I'm all in favor of anything that gets more exposure to skill toys. I think the problem is people don't see this stuff so much so they don't even know what they are missing. Those that do play probably are what I call "closeted", where they are likely playing at home and "hidden away". For me, I'm constantly throwing tops, boomerangs, yoyos, diabolo and other stuff in public. I'm succeeding, failing, learning, whatever. It doesn't matter. Am I having fun? Yes. Do I care what other people think? If it's negative, then no. If it's positive, then yes.
I've put spinning tops into the hands of dozens of kids in front of their parents with parental permission while throwing tops at the park while my kids are doing their swim team practices.
So, if the goal here is to promote tops in the UK, then hey, this is a good thing. I don't think it's important that it be a contest but if that's the strategy behind your campaign, then don't change it. Maybe bringing out some competitive spirit will be a good thing. I hope it brings out people who are throwing tops and other stuff and promoters a whole community thing.