After a very successful kick-off in 2003 John and I wanted to repeat this formula. Our original plan was to have a traveling tournament hitting every big European city, with a large lacrosse contingent. So we decided to give London a try as another venue. Beginning of august 2004 we held a tournament together with UKlacrosse. This alliance led to Uklacrosse teams being a permanent participant in the e-lacrosse tournaments. Uklacrosse is a warrior lacrosse gear dealer specifically marketed to Europe. It usually forms a team of ex college lacrosse players from the States and renowned english players to visit European tournaments.

The amount of teams participating in London were not as big as the previous year in Amsterdam. This was a eminent sign for the Amsterdam tournament which would be held 3 weeks later. Already many American teams had cancelled last minute, due to adverse currency movements. The germans considered their own tournaments too precious to return to Amsterdam. The Berlin Open is one of the wonderful events, which draws increasing amount of international lax crowds.  The individual roster did look positive, but the amount of teams formed were reduced to 3 teams in total. not to mention our loyal visitors and partymakers the english Gin & Juice team. They came 2 teams strong, ready to conquer Amsterdam in every way.  This made the level of play particularly interesting as they were Uklacrosse's fiercest rivals. All in all the tournament had 6 men's teams.That year we also included a women's tournament. Alas, the presence was low key as well. Thanks to creative thinkin we threw in some mixed games as well. The american girls did party hard and made up for the lack of bodies in many ways. I would also like to mention that 3 brothers came down from jersey. These kids were an example on how to relax and enjoy the Amsterdam way. There is a parallel between being a laxer and a local from Amsterdam. I had a great time with these dudes. That is why Amsterdam remains a great venue for lacrosse. Red Lax district, baby!!!

All in all it was not the success we had hoped for, therefore we discontinued the tournament the following year. I was living in Boston at the time, so matters were hard to coordinate. The Uklacrosse team did win the tournament, beating Gin & Juice by 1 point. It was  a memorable final and tournament. 

Edouard Dopper & John Weaver
Tournament Directors 2004