On a mission to elevate the profile of plumbers, the first-ever Plumbing National Championship attracted the crème de la crème of American tradespeople to compete for cash and prizes last month.
One of the plumbers taking the plunge made a savvy move that would pay off big, when Craig Childress, a Boston tradesman, made the strategic decision to check extra luggage before jetting off to Florida for the Elite Trades Championship Series—which also judges the top Auto Technicians, Electricians, and HVAC techs.
Childress’s foresight was spot on. Not only did he clinch the title of top plumber, but he also emerged as the winner in the HVAC Championship—a crossover first in the event’s history.
His twin triumphs saw Childress hauling in $50,000 in prize money and a pair of weighty trophies. In the aftermath, with his wife Rachel by his side, the elated plumber reflected on his whirlwind double win.
“Professionally, this is the most absurdly wonderful thing that’s ever happened to me. It’s been an unbelievable journey.”
The CBS Sports Network will broadcast The Elite Trades Championship Series in December. Founded in 2015, it’s a showcase of finesse and knowledge among the nation’s elite apprentices and seasoned pros, all vying for a slice of the $300,000 prize pool.
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The sponsored event framed pipework as a competitive sport, a showdown aimed to flush away old stereotypes and draw a new generation into the field.
“Plumbing is not just a job—it’s a vocation that pays well, but demands smarts, skill, and a steady hand,” said a spokesperson for the event sponsor, SharkBite Plumbing Solutions, in a press release.
“Plumbing may not spark viral hashtags or trend on TikTok, but the Plumbing National Championship is changing the conversation around this foundational trade.”
In the Olympics of pipe wrenches, plumbing pros from across the nation locked horns, diving into a gauntlet of real-world challenges, turning the spotlight on the unsung skills that keep our faucets flowing and toilets flushing.
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David Shanor from Virginia and Joe Jaspers from Ohio nabbed the second and third spots in plumbing, with Dagner Espinoza and Lee Morris Jr. rounding out the HVAC podium.
However, for Childress, his moment of victory was as personal as it was professional. After both championship wins, he shared the moment with his 12-year-old daughter via video chat. Her pride in her dad was the cherry on top of an already sweet victory, and moved dad to the brink of tears.
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According an Instagram post, CBS Sports Network will broadcast the 2023 Plumbing National Championship on December 29, at 8:00 PM ET, allowing viewers nationwide to witness the drama of Childress’s remarkable pipe dream come true. The HVAC National Championship will air on December 15.
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