Playoffs & Championships

By Brooklyn Defiance
via Derby Central

The last Blood and Thunder World Cup took place in Dallas, so it seems fitting that the 2015 International WFTDA Playoffs in the same city will be an international affair. Four out of the ten participating leagues are from outside the US: Stockholm Roller Derby (#17), Sun State Roller Girls (#28), Crime City Rollers (#30), and Rideau Valley Roller Girls (#41).

by Deadwards
via Derby Central

For some teams, qualifying for Playoffs is the ultimate goal and, for those wanting to go further, a good bracket position is key on their journey to the Hydra. Ten teams get sent to Playoffs, but some have a harder route to 1st place than others. Team United (or Des Moines United as their Facebook page now says) is not only headed to their first WFTDA Playoffs, but they are doing so as a 6 seed, putting them in a good position to possibly make it out in the top three.

By Shelly Shankya

In 16 days, WFTDA tournament season will be upon us with the first round of the 2015 International WFTDA Division 2 Playoffs, Aug. 21-23 in Cleveland, Ohio. Attending any of the WFTDA tournaments is a great way to let your derby flag fly and to revel in the teams you love (and love to hate). Here are six tips for being a well-prepared flat track superfan at any or all of the six tournaments.

By Vile Love It

Detroit, Michigan, will showcase the next crew of top Division 2 teams, including four teams that played in Division 1 Playoffs last season and one team brand new to WFTDA Playoffs. While there is a small spread between Nashville Rollergirls (1 Seed, #43) with 313.97 ranking points and Bear City Roller Derby (10 Seed, #61) with 273.63 ranking points, it’s a math equation that doesn’t adequately portray the closeness of game play.

We know you’re really going to Omaha to see some top level Division 1 roller derby at the 2015 International WFTDA Playoffs, but there are plenty of other sights to see in this Midwestern city. Here are the top five picks, recommended by our hosts, the Omaha Rollergirls.