Alex Zerbe
Alex Zerbe, also known as the Zaniac, is one of the greatest and most prolific performers in the sport of footbag. He is a two-time Guinness World Record holder, was the 1999 World Champion for Intermediate Freestyle Footbag, and placed 8th at the World Footbag Championships in 2002.
Alex began playing in 1992 in Seattle, Washington. With an outgoing personality and natural ability to perform, Zerbe made many friends in the sport. He helped build the Seattle area footbag scene, which included Olympia, Washington. He is considered one of the OGs of modern Washington freestyle, having worked with well-known players like Justin Dale to grow the scene. This would later draw more talent such as Ricky Moran and Kevin Richey, among others.
As Alex’s footbag skills developed, his talents in performing grew as well. He became an impressive juggler, joining forces with fellow footbag player and performer Matt Baker. Together they created the Brothers from Different Mothers and performed for many years together.
In 1999, he won the World Footbag Championships for Intermediate Freestyle Routines in Chicago, Illinois. He took 8th place at the World Footbag Championships in San Francisco in 2002 for Open Freestyle Routines. His routines were much like his performances; entertaining to both the veteran footbag player and the casual observer alike. He then became a two-time Guinness World Record holder, another set of accolades on his already impressive resume.
Another milestone in his life came when he met Jane Zerbe, another renowned footbag player. They eventually married and showcased footbag at their wedding for their friends and family. Jane Zerbe is also a prestigious member of the Footbag Hall of Fame. Together they have two amazing children.
Alex branched out on his own with his Zaniac show, which has entertained thousands and is widely renowned. Suffice to say, it is Zerbe’s full-time job to this day.
One of his credited mentors is fellow Footbag Hall of Famer and World Champion Peter Irish, who is also a performer by trade. Alex ran the Seattle Footbag and Juggling Festival for many years with his fellow Washington comrades. The event was a great success during its active years.
Alex Zerbe also has the distinction of being one of the most-viewed footbag players of all time. Performing it in his show to this day, he has demonstrated the sport to countless people over the years. With his deep connections in footbag and the larger performance arts scene, Zerbe spread the sport both nationally and internationally, inspiring numerous players and spectators along the way. For this and all of his other accomplishments, Alex was inducted into the Footbag Hall of Fame in 2024.
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