The 2026 Central Carolina Regional exceeded every expectation we had when planning began more than 18 months ago. With more than 1,570 tables in play, the tournament ranks among the top ten regionals in the United States based on table count. More than 900 players earned masterpoints  during the tournament, and countless new friendships and partnerships were formed at the  tables. Attendance by Non-Life Masters was especially encouraging and reflects our commitment to  growing the game. The success of the tournament attracted significant media attention, earning  front-page coverage in both the Greensboro News & Record and the Winston-Salem Journal. 
 

It was recognized early on that a good marketing campaign would be necessary to ensure a successful  tournament. Using a complex player analysis algorithm coupled with a series of targeted messages  based upon player classification, a total of six email groups were sent out over an eighteen-month  period. A final count shows that over 60,000 such emails were sent during the months leading up to  the tournament. 
 

The registration experience was unlike anything seen at a regional tournament. Claudia Hale and  Debbie Monroe made more than 750 handmade tote bags that were distributed to players. Every bag  given away and received enthusiastic praise from attendees. In addition, Claudia created more than 100 wrist key chains and nearly 150 wine-cork key chains, all of which were distributed throughout the  week. Special gift bags were also prepared for our seven guest speakers, while our tournament  directors were welcomed with gift bags, wine, and fresh doughnuts each morning. 
 

A lot of thought also went into drawing in some of the league’s newest I/N players. After some deliberation, the following experimental programs were introduced during our Regional:  
 

• Non-Life Master Boot Camp 

One of the highlights of the week was our first-ever Non-Life Master Boot  

Camp. Approximately 80 players attended this free educational program, traveling from across District 7 to participate. Under the leadership of Rich Peffer and supported by eight volunteer counselors, participants received extensive handouts, instruction, and one-on-one guidance designed to help them navigate their first regional tournament experience. The program was the result of more than 18 months of planning and preparation and will serve as a model for future events. 

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• Novice Free-Plays 

After reaching out to club managers from around the District, about ninety coded free-play  coupons were mailed out (upon request by the club managers) with instructions to give one  tournament free-play to any novice who had never attended a major tournament before. It now appears that 40 of those I/N vouchers were redeemed during our tournament. Note: the first 30 of the vouchers were funded by the District 7 I/N stipend and the rest were funded by other means. 

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The Unit 169 Board of Directors demonstrated its commitment to providing an exceptional  tournament experience by contributing a $2,500 grant. These funds helped create many of the special touches that set this tournament apart, including the production of 100 custom table covers and the operation of a dedicated hospitality room for Unit 169 members. The hospitality room proved to be extremely popular, providing a comfortable place for players to relax, enjoy refreshments, and socialize between sessions. 

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The success of the Central Carolina Regional was the direct result of hundreds of volunteer hours, creative ideas, and a shared commitment to hospitality. For those who would like to relive the week,  the Unit 169 website contains an extensive collection of tournament photographs capturing many of  the memorable moments from this historic event.