Miami, Fla. – July 29, 2020 – Magic City Jai-Alai hosted the exciting and fast-paced Doubles Duel tournament, a showcase exhibition event, on Saturday, July 25th from the Magic City fronton where five jai-alai doubles teams (also referred to as partidos) faced off in a three-round competition. The winning duo, who go by names Bradley and Bueno on the court, ultimately prevailed and captured the $2,000 prize. Jai-alai enthusiasts plugged into this thrilling night of live sports from the fronton’s virtual platform presented on YouTube, and had the opportunity to participate in the competition’s interactive fantasy league which offered a $250 prize.
“What a fantastic way to showcase doubles play,” said Scott Savin, Chief Operating Officer of Magic City Casino.
“Congratulations to all the athletes who participated in the Doubles Duel and to Bradley and Bueno who together were an unstoppable force. Truly a fire and ice combination – Bradley is the hardest thrower on the roster, a great back-courter who was paired with Bueno. Bueno, the son of one of Jai-Alai’s greatest players Benny Bueno, is a natural front-courter with a laid-back, cool temperament. Together, these athletes brought out the best in each other’s skills, and contributed to an exceptional night of live sports.”
Before starting their professional jai-alai careers, L.A. Bradley was a former University of Miami high-hurdler. Chris Bueno was a former ball boy at Miami Jai-Alai. The four other rivaling doubles teams featured players (by courtside names) – Anderluck and Jeden, Ben and Carballo, Kubala and Tennessee, Legend and RonRon.
Since 2018, jai-alai has been experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Currently, there are approximately 1,250 subscribers to the fronton’s virtual channel which launched in May, and there are typically 750 viewers for the nightly game performances. The fronton’s fantasy league currently has 120 participants, and is quickly gaining momentum with a 20% increase in membership from the prior week.
Magic City Jai-Alai’s virtual fronton is presented on YouTube’s – The Jai-Alai Channel which provides new and existing Jai-Alai fans with an accessible, inclusive, and socially distant way to enjoy the sport. In addition to reliable live game coverage, sports enthusiasts can find short-form videos like player profiles and tutorials. Real-time wagering of the season’s regular matches is possible through mobile wagering sites, like watchandwager.com.
Magic City Jai-Alai launched its third jai-alai season on Friday, May 1. The Magic City Jai-Alai roster features a dynamic lineup of 22 professional Jai-Alai players to spotlight their talents at the venue’s fronton. Magic City Jai-Alai performances take place Thursdays through Sundays through November. Magic City Jai-Alai players train under the renowned Jai-Alai champion Juan Ramon Arrasate (Arra). For more information and the complete schedule, visit magiccitycasino.com.