HAMPTON BEACH, NH (CBS) – The annual sand sculpting contest on Hampton Beach has officially kicked off.

Famous sand sculptors from all over the world ascend on the beach in an attempt to qualify for the World Championships of Sand Sculpting. Also, the top five finishers split a cool $15,000.

Hampton is the only qualifying event on the East Coast and the largest Masters Competition in the Northeast.

The sculptors use nothing but sand, water, and a few plastic or wooden forms to allow them to initially build the bases of their masterpieces.