WATERLOO -- Iowa's best dart players are shooting for a share of almost $90,000 at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center this weekend.

For some of the nearly 2,000 people expected to compete in the State of Iowa Dart Championships, the money draws them to Waterloo year after year. For others, the money -- which happens to be the largest purse in the tournament's history -- is secondary behind the bragging rights that come with a trophy. And others don't really care about either, they just come for a good time.

The four-day tournament ends Sunday, and Waterloo's Jeff Paulson hopes a trophy or two ends up in his possession by the time the last dart is thrown.

Sure, the money is nice, Paulson says, but it doesn't come close to the feeling he gets knowing he's one of the best. He's competed in regional and world tournaments before -- even placing in the top 10 at a world competition in Chicago -- but this is his first time at state. A good showing is a must.

"For me, I like the trophies. It shows what you've done," said Paulson. "I play a lot of league darts to get ready for tournaments."

Apparently, 15 years of practicing paid off. In Open Dream Team competition Thursday, Paulson helped his team to an early-round 501 win by hitting a hat trick (three bulls-eyes) and then a bull and a double 11 during his next turn. During a game of 50, each team starts with 501 points and the first team to get to zero wins.

For non-dart players, trying to hit bulls-eye that's only a couple inches in circumference, from several feet away, may seem stressful -- especially when there's a lot of money riding on shots. Not for Paulson.

"I use if for stress relief more than anything. I can concentrate on this and leave everything else behind," he said.

Tournament co-chair Reggie Horak, co-owner of Automatic Amusements of Waterloo, said hosting the state tournament is a boon for Waterloo. Its done so for the last five years.

The Ramada Inn, which is connected to the convention center, is booked and nearby hotels are accommodating overflow guests. Besides that, Horak said downtown eateries and bars see a boost in business when players have some free time.

"It has to have a great economic impact. I know people when they're not playing like to go to the (Crossroads) mall and restaurants around Waterloo," Horak said.

Heather Christiansen of Storm Lake says Horak is right on target. She plans to drop $600 during her visit. She might make enough in prize money to pay for the trip -- if the darts hit their mark -- but if they don't, she doesn't really care.

Christiansen is one of the players who put having a good time in front of winning - though winning would be nice. Two years ago her team took first in 501. There are several divisions depending on skill level.

Meeting new people and making friends is what makes the tournament special, Christiansen says.

"If you win, it could pay for your whole trip. If not, no big deal, this is like my only vacation," Christiansen said. "We're just here to have fun … it's the best time you can ever have."

Contact Matthew Wilde at (319) 291-1579 or matt.wilde@wcfcourier.com.