We always love it when artists use RPS as a theme for exploration. Probably because for those that really understand what competitive RPS is about will understand that the World RPS Championships concept is probably equal parts: living breathing art installation as well as a sporting event. 

So it is great to see that Scottish artist Alec Finlay  is currently creating a series of art projects on the theme of RPS. These include a neon, currently being existed in the exhibition 'thoughts within thoughts' at ARC gallery (Sofia, Bulgaria). The neon versions of the traditional hand symbols flash on-and-off in a never ending game. Finlay has also produced a series of prints, using specially made RPS rubber stamps, in which he plays the game with every visitor to his studio. Here, though the symbols represent oppositions in conflict they also appear as a beautiful interpenetration of line over line, a single image.

This RPS project is ongoing and represent Finlay's interest in play and systemicity – for instance, he has also created poems as word-puzzles and a number of art projects based on cryptic crosswords. He comments:

'One of the interesting things about using the RPS rubber stamps is that they can run counter to the competitive aspect of RPS, as usually when we play we choose our rubber stamp randomly, so rather than getting the 'hit' of throwing in competition, what you get instead is a quieter thrill, as one outline symbol appears stamped over the other, is caught within the other.'

Proving that not only does Norway have gobs of offshore oil, but it also has mobs of RPS players all throughout the country and region. So much so that the Sami community ( ie: Lapplanders) are staging their first RPS event on July 12th in Gammalkroa, Bjerka, Norway. 

Tickets are 50 Nor. Kroner and spectators are 30 Kroner.

Event starts at 1:30pm (or 13:30 for you Europeans)

You can read more about the sami people here

The 3rd Annual 2008 ‘NZ Rock Paper Scissors Championships ’ (NZRPSC) Regional Qualifying Rounds begin in May with the NZ Qualifying Round & NZ National Final TAKING PLACE ON Friday 13th of June at the ‘Vesbar’, AUT, Auckland.

Please see 2008 competition & venue details below.  

Along with a wealth of fame and admiration from RPS peers, some great prizes are up for grabs including trips to the NZ National Final for regional champs, &, a trip to the Gold Coast for the NZ champ along with the chance to secure the major prize of an overseas Trip for one to Toronto, Canada to attend and compete in the 7th annual 2008 World RPS Championships & vie for the title & the CAN$10,000.00 prize pool.

NZRPSC competition entry is free, unless charity fundraiser, and registration will be accepted on the day/night of competition.  Players are encouraged to enter a team, themed if desired, or just fly solo.  

2007 Christchurch & NZ National Champ ‘Cameron Blair’ aka ‘Cam’ aka ‘The Baby Faced, put his best hand forward at the World Champs managing a place in the top 16.

NZRPSC competition rules are governed, maintained and approved by the World RPS Society (WRPSS) under the guidance and authority of the World RPS Steering Committee.  

For full 2008 NZRPSC details & other essential RPS info, please visit: www.rpsnewzealand.com
    
Thank you for your time.  Kool Hanz Luke - NZRPSC Coordinator.  CELL#0061 417 706537

List of cities and dates available here 

The 4th Annual 2008 ‘Australian Rock Paper Scissors Championships’ (ARPSC) Regional, State & Territory Qualifying Rounds begin in May.  Please see 2008 competition & venue details here.

The Australian Qualifying Round & Aust National Grand Final staged on Saturday 9th of August at ‘Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern’, Gold Coast, QLD.

Along with a wealth of fame and admiration from RPS peers, some great prizes are up for grabs including trips to the National Final for State/Territory Champs, &, the major prize of an overseas Trip for one to Toronto, Canada for the Australian Champion to attend and compete in the 7th annual 2008 World RPS Championships & vie for the title & the CAN$10,000.00 prize pool.

ARPSC competition entry is free, unless charity fundraiser, and registration will be accepted on the day/night of competition.  Players are encouraged to enter a team, themed if desired, or just fly solo.  

2007 Queensland & National Champ Ricky Sheahan aka ‘Balboa’, a 20 year old left hander from Brisbane, put his best hand forward at the World Champs managing a place in the top 16.

ARPSC competition rules are governed, maintained and approved by the World RPS Society (WRPSS) under the guidance and authority of the World RPS Steering Committee.  

For full 2008 ARPSC details & other essential RPS info, please visit: www.rpsaustralia.com

List of cities and venues available here 

Camden Riversharks have a great RPS promotion going on  May 3rd that they are doing in conjunction with Mr. C. Urbanus's Philly City League. Sounds like a great way to spend a spring afternoon. More information is available on the rpscityleague website

Wine Goddess and RPS Hero Naomi Brilliant is not only the mastermind behind the fighting for fun in a Winey World anti- establishment Roshambo Winery, but is also the founder of the longest running Rock Paper Scissors competition in the United States. Every June, players from around North America and often abroad pack up their fists and head up to wine country to enjoy the dichotomy of a this relaxed yet intense, fun yet fierce event.

The 6th annual competition will take place at high noon in the new Roshambo Tasting room with a $1600 prize purse. Tickets are $20 . If you have never had a chance to compete at a real RPS event before, Roshambo will be your perfect introduction to the fun vibe that you expect from people that care about creating the best possible player experience.

More inforomation is available at roshambowinnery.com

3rd Annual Pabst Blue Ribbon Philadelphia Rock Paper Scissors City League Championship Series Season to Kick Off April 14

The Philadelphia Rock Paper Scissors Championship Series Planning Committee is pleased to announce that the 3rd Annual Pabst Blue Ribbon Philadelphia Rock Paper Scissors City League Championship Series (PBRPRPSCLCS) will begin play on April 14, 2008.  The PBRPRPSCLCS is looking to build upon the success of its’ first two seasons, in which over 1200 competitors have attended nightly events in the hope of becoming City League Champion, a title ultimately claimed in 2007 by player Baconshark of team David Bowie’s Package.  This event is fully endorsed by the World Rock Paper Scissors Society, recognized as the governing body of the sport throughout the world.  The PBRPRPSCLCS is pleased to welcome back Pabst Blue Ribbon, who will be returning as the Title Sponsor for the 3rd consecutive season.  The PBRPRPSCLCS is also pleased to announce and welcome its’ newest sponsors, Jim Beam Black and Mambo Movers – “the good, gentle mover”.

For times and locations READ MORE 

RPS luminary custardchuk who runs the RPS-OZ office recently sent a beautiful postcard to Worldrps HQ. In addition to the kind greetings, it would appear that Australia has award RPS-OZ with its own special commemorative stamp or at least that RPS-OZ paid the right fee to the postal office to print off a few. 

Anyway, we will take it is a huge honour to the grand sport of Rock Paper Scissors that it know has its own stamp. 

And here we thought the Aussie office spent all the RPS dues on beer.  

If you want to keep up with the latest on the award winning Documentary on RPS, in addition checking out worldrps.com, you should go bookmark the Filmmaker's blog at http://rpsfilm.blogspot.com/ Great way to keep up with the latest info on where the film will be playing next. They are also uploading some of the publicity footage which we are cross-posting today. This clip is part I of Graham and Doug Walker on Breakfast TV in Calgary.