laura Beacom: Northern Ireland’s Leading Competitor
The Northern Ireland team is led by 22-year-old Laura Beacom from east Belfast, who is the current European champion.
"I got a set of cups and just started practicing on the carpet of my bedroom and the rest is history,"Laura said, recalling how she first discovered sport stacking online at the age of 12 after watching a YouTube video.
Laura persuaded her mother to allow her to participate in her first competition in Glasgow after purchasing a set of cups in 2017 that included an advertisement for the event.
Now, a decade later, Laura has won the European championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024. She holds two out of three current European records, previously held a world record, and placed fifth at the 2025 World Championships.
At the upcoming European Championships, Laura will compete in the singles event, which requires placing 12 cups in a specific formation. Her best time is under two seconds.
She will also participate in the doubles event alongside a partner she has yet to compete with.
"Speed is the most important thing but you only get three tries in each event and you need to do well in every event as they add the times together,"Laura explained.
"Consistency is so important as you need to be nailing it every time and hold your nerve."
Success in the sport has come with financial challenges, as it is entirely self-funded. The expenses accumulate, especially since Laura typically competes abroad about once a month.
When Laura began competing a decade ago, she and her father were the only participants from Northern Ireland. Currently, 24 athletes will represent Team GB in Alicante from April 17 to 19, with five hailing from Northern Ireland.
Laura now serves as the GB national coach for sport stacking and trains children at after-school clubs in the Randalstown area.
Young Competitors from Northern Ireland
Among those accompanying Laura to Spain are siblings Logan and Ivy from Randalstown, County Antrim.
Their mother, Sarah, expressed initial skepticism about the sport being a passing interest after her daughter showed enthusiasm.
"She is sticking with this. She really enjoys it,"Sarah said.
"We now have about 20 sets of cups in the house and it's her biggest fascination,"she added.
"She has her brother involved and her neighbours. Dad has now become head coach in the house, but I refuse to pick up a cup.
"If they're not in the house doing it, they're on the doorstep. There are cups everywhere."
The interest in the sport continues unabated, with 10-year-old Ivy practicing for more than an hour daily.
"I started doing it on my granny's kitchen floor and begged my mum for a timer mat and cup,"Ivy said.
"I'm extremely excited about the European Championships and have started practising non-stop."
Ivy’s dedication has inspired her 11-year-old brother Logan, who is also set to compete in Spain.
Expanding the Sport’s Reach
Ivy’s enthusiasm has also influenced her classmates. Her friend Olly began participating after being encouraged by Ivy and convinced his mother to let him attend the same after-school club led by Laura.
Olly, aged 10, will compete in Spain in both the individual and doubles events alongside Ivy.
"My first ever cycle at the sport stacking afterschool club was 30 seconds as I had been practising a lot with Ivy,"Olly said.
"If it's raining, I practise most of the day."
According to coach Laura, sport stacking continues to grow in popularity, and she hopes to expand its presence throughout Northern Ireland.
"I am hoping to start the first Belfast club outside of schools after Easter, so watch this space,"Laura said.
