A major baseball tournament is back in Branson this week.

The Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series gets underway Thursday at Ballparks of America and will feature 20 teams from around the United States plus 8 international teams that will compete in the 10-day event. 

The host Branson team claimed the 2021 Championship and this year's edition will be joined by other entries from Missouri and Arkansas and several other states. Canada, Mexico, and Taiwan are among the teams in the international field. 

Activities leading up to the opening of play will include Opening Ceremonies and a Home Run Derby on Thursday with games beginning on Friday. 

A complete release from Ballparks of America can be read below:

One of the premier youth baseball tournaments in the world, the Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series, is returning to Ballparks of America this August. The elite event will feature 20 teams from across the United States – and 8 international teams – qualified to compete 
Aug. 4th to the 13th for the chance to be crowned as World Champions. 

Hundreds of teams participate in the qualification process through state or regional tournaments to make it to the World Series. Teams arrive throughout the day on Wednesday, Aug. 3rd, and go through uniform fittings. The teams staying in the Major League-style Team Suites on the Ballparks of America campus will settle into their suites and explore all the Ballparks campus has to offer. 

“Ballparks of America is very excited to welcome back a full schedule of national and international teams for the Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series,” says Scott Bailes, General Manager at Ballparks of America. “The city of Branson looks forward to the arrival of 28 teams from across 
the world. Come out to Ballparks to witness the most talented teams go head-to-head at the premier baseball complex in America.” 

On Thursday, all teams will participate in a Media Day, Opening Ceremonies at Presleys’ Country Jubilee, and a delicious BBQ Family Feast served for dinner on the Ballparks campus. The Home Run Derby will then take place at 7 p.m. on St. Louis Stadium, which will be broadcasted live on Stadium Network. The World Series pool play games begin Friday morning at 9 a.m. and continue through Tuesday. 

Teams will then funnel into bracket play starting Wednesday, Aug. 10th. The top teams from the National and International brackets will face off at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday to find out who will represent each side in the World Series Championship Game. The National and International 
Champions will then play in the final title game at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13th. 

All games played on St. Louis Stadium will also be broadcasted live on Stadium Network. 

A full schedule of games can be found on the Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series website at baberuthworldseries.org.