THE World Slasher Cup, the “Olympics of Cockfighting”, is returning to the Big Dome.

And just like in the first edition last March, the 2022 World Slasher Cup 2 Invitational 9-Cock Derby will be participated in by a virtual who’s who in cockfighting from the Philippines and all over the world.

Scheduled from May 31 to June 6 at the Araneta Coliseum, top local and foreign cockers from the United States, Kuwait, Indonesia, Malaysia, and many others are expected to figure in another non-stop action.

“We are excited to once again welcome cockfighting enthusiasts and our cockers and breeders from every corner of the globe for the second World Slasher Cup this year,” said Dong Lamoste, WSC Derby Office head and Smart Araneta Coliseum’s pit manager.

“We promise them an enjoyable time as they feel the excitement of world-class derby matches. This is an event that they won’t want to miss.”

Defending World Slasher Cup champion TJ Marquez will lead the star-studded cast.

Marquez secured an 8-1 win-loss record after fielding an impressive roster of bloodlines such as Oakgrove, Roundhead, and others with oriental infusion to earn the distinction of being the solo champion in the 2022 World Slasher Cup 1 derby last March.

The derby will be spread out to seven days.

The two-cock elimination round will take place on May 31 and June 1, then the three-cock semis will happen on June 2 and 3.

The derby will have a two-day break on June 4 and 5 before resuming on June 6 for the four-cock pre-finals and grand finals.

While the matches will observe the traditional 9-cock derby format, bettors inside the venue will be provided kiosks for betting, or link to an online portal that can only be accessed through smartphones while inside the coliseum.

The World Slasher Cup started in 1963 and has since been held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The event grew to become the biggest and most prestigious international cock derby, with the best breeders and cock fighters from all over the world participating.

This legacy has earned the World Slasher Cup the nickname “Olympics of Cockfighting”, and many consider the event as the Holy Grail of cockfighting.