The Rockstar Energy Drink WWA Wakeboard World Championships will be held at the Prairie Springs Park in Pleasant Prairie on Aug. 16-19.

More than 200 of the world's best professional and amateur wakeboarders and wakeskaters will compete in the annual invitation-only event for a shot at a world title.

Since its inception in 1994, the Wakeboard World Championships has attracted thousands of competitors from more than 20 countries. Competitors, ranging from seven to 55 years old, earn an invitation to the prestigious event by qualifying at their respective countries' national championships.

At the WWA Worlds, athletes compete in heats through a series of rounds during the course of the contest. In each heat, competitors perform rail tricks and aerial maneuvers while being pulled along the water by the official event towboat. Tricks are judged by a panel of officials, with only the top-scoring athletes in each heat advancing on to the following round of the contest, until a winner is determined in the finals.

The 2012 competition will feature more than 20 division categories, separated by age, gender, sport and skill level. The event is highlighted by its top two categories — the Pro Men and Pro Women's divisions.

The WWA Worlds also serves as part of the Wakeboard World Series and the King of Wake series.