The 2009 WFTDA Nationals brought together the best of flat track roller derby in a high-energy championship that set the tone for the sport’s next decade. Hosted in Philadelphia and officially titled the “Declaration of Derby,” the tournament showcased elite talent, dramatic comebacks, and the rise of new powerhouse teams. Here is the 2009 Nationals Recap for you.
“Skate to your own rhythm.”
Final Standings and Key Matchups
Oly Rollers, in their debut WFTDA season, stormed through the competition and advanced to the final with a perfect record. Their showdown against Gotham Girls Roller Derby was a highlight of the tournament and a clash of contrasting styles — Oly’s speed and precision versus Gotham’s experience and grit.
In a nail-biting championship bout, Oly defeated Gotham 178–91, marking one of the most dominant championship performances in WFTDA history at the time.
Third Place was claimed by the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls, who edged out the Texas Rollergirls in a defensive-heavy game that highlighted the growing strategic sophistication of top-level teams.
Team Capsules
Oly Rollers (Olympia, WA)
A near-perfect season capped with a championship win. Known for their disciplined formations and explosive jammers, Oly’s roster depth and off-the-line speed made them a breakout force.
Gotham Girls Roller Derby (New York, NY)
Gotham came into the finals with strong expectations and lived up to them. Though they fell short in the final, their blocking walls and crowd control remained unmatched throughout most of the season.
Rocky Mountain Rollergirls (Denver, CO)
RMR impressed with a balanced squad that blended strength and strategy. Their third-place finish confirmed their arrival as a consistent top-tier league.
Texas Rollergirls (Austin, TX)
Still one of the most respected names in the sport, Texas brought leadership, powerful packs, and national fan support. A narrow fourth-place finish did not dull their legacy.
Tournament Notes
- The 2009 Nationals introduced more audiences to pack awareness rules and refinement in jammer penalties, reflecting the sport’s evolution.
- Attendance broke previous WFTDA records, and the online stream saw thousands of remote viewers — a sign of the sport’s rising popularity.
- Teams from all four regions competed, highlighting the national spread of high-level derby talent.
Legacy of 2009
The 2009 tournament was more than a competition — it was a milestone in Derby’s modern history. The dominance of Oly sparked a wave of athleticism-focused training, while Gotham’s consistent top finishes cemented the East Coast as a derby powerhouse.
Today, many of the strategies and training programs seen in that tournament have become standard in elite leagues nationwide.
From the Archives
This 2009 Nationals Recap was recreated to preserve one of flat track derby’s defining championship moments. Original DNN coverage of the 2009 Nationals played a significant role in growing the sport — this post honors that contribution.
Next interesting recap here.