Rock Paper Scissors, one of the world’s oldest and simplest  games, will soon become a challenge that could earn someone $10,000 in the first New Jersey Lottery Rock Paper Scissors Throwdown.  The tournament, offering a total of $25,000 in prizes, will take place at American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ on March 29-30.

The organizers of the Throwdown have opened online registration to another 100 people, after the initial 100 openings have been filled.  Up to 384 people ages 18 and up will be accepted to compete. There is no charge to enter.   Finals of the two-day event will take place late afternoon on March 30.  The 12 finalists will win prizes starting at $500 up to the grand prize of $10,000.  

Many may remember playing Rock Paper Scissors as kids. The roots of the popular game can be traced to China more than 2,000 years ago.  Many adults still use it as a fun and fast way to decide who will go first or do something that others may or may not want to.

“We’re taking a game that’s familiar to many and requires no special athletic skills and opening it to all adults who’d like to compete for bragging rights and a $10,000 prize,” said Howard Freeman, the event organizer.

“The Throwdown is like a free tournament version of playing the Lottery. It’s a game of chance that rewards lucky players with prize money.  And it’s fun!” said James A. Carey, Jr, Executive Director of the New Jersey Lottery. At the weekend event, the Lottery also will debut a unique Scratch-Off game that offers a new more colorful way to play, making the game available for sale before statewide release. 

Rock Paper Scissors is considered one of the world’s oldest games --and dispute-resolution methods -- dating back to the Chinese Han Dynasty of 206 BC.  Versions of the game were also popular in ancient Japan. It made its way to Great Britain in the 1920s and then spread worldwide.

Contestants will face off and after calling out “Rock.. Paper..Scissors…shoot,” thrust their hand out as a fist, for Rock, or flat, representing Paper or with the index and middle fingers extended, for Scissors.  Rock beats Scissors; Scissors cuts through Paper, and Paper covers Rock.  In the Throwdown, contestants will vie to win with 3 out of 5 throws in order to advance to the next round.  For the finals, contestants must win 4 out of 7 throws to advance.  

To register to enter the New Jersey Lottery Rock Paper Scissors Throwdown, visit  www.nj-rps.com.

Entrants must be at least 18 years old and proof of age will be required for entrants at the venue.  People of all ages are invited to watch the Throwdown online or in-person on one of the world’s largest TV screens at the American Dream, where there will be activities, entertainment and food available. Rock Paper Scissors Throwdown T-shirts will be given free to attendees while supplies last.

American Dream is located at 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ, in the Meadowlands complex.  From the New Jersey Turnpike, follow the Western Spur to exit 16W.  From the Garden State Parkway South, take Exit 163 towards Route 17, to Paterson Plank Road east to American Dream. Traveling North on the Garden State Parkway, take exit 153A towards Route 3 and follow Route 3 East to American Dream.

The Rock Paper Scissors Throwdown is being produced by New Jersey-based Promo 1. For more information, contact  [email protected]