Team Kristie George of Elko, Nev., took home the first-place winnings of $4000. The three-person team also included Bobby and Wynter George. In total, 26 teams registered in the 2023 Ute Mountain Ute Beardance Handgame Tournament in Towaoc, Colo., each vying for a cut of $10,000 prize money on Saturday, May 27.

Ute Mountain Ute handgame organizer, and long-time handgame player, Rueben Hammond announces the winners of the handgame tournament, late night Saturday, May 27.

While awaiting the announcement of winners, handgamers try their luck with a side-game, as multiple teams raise their hands to reveal their “bones.”

Mountain Runners of Taos, N.M., led by Samuel Smith III, beam with happiness in their second-place victory having never been to the Ute Mountain Ute handgame and only their second tourney after competing in Ft. Hall, Idaho the week before.

Team Rayni Badback, of Ft. Duchesne, Utah and Towaoc, Colo. placed fourth. Badback was joined by Grant Weston and Lori Rock.

Utah Utes, led by Dawna Taveapont from Ft. Duchesne, Utah placed third The Utah Utes comprised of Taveaport, Val Nuy and Kerlynn Dutchie.

Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

Handgamers at UMU tourney

Friday - June 16, 2023 by Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

In total, 26 teams registered in the 2023 Ute Mountain Ute Beardance Handgame Tournament in Towaoc, Colo., each vying for a cut of $10,000 prize money on Saturday, May 27. Longtime Ute Mountain Ute handgame organizer, Reuben Hammond awarded four teams with winnings of the tournament which packed the handgame tent adjacent to the Bear Dance corral. Kristie George of Elko, Nev., took home the first-place award, while Mountain Runners from Taos, N.M. placed second – their first time in the UMU handgame tourney. Utah Utes from Ft. Duchesne, Utah took third and Raymi Badback, a mixed team from Ft. Duchesne and Towaoc, placed fourth.