Over 100 competitors competed in the World Sign Spinning Championship, which took place February 16-17 at the Fremont Street Experience.
Each competitor earned their spot in the competition by pre-qualifying in their local tournaments run by AArrow, an advertising company. The top three competitors in Las Vegas win cash prizes and educational grants.
Femi Awesu, the social media manager and Chicago general manager for AArrow, says that he enjoys sign spinning because it provides an intimate performing experience.
"It's definitely something that can really brighten up your day," said Femi. "I've had people say that I've made their day just by sign spinning."
This year's tournament also promoted their "Positive Spin" awareness campaign, which aims to keep youth out of gangs. AArrow partnered with Live to Give - a marketing firm that connects brands with local causes - to run the campaign.
Live to Give owner Leticia Apablaza said that youth are sometimes lured into gangs when their personal lives seem out of control. Gangs promise a source of income and a "family" to those that cannot find either.
Leticia also said that AArrow employs youth in need specifically to fill the same needs that gangs offer, but in a positive environment.
"[Youth that work for AArrow] have a family, but it's one that's encouraging," she said. "They can make money, they can feed their families, or they can just start building their own monetary income."
