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Garland Today
By the People, for the People
North Texas Sign Spinner Wins Second World Championship
Matt Doolan's winning routine was inspired by a music video he once appeared in as a teenager.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:39pm
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The world champion sign spinner's high-energy routine captivates crowds with a dazzling display of skill and showmanship.Garland TodayMatt Doolan, a professional sign spinner from North Texas, has been crowned the world champion for the second time after competing at the World Sign Spinning Championship in Las Vegas in March. Doolan's winning routine, set to the song "Hey You" by the band 311, was a full-circle moment as he had previously appeared in the group's music video as a teenager performing similar sign tricks.
Why it matters
Sign spinning has become a recognizable part of the North Texas landscape, with Doolan using high-energy tricks and choreography to advertise businesses. His second world championship win highlights the growing popularity and professionalism of this unique form of street performance.
The details
Doolan said what started as a teenage side hustle quickly turned into a passion and eventually a career. He has become a familiar presence on North Texas street corners, using his skills to draw attention to local businesses. Doolan's winning routine at the World Sign Spinning Championship in Las Vegas recreated the music video he had appeared in years earlier, helping him secure the top spot and a cash prize.
- Doolan won the 2026 World Sign Spinning Championship in Las Vegas in March.
- Doolan previously appeared in a 311 music video as a teenager, performing similar sign tricks.
The players
Matt Doolan
A professional sign spinner from North Texas who has been crowned world champion for the second time.
311
A band whose music video Doolan appeared in as a teenager, performing sign spinning tricks that inspired his winning routine at the World Sign Spinning Championship.
Amelia Mugavero
A CBS News Texas reporter and a previous world champion baton twirler who put her own spinning skills to the test against Doolan's.
What they’re saying
“As soon as I started sign spinning, I was the best. After six months ... we had our first boot camp, and after that, I was sold.”
— Matt Doolan, Professional Sign Spinner
“I basically recreated the music video live for everybody there.”
— Matt Doolan, Professional Sign Spinner
“Me and my wife and my kids were all crying and hugging. It felt like the end of an '80s movie.”
— Matt Doolan, Professional Sign Spinner
“We have much respect for baton twirlers.”
— Matt Doolan, Professional Sign Spinner
“We're spreading smiles, spreading love, and of course, spreading awareness.”
— Matt Doolan, Professional Sign Spinner
What’s next
Doolan is taking his talents beyond the street corner, teaching others the art of sign spinning and continuing to grow his business.
The takeaway
Doolan's second world championship win highlights the growing professionalism and popularity of sign spinning, a unique form of street performance that has become a recognizable part of the North Texas landscape.
