Duncan YoYo - The Original World's #1

1997

Duncan enters into a licensing agreement with Coca-Cola®, producing 18 different designs.

1999

A big year for Duncan. The Duncan Hardcore Yo-Yo Line is released, as is the Storm Series of spin tops. Also released is the infamous "Finger Commercial" depicting a number of people holding out their yo-yo fingers towards the camera. Outrage from a number of family groups pours in, yet sales increase.

Duncan Yo-Yos are featured on Bravo, MTV, Cartoon Network, and are named the # 1 Toy of All Time by A & E. Duncan Demonstrators, Steve Brown and Chris Neff tour the US for three and a half months in RVs to promote the Duncan Hardcore line. They both run out of propane in Chicago and nearly froze.

2000

Duncan is the major sponsor for both the 2000 World and 2000 National Yo-Yo Championships. Steve hangs out with the musical group "Hanson" in Australia, and shows them how to yo-yo.

2001

Duncan introduces the Freehand™ yo-yo. The first yo-yo ever manufactured that is designed to be used without being tied to your hand, the Freehand quickly becomes the Number One yo-yo of choice for high-level players and competitors worldwide. Steve Brown, inventor of freehand-style play, wins the Bay Area Classic by doing his entire 3-minute freehand routine blindfolded. Steve is the first person known to have accomplished this feat. In October, Steve is awarded the title of U.S. National Yo-Yo Master. Only eight people have ever been given this title. Steve is the second youngest of the eight.