Online Casino Tournaments UK 2026: The Complete Guide to Slot and Casino Competitions

Online Casino Tournaments UK 2026: The Complete Guide to Slot and Casino Competitions

The UK tournament scene in 2026 is a strange mix of old-school leaderboard grinds and slick mobile freerolls. Operators have realised that players want competition without massive deposits, so the market has shifted toward daily events and social-style challenges. This guide sorts the genuine opportunities from the marketing noise. Expect practical, slightly cynical, and entirely UK-focused advice.

If you want the short version: bet365, 888casino, LeoVegas, Casumo, and a handful of others run reliable tournaments. The table below gives you the full picture. After that, we break down mechanics, strategy, and the hidden costs nobody talks about.

Before you jump in, remember one thing: casino tournaments are entertainment, not a savings plan. The house always has an edge, even in a freeroll. Your time has value.

We are not going to pretend that tournaments are a path to riches. They are a way to play slots with a competitive twist. Some players win decent amounts. Most do not. The maths is clear, but the adrenaline is real. So, here is everything you need to know about online casino tournaments in the UK for 2026.

Best Online Casinos with Slot Tournaments UK 2026

We selected these operators based on tournament frequency, prize transparency, mobile performance, and UKGC licensing. All are legitimate, but that does not mean they are equal. Some are built for casual daily players; others lean toward high rollers. The bonus column states the offer type, not specific amounts, because those change monthly.

The ranking is not set in stone. Different players value different things. If you want daily freerolls, Videoslots and 888casino are strong. If you want a polished mobile app, LeoVegas wins. If you want no-wagering bonuses, PlayOJO is hard to beat. The table gives you a snapshot; the rest of the guide explains what to look for.

Operator Tournament Bonus/Offer Tournament Types Standout Feature UK License
bet365 Casino Welcome bonus + daily free games Daily freerolls, weekly prize drops Reliable software, quick payouts UKGC
888casino Welcome bonus package Slot tournaments, blackjack tournaments Long-running brand, frequent promos UKGC
LeoVegas Welcome offer + free spins Mobile slot tournaments, live casino tournaments Award-winning mobile app UKGC
Casumo Welcome bonus + free spins Daily slot races, adventure-style leaderboards Gamified experience UKGC
Mr Green Welcome bonus Slot tournaments, live casino challenges Elegant interface, responsible gambling tools UKGC
PlayOJO No wagering free spins Slot tournaments, OJOplus cashback No wagering on bonuses UKGC
Videoslots Welcome bonus + free spins Clash of Spins, Battles, Sit & Go tournaments Huge game library, frequent freerolls UKGC
Grosvenor Casinos Welcome bonus (land-based and online) Slot tournaments, live poker events Omni-channel presence UKGC
William Hill Vegas Welcome bonus Daily drop jackpot tournaments, slot races Well-known brand, live casino UKGC
Unibet Casino Welcome bonus Slot tournaments, leaderboard promotions Strong sportsbook integration UKGC

All listed operators hold UK Gambling Commission licences, which means tournament terms, prize payouts, and technical fairness are subject to UK rules. That does not make them charities. Always read the specific tournament terms before you spend a penny.

One more thing: the bonus types in the table are not a promise of current availability. Operators change promotions regularly. The column shows the general style of offer you can expect, not a guaranteed amount. Check the casino’s promotions page for live tournaments.

How Online Slot Tournaments Work: Mechanics, Scoring, and Prizes

Most slot tournaments follow the same skeleton. You register, receive a fixed number of spins or a time-limited session on a designated slot, and your score is based on wins, points, or a combination. The leaderboard updates in real time, and the top positions collect a share of the prize pool.

Scoring systems vary. Some tournaments award points for every win, with multiplier weighting. Others use total win amount or theoretical win rate. A few use “best single spin” formats, which reward one lucky moment over sustained play. Read the tournament rules twice, especially the part about tied positions and prize splits.

Duration ranges from five-minute blitz events to week-long marathons. Rebuys are common in paid tournaments: you can buy another entry if your first attempt flops. Add-ons might grant extra spins at a discount. In freerolls, you get one shot, which is why the competition is fierce.

Prize distribution is heavily top-weighted. A tournament with 500 entrants and 20 prizes might give 40% of the pool to first place. The rest trickles down. If you are not aiming for the top five, the expected return is close to zero. That is not a complaint; it is math.

Some operators run leaderboard-based promotions that are not strictly tournaments. You earn points for any real-money play on selected games, and the leaderboard resets daily or weekly. These are softer than dedicated tournaments because there is no fixed-time pressure. You just play as usual and accumulate points. The prize pools are often larger, but so is the competition.

VIP tournaments are a separate beast. High rollers get invited to exclusive events with guaranteed five-figure prize pools. Entry is often automatic based on recent activity, but sometimes you need a special opt-in. These are worth watching if your bankroll can handle the pace.

What are online slot tournaments?

Online slot tournaments are time-limited competitions where players spin a designated slot to climb a leaderboard. Your score depends on wins, points, or a combination. Prizes go to the top finishers. They are pure luck, but speed and strategy around rebuys can influence your final position.

How do slot tournaments work?

You register, get a set number of spins or a timed session, and play a specific slot. The software tracks your best result or cumulative score. Leaderboards update live. At the end, the top players share the prize pool. Rebuys and add-ons are common in paid events, while freerolls usually allow one entry per player.

How long do slot tournaments last?

Tournaments can last anywhere from five minutes to a week. Daily freerolls often run for 24 hours. Scheduled events might span a weekend. High-stakes and VIP tournaments sometimes run for a full month. Always check the start and end times in the operator’s tournament lobby before you commit.

Types of Online Casino Tournaments in the UK

Operators have expanded beyond the basic slot race. The table below covers the main formats you will see in 2026. Not every casino offers every type, but most of the brands from our ranking run at least two or three.

Freerolls dominate the UK market because they attract players without deposit risk. The catch is that the prize pools are usually modest, and the competition is enormous. A daily freeroll with £100 in prizes might have 5,000 entrants. Do the arithmetic: your expected value is a fraction of a penny.

Sit & Go tournaments are perfect for short attention spans. You pay a fixed entry fee, sit at a virtual table with a small field, and play a set number of spins. The winner takes most of the pot, and the whole thing is over in minutes. They run constantly at Videoslots and a few other operators.

Tournament Type Typical Buy-in Prize Structure Duration Skill vs Luck
Freeroll None Small prize pool, top-heavy Daily or weekly Mostly luck
Sit & Go Fixed entry fee Winner takes most Minutes Luck with speed
Scheduled Varies Guaranteed prize pool Hours to days Luck
Survivor Varies Elimination rounds Multi-stage Luck + consistency
Reloader Buy-in + rebuys Progressive prize pool Set window Luck
VIP/High Roller High Large guaranteed Weekly or monthly Luck
Mobile Daily None to low Small daily prizes 24 hours Luck
Social Leaderboard Play-money Virtual rewards Ongoing Luck

Survivor tournaments are rare but interesting. You play several rounds, and only the top percentage advances. It adds a layer of progression that scheduled events lack. The downside is time commitment—you need to be available for each stage.

Reloader tournaments are a casino’s dream. You pay a buy-in, then you can rebuy as many times as you like within a set window. The prize pool grows with each rebuy. The winner is often the person who spent the most, not the one who spun the best. Treat reloaders with caution.

Mobile daily tournaments are essentially freerolls optimised for phones. They reset every 24 hours, and you get one free entry. The prizes are small, but they keep you coming back. Social leaderboard tournaments use play-money and award virtual trophies, which are worthless outside the platform. Fun, but not a money-maker.

Free Slot Tournaments and Freerolls: The “Free” Angle

Casinos love the word “free”. It sits on banners, pops up in emails, and whispers from push notifications. Free slot tournaments are real, but they are not charity. You pay with your time, your attention, and often your registration details. The casino hopes you will stick around and deposit after the tournament ends.

Daily free tournaments are the most common format. You get one entry, a set number of spins on a selected slot, and a leaderboard position. Prize pools are small, usually in the low three figures. Some operators offer free spins as tournament prizes, which then carry wagering requirements. Read the small print: a “free” £10 bonus might require £350 in playthrough before withdrawal.

No deposit slot tournaments are a subset of freerolls. They require no deposit at all, but you still need a verified account. UK operators must run age and identity checks, so be prepared to upload documents. If a site promises no KYC, it is probably not UKGC licensed.

Free tournaments win real money, but the amounts are usually symbolic. A top finish in a daily freeroll might net £5-£20 in cash or bonus funds. The real value is testing a casino’s software and tournament interface without risking your own money. If you enjoy the grind, fine. Just do not mistake it for a side income.

Some operators run “free spins tournaments” where the prize is a bundle of free spins rather than cash. Those spins then have wagering requirements attached. The casino is essentially giving you a lottery ticket that pays in more lottery tickets. It is not a scam, but it is not a jackpot either.

Freeroll slot tournaments are also used as a gateway to VIP programmes. Play enough freerolls, and the casino might invite you to a paid event. The invitation is not a gift; it is a sales pitch. You have already shown you are an active player, so the casino knows you are more likely to deposit.

Can I win real money in free slot tournaments?

Yes, but the amounts are usually small. Freeroll prize pools are modest, often split among many winners. Some prizes are bonus funds with wagering requirements. To withdraw real cash, you must clear those conditions. Treat free tournaments as practice or entertainment, not a reliable income source.

Do UK casinos offer no deposit slot tournaments?

Yes, many UKGC-licensed casinos run no deposit tournaments. You need a verified account, and you might receive one free entry per day. Prizes are typically bonus credit or a small number of free spins. Always check the wagering requirements attached to any tournament winnings before you claim them.

Real Money Slot Tournaments and Cash Prizes

Paid tournaments offer larger prize pools and fewer entrants, which improves your odds—if you can afford the buy-in. Entry fees range from a few pounds to hundreds for VIP events. Guaranteed prize pools are common: the casino promises a minimum total payout regardless of how many players join. If the buy-ins do not cover the guarantee, the casino eats the difference. That is called an overlay, and it is the only time the house edge flips in your favour.

High-stakes tournaments run less frequently but attract serious bankrolls. A £100 buy-in might get you 200 spins on a high-volatility slot. The winner could take £5,000, while the rest get consolation prizes. These events are not for casual players; variance is brutal and a bad run can wipe out ten buy-ins in an afternoon.

Cash prizes are often paid as withdrawable balance, but some operators convert them to bonus funds with wagering. The tournament terms will state the exact conversion. If it says “prizes paid as bonus”, assume a 35x playthrough until you see otherwise. Ask support if the terms are unclear. A five-minute email can save you from a nasty surprise.

Rebuys and add-ons are standard in paid tournaments. A rebuy gives you another entry, usually at the same price. An add-on gives you extra spins at a discount. Some tournaments allow unlimited rebuys, which turns the leaderboard into a spending contest. Avoid those unless you have a large bankroll and a high tolerance for losing.

Cash prize tournaments are the most straightforward. You pay, you play, and if you finish high enough, you get real money. No wagering, no conversion. These are less common than bonus-prize tournaments, but they exist. Look for “cash prizes” in the tournament description. It is a sign that the operator is not trying to lock you into more play.

Jackpot Slot Tournaments and Free Spins Tournaments

Some tournaments offer jackpot prizes instead of cash. These can be progressive jackpots attached to the slot, or the tournament itself has a fixed jackpot for the winner. The odds of hitting a progressive jackpot within a tournament are the same as in regular play—vanishingly small. But the prize is life-changing, so players flock to them.

Free spins tournaments award free spins as prizes rather than cash. You win, say, 50 free spins on a selected slot. Those spins then have wagering requirements, usually 35x the winnings. That means a £10 win from free spins could require £350 in playthrough before you can withdraw. It is a classic casino move: give you something “free”, then make you pay to unlock it.

Jackpot tournaments often have higher entry fees and fewer players. The prize pool might be a guaranteed £10,000, but the winner takes £4,000 and the rest get scraps. If you are chasing a big score, these are the events to watch. Just know that your chance of winning the jackpot is about the same as being struck by lightning while holding a winning lottery ticket.

Some operators run “daily drop” tournaments where a random prize is awarded to a random player at a random time. These are not really tournaments; they are marketing. You play as usual, and if you are lucky, a prize drops into your account. They are worth entering if you are already playing, but do not chase them.

Casino Leaderboard Tournaments: The Grind for Glory

Leaderboard tournaments are the most common format in the UK. You earn points for every real-money spin on selected slots, and the leaderboard ranks players by points. The top 100 or so share a prize pool. These tournaments run daily, weekly, or monthly, and they are open to anyone who plays the qualifying games.

The appeal is simplicity. No special lobby, no timed session. You just play, and the points accumulate. The catch is that the competition is massive. A daily leaderboard on a popular site might have 10,000 players. The top ten players are often high rollers who spin £5-£10 per round. If you are playing 20p spins, you will not crack the top 100.

Some leaderboards are segmented by game provider or bet level. For example, a “low roller” leaderboard might cap the bet at £1. That levels the field somewhat, but high-volume players still dominate. If you can play 1,000 spins in a day, you will outscore someone who plays 100, regardless of bet size. Time is the real currency.

Leaderboard tournaments often have no entry fee beyond your normal play. That makes them attractive, but the expected value is still low. You are essentially earning a tiny rebate on your losses. If you play slots anyway, it is a nice bonus. If you play more than usual to climb the board, you are losing money.

Mobile Slot Tournaments: Playing on the Go

Most UK players now access casinos from a phone. Operators have responded with dedicated mobile tournaments, push notifications, and one-tap entry. The mechanics are identical to desktop, but the interface is optimised for thumbs. Daily mobile freerolls are a standard retention tool: a small prize every day keeps you logging in.

LeoVegas built its reputation on mobile performance, and its tournament lobby is one of the best. Videoslots and Casumo also deliver smooth mobile experiences. You do not need a separate app for most tournaments; the mobile browser version works fine. However, some exclusive tournaments are app-only, so check the terms.

Playing on mobile does not change the odds, but it changes your behaviour. You are more likely to enter a tournament impulsively while waiting for a bus. That is fine if the buy-in is zero. It is less fine if you are depositing £20 at a time because the leaderboard is within reach. Set a deposit limit before you start.

Mobile tournaments also tend to be shorter. A five-minute sit-and-go on the train is very different from a week-long desktop grind. The shorter format suits casual players but increases variance. You might spin 50 times and see nothing, then a big win puts you on top. It is a lottery, not a strategy.

Push notifications are both a blessing and a curse. They remind you when a tournament starts, which is useful. They also remind you that a tournament is starting, which can be a trigger. Turn them off if you find yourself opening the app too often. The casino will not hold a grudge.

Crypto and Social Casino Tournaments

Crypto casinos operate outside the UKGC framework, which creates a legal grey area for UK players. Some UK residents access these sites via VPN, but that violates most operator terms and leaves you with no UK consumer protection. Crypto tournaments often boast large prize pools in Bitcoin or other tokens, but the lack of regulation means disputes are harder to resolve.

Social casino tournaments are different. These are play-money platforms where you compete for virtual currency, trophies, or bragging rights. They are legal in the UK as long as no real-money prizes are offered. Facebook-based slot tournaments and leaderboard apps fall into this category. They are harmless fun, but do not expect to cash out.

If a social casino suddenly offers “sweepstakes” prizes with real value, check the legal structure. Sweepstakes models exist in the US but have not taken root in the UK because the Gambling Commission treats prize draws with entry fees as gambling. Stick to UKGC sites for real-money tournaments.

Crypto tournaments are popular in offshore markets because they bypass traditional banking and offer anonymity. That anonymity comes at a cost: no UK ombudsman, no ADR, no guaranteed payout. If a crypto casino disappears with your winnings, there is no regulator to call. For UK players, the risk is rarely worth the reward.

Social tournaments are a good place to learn mechanics without risking money. You can practise speed, learn scoring systems, and get a feel for leaderboards. When you move to a real-money UK casino, you will not be a complete novice. Just remember that play-money wins do not transfer.

Slot Tournament Strategy: How to Win Without Losing Your Mind

Slots are random, so no strategy will predict the reels. What you can control is speed, bankroll, and tournament selection. In timed tournaments, spinning faster means more chances to hit a big win. Some players waste seconds watching the reels spin slowly; use turbo mode if available. Every wasted second is a potential lost prize.

Rebuy strategy matters in paid tournaments. If you are outside the top ten with an hour left, a rebuy might make sense. If you are 200th out of 300, it is probably a donation. Set a rebuy budget before you start and stick to it. Casinos design rebuy systems to extract maximum value from competitive players.

Choose tournaments with smaller fields. A daily freeroll with 10,000 entrants is a lottery. A scheduled tournament with a £5 buy-in and 200 players gives you a 1 in 200 chance of winning something—still bad, but better. Look for overlay situations: if a guaranteed prize pool is not met by entries, the value shifts in your favour.

Finally, ignore the leaderboard until the last few minutes if the scoring is cumulative. Obsessing over rankings drains focus and leads to rushed decisions. Play consistently, manage your spins, and accept that variance will decide most outcomes.

Some players swear by betting max on every spin in tournaments. That can work if the scoring is based on total win amount, because bigger bets produce bigger wins. But it also increases variance and can drain your tournament credits faster. If the tournament gives you a fixed number of spins, max betting is fine. If it gives you a time limit, max betting might mean fewer spins overall.

Pick low-volatility slots for cumulative scoring tournaments. High-volatility games have huge potential but long dry spells. In a short tournament, a single big win can put you on top, but most of the time you will finish with nothing. Low-volatility slots give you more consistent small wins, which can keep you in the middle of the pack. That is rarely enough to win, but it avoids last place.

Are slot tournaments worth it?

For entertainment, yes. For profit, usually not. The house edge still applies, and tournament prizes are often top-heavy. You might win occasionally, but over time the expected value is negative. If you enjoy the competition and set a strict budget, they can be a fun way to play slots.

How to win slot tournaments?

You cannot influence slot outcomes, but you can improve your chances. Spin fast in timed events, choose smaller fields, look for overlay guarantees, and set a rebuy limit. Avoid chasing losses. Consistency and bankroll discipline matter more than any betting pattern, because slots remain random.

Are Slot Tournaments Rigged? Fairness, RNG, and Audits

Legitimate UKGC-licensed casinos use independently tested random number generators. Tournament results are determined by the same RNG that powers standard slot play. The operator cannot manipulate your spins or the leaderboard without regulatory consequences. eCOGRA and iTech Labs regularly audit RNG software.

That does not mean every tournament is a good deal. The odds are still stacked against you, and prize distribution favours the top few players. But “rigged” in the sense of fixed outcomes? No. The UKGC would revoke a licence for that. Offshore unlicensed sites are a different story—avoid them.

If you suspect something is off, check the casino’s licence number on the UKGC register. Reputable operators display it in the footer. You can also look for the eCOGRA seal, which indicates regular fairness testing. Complaints about tournament results are rare on licensed sites, but they do happen; most are misunderstandings about scoring rules.

Transparency varies. Some casinos publish full tournament terms, including scoring formula and prize distribution. Others bury the details in a PDF link. The more transparent the operator, the more trustworthy. If you cannot find the rules, ask live chat. A good casino will explain them in plain English.

Randomness does not mean fairness in the sense of equal chances. A high-volatility slot in a tournament can produce wild swings. One player might hit a 5,000x win and leap to first place in the final minute. That is not rigged; it is variance. If that bothers you, stick to tournaments with multiple prizes or longer durations.

UK Legality, Licensing, and Responsible Gambling for Tournaments

All real-money online casino tournaments in the UK must be offered by operators holding a UK Gambling Commission licence. The licence covers slots, table games, and tournament formats. Players must be 18 or older, and operators must verify age and identity before allowing withdrawals. Winnings from gambling are not taxed in the UK.

Advertising rules are strict. Casinos cannot imply that tournaments are a way to make money or that “free” entry has no strings. Bonus terms must be clear, and wagering requirements must be disclosed. If an operator hides the terms, file a complaint with the UKGC or an ADR provider.

Responsible gambling tools apply to tournaments as well. Set deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion through GamStop if needed. Tournament participation counts toward your overall gambling activity. If you find yourself entering every freeroll and checking leaderboards at 2 a.m., take a break. The casino will still be there tomorrow.

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Offshore casinos are not licensed by the UKGC and cannot legally advertise to UK players. Some still do, often through affiliate sites or social media. If you play at an offshore site, you have no UK consumer protections. Your winnings might be withheld, and you cannot complain to the UKGC. The Gambling Commission regularly publishes warnings about unlicensed operators.

Tax on gambling winnings is zero for UK residents, regardless of tournament prizes. However, if you are a professional gambler (a rare and legally fuzzy status), HMRC might take an interest. For the vast majority of players, tournament winnings are tax-free. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise without evidence.

The Economics of Slot Tournaments: Overlays, Prize Distribution, and the Real Cost of “Free”

Here is the part most guides skip. A guaranteed prize pool tournament with 100 entries at £10 each has a prize pool of £1,000. If only 80 players enter, the casino pays out £1,000, meaning £800 in buy-ins against £1,000 in prizes. That is an overlay of £200. The casino loses money on that tournament. Why do they run them? Because they hope the players who lose will deposit later, and overlays are rare after the first few weeks.

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Prize distribution is rarely linear. A typical structure might allocate 50% to first, 20% to second, 10% to third, and the remaining 20% split among places 4-20. That means most players get nothing. The median participant walks away empty-handed. Your expected value in a £10 tournament with 100 players and a £1,000 prize pool is exactly £10 if you are average—but the average player does not exist in a skill-free game. Variance is everything.

Freerolls have zero entry cost, but the economic cost is your time. If a daily freeroll takes 30 minutes and has a top prize of £20, your hourly expected value is pennies. That is fine if you enjoy it. If you treat it as work, you are underpaid. Casinos are not charities; they are businesses. The “free” tournament is a customer acquisition tool, not a gift.

Overlay hunting is a legitimate strategy. Keep an eye on guaranteed tournaments in niche casinos that struggle to fill seats. Newer sites or smaller brands sometimes run overlays. The value is small, but if you are playing anyway, it is better than a standard event. Just do not expect overlays to last—once players notice, the field fills up.

The house edge in tournaments is not the same as in cash slot play. In a tournament, the casino takes a cut from buy-ins (sometimes called a fee or rake). If the buy-in is £10 and the prize pool is £9 per player, the casino keeps £1. That is a 10% rake. In freerolls, there is no rake because there is no buy-in, but the casino still profits from increased player engagement and future deposits.

Some tournaments hide the rake by calling it an “admin fee”. Read the terms. A £10 buy-in with a £9 prize contribution means you are paying £1 for the privilege of playing. That is fine if the tournament is fun, but it reduces your expected value. Compare the fee across operators before you commit.

How to Find and Join Online Casino Tournaments

Finding tournaments is straightforward. Log into your casino account, look for a “Tournaments” or “Promotions” tab, and filter by type. Most operators list upcoming events with start times and entry requirements. Opt-in is usually required; do not assume you are entered just by playing the slot. Some tournaments require a bonus code or a deposit.

Join only licensed casinos from our ranking or other trusted lists. Create an account, complete KYC verification, and set your deposit limits. Then enter a freeroll to test the software. If the interface is clunky or the terms are vague, move on. There are dozens of alternatives.

For paid tournaments, deposit only what you can afford to lose. Treat the buy-in as a ticket to entertainment, not an investment. Use responsible gambling tools to keep your spending in check. The best tournament in the world is not worth a financial hangover.

Timing matters. Daily tournaments often have less competition in the early morning UK time, especially if the operator has an international player base. If you can play when the US is asleep, the leaderboard might be thinner. That is not a guarantee, but it is worth considering. Just do not wreck your sleep schedule for a £5 freeroll.

Finally, keep a record of your tournament results. Track buy-ins, prizes, and time spent. After a month, look at the numbers. If you are down £200 and up 50 hours of play, ask yourself if that was worth it. The answer might be yes, but the data will keep you honest.

Final Thoughts: Tournament Play as Entertainment, Not Income

Online casino tournaments in the UK are a polished, competitive, and occasionally lucrative form of gambling. They are also a retention machine designed to keep you playing. The winners are real, the prizes are real, but the long-term expectation is negative. That does not mean you should avoid them—just go in with open eyes and a firm budget.

Stick to UKGC-licensed operators, read the terms, and treat overlays as a rare bonus rather than a plan. If you want to chase leaderboards, do it for the thrill, not the rent money. And remember: “free” in a casino is never truly free. It is a marketing word with fine print attached.

The tournament scene will keep evolving. New formats, bigger mobile pushes, and more social integration are coming. The basics will not change: random spins, top-heavy prizes, and a house that always wins in the long run. Play smart, play small, and enjoy the ride.