More than 4 decades ago, six friends got together on the beach in Del Mar before Opening Day at the races to play a little bocce ball. In the beginning, 54 teams competed to raise about $500 for the Del Mar Lifeguard Association. The event has now morphed into a World Championship consisting of 400 two-person teams. It outgrew its location in Del Mar, and moved to Mariner's Point in Mission Bay in 2022. The event is multi-generational and fun for everyone. Many participants come in matching bocce-themed costumes, team names reference bocce balls or private jokes (creative but clean). Some are first timers, most have participated for years and has become an annual tradition. There are four different divisions – Mens Intermediate, Mens Open, Womens, and Mixed. By the end of the day a World Champion and runner-up is crowned in each. Even though competition is stiff, laughter is abundant.