Vape Competition Shows People See Vaping As Sport
© Chiara Summer / Unsplash
While vaping is constantly being categorized as harmful and unnecessary to consume by researchers and doctors, seems like people can’t quite get enough of it yet. And if you think consuming it is bad by itself, there is actually another choice except for popularity and habit. Competitive vaping has been all the craze lately and people have been searching for ways to join a vape competition.
What Are Vapes?
Vapes, short for vaporizers, are electronic devices that heat a liquid (often containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals) to create an aerosol or vapor, which is then inhaled. This process is commonly referred to as vaping. Moreover, vapes are designed as an alternative to traditional tobacco smoking and are often considered less harmful because they don’t involve the combustion of tobacco, which produces harmful tar and many of the toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke.
Vapes come in various shapes and sizes, including e-cigarettes, vape pens, and advanced personal vaporizers (APVs). They have gained popularity, especially among individuals looking for a potentially less harmful way to consume nicotine or those interested in flavored options.
Competitive Vaping as a Sport
The popularity of vaping has grown beyond a habit and evolved into a competitive sport known as “cloud chasing.” Enthusiasts, referred to as e-vangelists, take part in “cloud chase” contests hosted by vape companies. In these competitions, participants stand back to back, inhaling as much vapor as their modified devices and lungs permit, before exhaling in front of crowds of viewers known as “cloud gazers.” Additionally, factors such as wire gauge, battery, and the type of vaping juice used influence the size and density of the vapor clouds produced in these contests.
This trend has been growing for at least a decade. Vape enthusiasts engage in global competitions for cash prizes, endorsement deals, and custom gear in “smoke shows.” Dedicated participants often use specialized equipment to enhance their chances of success in these contests.
How Can You Win a Vaping Competition?
Winning in the world of vaping competitions isn’t solely about producing the largest vapor cloud. Some contests focus on vaping tricks, involving shaping the smoke clouds into different forms or moving them in creative ways. Judges or a yardstick placed behind contestants may determine the best cloud based on factors like length and width. Furthermore, Talia Eisenberg, co-owner of Henley Vaporium, likened the vaping competitions to the X-Games or the skateboarding scene of two decades ago, emphasizing how modifying devices and competing for the biggest cloud fosters innovation in the vaping community.
How Can You Compete?
Vaping competitions require a certain level of expertise, and participants are expected to have experience in cloud chasing. Essential factors for successful cloud chasing include maximizing vapor production with rebuildable drip atomizers (RDA) or sub-ohm tanks, using heavy-duty batteries, ensuring proper airflow to maintain consistent vapor production, building coils with low resistance for thick clouds, effective wicking to manage airflow and vape juice flow, using e-liquids with a high VG concentration for voluminous clouds, and adapting the direct-to-lung inhalation technique for competitive cloud chasing. Safety considerations, such as using recommended power levels for batteries, are emphasized in both practice and competition.
Where Can You Attend a Vape Competition?
Here are the top three vaping competitions:
1. The Vaper Expo UK
The Vaper Expo UK is the largest vaping event in Europe, attracting enthusiasts from across the continent. The event features cloud and vape trick competitions, drawing participants and viewers interested in the competitive aspect of vaping. Some of the learning opportunities include recognizing the potential intimidation of competing, the expo provides demos and tutorials. These sessions offer participants a chance to enhance their skills and knowledge before entering competitions.
2. VapeJam UK
VapeJam UK is an established vaping event that has been part of the industry since 2014. It was the first trade show in the UK dedicated to the vaping industry. VapeJam UK hosts competitions specifically designed for cloud chasers and vape tricksters. This adds a competitive element to the event, inviting skilled vapers looking to show their talents.
3. The World Series of Vaping (TWSOV)
TWSOV is arguably the most known international cloud-chasing competition.
International Reach: The competition is recognized on a global scale, drawing participants and sponsors from major industry players. TWSOV offers significant prizes, adding to its prestige within the vaping community. The 2019 edition of TWSOV took place at VAPEXPO Moscow 2019 in Moscow, Russia, emphasizing its international character.
Would you ever enter a vape competition?
You might also want to read: Vaping Risks You Should Definitely Know About