Joe Wilson is Yo-Yoing his Legacy
Joe Wilson
For Joe Wilson, yo-yoing has been a lifelong journey that’s taken him from middle school church groups to stages in front of 10,000 people. Nearly 20 years deep into the craft, Wilson has turned a childhood pastime into a career marked by championships, sponsorships, and a commitment to growing the yo-yo community.
His start was humble. In sixth grade, a friend handed him a yo-yo, and Wilson never put it down. He practiced everywhere, from grocery store aisles to school and home, learning tricks from books and friends before YouTube made tutorials accessible. By eighth grade, he was traveling to his first competitions, and though he placed last in his debut, the experience lit a fire that would define his path.
High school brought a turning point: a sponsorship with YoYoFactory, the “Nike of yo-yos.” The backing allowed Wilson to travel nationwide, compete, and rack up accolades, including three Virginia State Championships, wins in North Carolina and Georgia, a 30th place world ranking, and 11th in the U.S. at just 16. Eventually, he took on a professional role as a yo-yo demonstrator, traveling to schools to teach kids and partnering with local toy stores to build interest in the sport.
In 2015, Wilson joined Recess International, a Philadelphia-based brand founded by his longtime friend and former world champion, Tyler Severance. This summer, the partnership culminated in the release of his own yo-yo: the Capped Hypernova. Inspired by the classic elegance of a Hennessy bottle, the design took over a decade to bring to life. “We wanted something that was bold but meaningful,” Wilson explains. “It’s a nod to those after-contest moments with friends that made the sport special.”
Wilson recently celebrated the yo-yo launch with a block party in his hometown, drawing families, youth, friends, and curious onlookers to learn the basics of yo-yoing. For him, the release wasn’t just about sales; it was about showing his community that the sport can inspire, connect, and create joy.
Looking ahead, Wilson wants to put yo-yos in unexpected spaces — music, fashion, and street culture — and keep opening doors for newcomers. “Trust yourself,” he advises. “Do what makes you happy. Something as small as a yo-yo has taken me across the country. It’s not about the toy — it’s about what you do with it.”