LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The World of Concrete is back in Las Vegas this week, bringing together masonry professionals and apprentices from across the country to compete in some of the industry’s most demanding competitions.
Competition day at the Las Vegas Convention Center features two marquee events: the Fastest Trowel on the Block and the Bricklayer 500, which many in the industry consider the sport’s championship event.
The Competitions
The Fastest Trowel on the Block tests competitors’ speed and precision in a condensed timeframe. Competitors must work quickly while maintaining quality standards that match demo stations set by judges.
The Bricklayer 500, often called the “Super Bowl of Masonry,” gives competitors a full hour to complete their work. The extended format transforms the competition from a sprint into a marathon-style test of skill and endurance.
Benjamin Torve, a mason from the Seattle area, is competing in the Bricklayer 500 this year. Last year, he competed in the Fastest Trowel on the Block.
“It’s a little bit more of a marathon than a sprint like the block is,” Torve said of the Bricklayer 500.
Training and Preparation
Success in these competitions requires intensive practice. Torve and his apprentices have logged numerous Saturdays honing their craft.
“We practice and practice and practice, so we can’t mess it up if we try to,” Torve said.
Competitors must adapt to varying conditions and materials. While the dry Las Vegas climate differs from the Pacific Northwest, Torve emphasized that skill transcends geography.
“All the materials here are a little bit different from what I’m used to at home, but a mason’s a mason. You should be able to work with whatever you got,” he said.
Torve, who learned from his first World of Concrete appearance last year, expressed confidence heading into this year’s competition.
“I feel real good. We put in a lot of work. I did a lot of learning from the first time I’ve been here. So I’m expecting to be in a lot better place,” he said.
Why It Matters
The World of Concrete draws industry professionals and enthusiasts to showcase the latest tools, techniques and trends in construction. The competitions celebrate the craftsmanship and dedication required to excel in masonry, elevating the trade and inspiring the next generation of workers.
The event continues through the week at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
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