Benny-Demus Carnival Kickball Tournament: Where Culture, Competition & Community Collide

ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Carnival in St. Thomas is more than music, costumes, food, and fêtes — it is community. This year, the Benny-Demus Carnival Kickball Tournament brought that spirit to life at Emile Griffith Ballpark, transforming the field into a vibrant hub of culture, competition, and connection.

With the energy set high and the message clear — “Where Culture, Rhythm & Good Times Mix!” — the tournament stood as a reminder that Carnival lives beyond the stage and parade route. It thrives in moments like these, where the community gathers, competes, and celebrates together.

Hosted by MC Rash on the Radio, the event drew families, supporters, and Carnival lovers for an afternoon packed with excitement, laughter, and island pride. From the lively crowd to the colorful team presentations, the atmosphere felt like a true Virgin Islands reunion.

Teams That Brought the Heat

Among the standout teams were:

• Team COBGYN, led by Coach Sheniko Frett;

• Team Soca Shores Water, coached by Tito Dowe;

• Team CC1 Virgin Islands, coached by Terry Livisay;

• Team Theodore Tunick & Company / Marshall + Sterling, coached by Jun Rebel Gong—each bringing their own unique energy and competitive edge to the field.

The rosters reflected a powerful mix of community figures, entertainers, and personalities, featuring names like Senator Avery Lewis, Jeffrey Boschulte, Festivals Director Ian Turnbull, Senator Angel Bolques, Pumpa, DJ Mojo, Marcus Blyden, John “Therapist” Gumbs, Akilo M. Brooks, Cindy Henderson, Resha Phillip, Kalonji, Jaleesa Woodley, Malik Teknique, and many more.

Adding even more excitement to the day was the presence and energy of music and cultural influencers including PNDRN — P-Nut Deh Real Nut, Theron Thomas, Adam O, and Pumpa, whose names continue to ring out across the culture, bringing undeniable vibes and crowd engagement that elevated the overall experience.

Playoff Showdown & Champions

As the competition intensified, two teams rose above the rest to face off in the highly anticipated playoff game: Team COBGYN and Team CC1 Virgin Islands.

In a matchup filled with energy, strategy, and crowd support, Team COBGYN emerged victorious, securing their place as the champions of the Benny-Demus Carnival Kickball Tournament. Their win was a testament to teamwork, determination, and the undeniable spirit of Carnival competition.

An Energy You Could Feel

And the energy? It was electric in the most heartfelt way—like a child in the stands cheering for their favorite celebrity, filled with pure excitement and joy. Fans, families, and friends lined the field, voices raised, hands waving, fully invested in every play. Every cheer wasn’t just for the game—it was for the people, the pride, and the culture that binds the Virgin Islands together.

Honoring a Cultural Pillar: Benny-Demus

Beyond the excitement on the field, the tournament also served as a powerful moment of recognition for Benny-Demus, whose impact on the community extends far beyond entertainment. In a meaningful acknowledgment of his contributions, Benny-Demus was presented with the Key to the City, a prestigious honor reflecting his dedication, influence, and unwavering commitment to uplifting the Virgin Islands community.

At the heart of his mission is the Benny-Demus Foundation, an initiative rooted in giving back, empowering youth, and creating opportunities through community engagement. The foundation continues to support local initiatives, foster unity, and ensure that culture, mentorship, and positive development remain at the forefront of the next generation.

This tournament wasn’t just a sporting event—it was an extension of that mission—creating a safe, vibrant space where families could gather, youth could be inspired, and the community could celebrate together.

More Than a Game

What truly set the tournament apart was its spirit. Every kick, every run, and every moment of celebration carried the rhythm of Carnival itself. The competition was real, but the unity was even stronger—turning a simple game into a powerful cultural experience.

The Benny-Demus Carnival Kickball Tournament proved one thing without question:

Carnival is not just something you attend—it’s something you live.

BossXL Magazine salutes Benny-Demus, Team COBGYN, and all participating teams for keeping the culture alive, empowering the community, and making Carnival unforgettable—one kick at a time.