2026 La Crosse Open Preview

The 25^th annual La Crosse Open kicks off at Pettibone Park in La Crosse on June 20, 2026 at  10am.  The event features several of the top 10 World Championship finishers, on both the men’s and women’s side – including current defending World champions, Marcus Heineck and Livi Pappadopouulos, and several Coulee region area pro rollers.  The 10-Thousand dollar purse will be among the highest on the pro Log Rolling circuit this year.  The 2026 La Crosse Open will also include a kids zone sponsored by GECU and a full Vendor Village including a Dahl Auto display, Pepsi products and food provided by Festival foods, Dunkin’ Munchkinz and iced coffee, Coronas on Wheels, Coulee Lemon Co., Dippin’ Dots, and more.

Coulee Region pro roster:

Pro men:

Connor Birdsong --  The 26 -year old Birdsong is a former La Crosse Open winner, and has nine pro victories on his resume.  Birdsong, currently ranked 5^th, also has two Lumberjack World Championship runner ups. Finished 3rd at last year's La Crosse Open and 6th at last year's World Championships.

Shane Burns – The 28-year old Burns won the 2022 La Crosse Open, and is ranked 6^th. Finished 4th at last year's La Crosse Open and 5th at the World Championships.

Efer Christopherson – Christopherson is currently ranked 14 among pro men.  Christopherson finished 9^th at last year’s La Crosse Open.

Caden Frost – 19 year-old Frost enters the pro circuit as a rookie this year. He’ll head into the season unranked, but on a streak of several wins and top three finishes during his 2025 final amateur season.

Pro women

Livi Pappadopoulos –  The 24-year old has been ranked number one in the world for eight consecutive years and has won seven straight World Championships. Her 44 wins as a pro is the most of all time.  The Holmen, WI native is also gunning for her 8^th straight La Crosse Open title this June.

Aini Anderson – Anderson is currently ranked second among women, and claimed her first win as a pro last summer at the Three Rivers Roleo.  Anderson, competing as a rookie last season, finished second at last year’s La Crosse Open.

Emily Christopherson – Christopherson has six total wins during her pro career, including a runner up at the 2016 World championships.  The Bangor native is currently ranked 7^th.

Maggie Bulk – Bulk finished 8^th at the 2025 La Crosse Open, contributing to her 13^th world ranking.

Grace Berg – An Onalaska native, Berg enters the women’s circuit for the first time as a pro this summer. Berg collected multiple podium finishes at the World Championships during her amateur career.