CHAMPS Comes Back to Austin and the Cannabis Community Shows Out

OG article by Stone Slade – Blazed Magazine

January 29, 2026

CHAMPS returned to Austin with strong community turnout, turning the event into a citywide celebration of Texas cannabis culture. Blazed Magazine kicked off with a winners mixer at Shiner Saloon, honoring Blazed Flower Challenge victors in an intimate setting. Grow House Media hosted the Puffs and Punchlines party at Vulcan Gas Company on Sixth Street, drawing over 300 for comedy by Hans Kim and Matt Edgar amid open cannabis use. At The Glassmith, glass blowers, tattoos, and dabs created a vibrant hub. The Texas Flower Challenge at Maggie Mae’s showcased local strains, with Raw Gas Club’s Animal Mintz taking first, EZ Greens’ Rainbow Ropes second, and Geremy Greens’ Lava Cake third—judged closely. Nights featured family operations and concluded with the Glass Man Standing win by Fargo Flameworks at The Green Room. Compared to October, this CHAMPS felt bigger, more confident, with afterparties central. Austin proved Texas cannabis thrives through local growers, artists, and fans building community without waiting for permission.