First time I walked into the contest room at Treasure Island, I was completely in awe. There were so many people and the excitement filled the room.

NHC an Experience That Can’t be Missed

With more than 700 horseplayers entered in an event dubbed as the U.S. Open of handicapping, the large, diverse group underscored the dramatic growth of the competition, now in its 19th year.

This is basically a horseplayers conference. Even if you don’t have a shot at winning, it’s so much fun because of the camaraderie. Some of our best friends in horse racing, we’ve met here.

This tournament — it’s the pinnacle, so it’s an awesome experience … The room starts levitating as soon as a big longshot pops up. It’s awesome. This is where it’s at.

This is fun. Being in here with everybody and seeing the process, it’s important for the industry, and I hope it continues to grow and people support it.

The NHC tournament is an awesome experience for a horse player. You have the best handicappers in the world in one room & I look forward to the buzz in the room when the first mandatory race goes off, it is electric!

Meeting up with friends and sharing stories with fellow contest players who have also qualified this year and just the overall pure excitement of the NHC itself.

It’s my favorite event of the year, and I really enjoy connecting with everyone that I only see once a year.

The NTRA puts on a great event. Looking forward to seeing all the participants and hopefully a successful tournament!

The challenge of playing in the tournament – 3 days of handicapping against a field of competitors that have all earned the privilege to play for the championship.

Just being there. Since it’s my first year I just want to take it all in. Knowing how hard it is to qualify for the NHC, I’m not sure when I’ll be back.

I love the event overall. I have been looking forward to it since I qualified in February on Horsetourneys…. while I was ice fishing.

The camaraderie and fellowship among players. It is always fun to see some you haven’t in a while and to spend time taking on the arduous task of preparing for the NHC.

I’m just looking forward to the “whole” experience–the VIP treatment we receive, seeing some of the big names in the tournament game, and, of course, the great competition.

The atmosphere in the room, there’s nothing like it.

I feel that I have worked so hard and finally accomplished this goal of qualifying. After arriving, it’s game on.

Participating in such a large & prestigious tournament with others that enjoy the sport as much as I do.

There is no doubt that this is the most prestigious handicapping event in the country and winning would be an award like no other.

The tournament is a “first-class” environment and so well organized it is always fun to participate.

Just the general excitement of playing in the Championship against a lot of names I have followed over the past 5 years.