Introduction

This summer, the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) is establishing an annual integrated circuit of tournaments to foster competition among IATF players. Organizing tournaments into a circuit increases the profile of these tournaments, their hosts, their competitors and the IATF.


TL;DR at the end of the document.

Goals

Tournament circuit integration serves a number of key objectives:

  • to promote more competition outside of players’ local leagues.
  • to promote different skills levels of competition.
  • to provide more opportunity for the best players in the world to secure placement at the International Axe Throwing Championship (IATC), including in Round 2 of the Wilson Cup.

Tiers of Circuit Events

Events on the circuit will be categorized into tiers: Majors, Grand Slams and the International Axe Throwing Championship.

Major Events

Majors consist of a marquee tournament for highly skilled players, accompanied by at least one additional supporting tournament for which registration is tailored to more intermediate players (i.e. supporting tournaments may have registration limited by average score, rating, etc), to feature a demographic (i.e. Women, Youth, etc), or to feature a game format (i.e. Big Axe, Doubles, etc).

Grand Slam Events

Grand Slams consist of a marquee tournament for highly skilled players, accompanied by at least two additional supporting tournaments for which registration is tailored to more intermediate players (i.e. registration limited by average score, rating, etc), to feature a demographic (i.e. Women, Youth, etc), or to feature a game format (i.e. Big Axe, Doubles, etc).

Circuit Integration

Top finishers in circuit tournaments will receive reserved spots in future circuit tournaments or at the IATC.

Major Tournament Circuit Integration

The winners from each Major tournament will be reserved a spot in a corresponding tournament held at the IATC.

  • Winning a Major’s marquee tournament will reserve the 1st place finisher a spot in Round 2 of the Wilson Cup, securing a place as one of the final 256 competitors.
  • Winning one of the Major’s supporting tournaments will reserve the 1st place finisher a spot in a comparable tournament at the IATC (i.e. a tournament for intermediate players would reserve a spot in a tournament at the IATC similar to 2023’s Under 65 or Under 55 tournament).
  • The 2nd, 3rd and 4th place finishers from a Major’s marquee tournament will be reserved a spot in a later Grand Slam’s marquee tournament.

Grand Slam Tournament Circuit Integration

The top finishers from each Grand Slam tournament will be reserved spots in a corresponding tournament hosted at the IATC.

  • Finishing in the top 4 at a Grand Slam’s marquee tournament will reserve these players a spot in Round 2 of the Wilson Cup, securing a place as one of the final 256 competitors.
  • Winning one of the Grand Slam’s supporting tournaments will reserve the 1st place finisher a spot in a comparable tournament at the IATC (i.e. a tournament for intermediate players would reserve a spot in a tournament at the IATC similar to 2023’s Under 65 tournament).

Supporting Tournaments and Reserved Spots at the IATC

As stated, the winners of supporting tournaments at both Majors and Grand Slams will reserve the 1st place finisher a spot in a comparable tournament at IATC. Since the types of supporting tournaments is not 1:1 with the types of tournaments at IATC, this will mean each of these tournaments will be assessed to determine the best fit for which IATC tournament to reserve a spot. This assessment will be conducted by the IATF and coordinated with the hosts.

The 2023-2024 IATF Tournament Circuit

The schedule of IATF Tournament Circuit events is as follows:

Grand Slams

Event

Host

City

Date

Info

Urban Open

Urban Axes

Baltimore, MD, USA

Aug 4-6, 2023

UK Open

Valhalla North Axe Throwing

Newton Aycliffe, England, UK

Aug 19-20, 2023

APATC

MANIAX Axe Throwing

Sydney, NSW, AUS

Sep 22-23, 2023

The Choptober Challenge

Chopper’s Hatchet House

Cherry Hill, NJ, USA

Oct 26-29, 2023

Golden State Grand Slam

LA AX

North Hollywood, CA, USA

Feb 16-18, 2024

US Championship

Ace Axe Throwing

Homestead, PA, USA

TBD 2024

The top 4 finishers from each of these events’ marquee tournaments will be reserved a spot in Round 2 of the Wilson Cup.

Majors

Event

Host

City

Date

Info

Urban Rules Tiered Swiss**

Urban Axes

Baltimore, MD, USA

Aug 4-6, 2023

Labour Day Classic / Unicorn Classic*

The Range

Priddis, AB, CAN

Sep 3-4, 2023

Charlotte Open

BATL Axe Throwing

Charlotte, NC, USA

Sep 9-10, 2023

Florida Man Games

Game of Axes

Boynton Beach, FL, USA

Sep 2023

Going Up Cup

LumberJaxs Axe Throwing

Tamworth, England, UK

Sep 2023

Pink Ribbon Classic

Axe Thro Co

San Diego, CA, USA

Oct 2023

Winter Axe Games

Game of Axes

Boynton Beach, FL, USA

Feb 2024

TBD

Warriors Axe Throwing

Cobourg, ON, CAN

Mar 2024

Urban Open Ladyblades / Urban Madness*

Urban Axes

Durham, NC, USA

Mar 2024

Space City Shootout

BATL Axe Throwing

Houston, TX, USA

April 2024

Countess Cup

Chopper’s Hatchet House

Cherry Hill, NJ, USA

Apr 2024

BATL Royale

BATL Axe Throwing

Vaughan, ON, CAN

May 2024

Midwest Major

Perple Bunny's Axe House

Inver Grove Heights, MN, USA

May 2024

The winner from each of these events’ marquee tournaments will be reserved a spot in Round 2 of the Wilson Cup.

* These Majors include two marquee tournaments that will each reserve the winner a spot in Round 2 of the Wilson Cup.

** The top tier of this Swiss tournament is categorized as a Major marquee tournament, so the winner reserves a spot in Round 2 of the Wilson Cup.

Regionals

Each IATF Region will host a Regional Tournament in January 2024. As in 2023, the winners of each of these tournaments will be reserved a spot in Round 2 of the Wilson Cup at the 2024 IATC.

Additions to the Circuit

As the Circuit develops, the IATF may include additional Majors or Grand Slams. New events will be added to the Circuit to allow for more complete geographical access and for more even pacing throughout the calendar year.

Interaction with the Wilson Cup

Reserved Spots

The Wilson Cup tournament has always been a balance between encouraging the highest level of competition and inclusion of players from all IATF member organizations. Reserving spots for winners of Majors and top finishers of Grand Slams means more top-level competitors will be in the Wilson Cup Round 2 bracket. It also means there are fewer spots available to distribute among the IATF members organizations’ players advancing from Round 1. With a field of 256 players, and potentially 40-50 spots reserved for players advancing from tournaments, there will still be ample room to ensure players from all IATF member organizations are still included.

Qualification

Players earning a reserved spot in Round 2 of the Wilson Cup tournament will be removed from consideration for qualification via league play. This means, when determining qualification via the Premier season Top 8 Rule and the Standard season Top 4 Rule, these players will not be part of the determination. More specifically, if one of these players would have been in the Top 8 of a Premier season, then the 9th place finisher will move into the 8th qualifying position. Similarly for Standard seasons, the 5th place finisher will move into the 4th qualifying position. This process is consistent with how winners of the Regional Tournaments and the previous IATC champion are removed from qualification via league play.

Round 1

IATF Tournament Circuit competitors who earn a reserved spot in Round 2 of the Wilson Cup at IATC will be seeded by their results in Round 1. These competitors will not be part of the determination of IATF member organizations’ players advancing from Round 1 to Round 2 of the Wilson Cup. This means only players who have not already earned a spot in Round 2 are considered when determining member representation following Round 1.

Players Awarded A Second Reserved Spot

Players can only occupy one reserved spot in Round 2 of the Wilson Cup.


If a player finishes in a position that would earn a second reserved spot, then the spot will be reserved for the next best finisher in the tournament. i.e. if it is a Major, the 2nd place finisher, if it is a Grand Slam, the 5th place finisher (with the 5th/6th place tie broken by the most number of rounds won in their last match, if still tied, consider the previous match, etc).

Tournament Rating System

Coming later this summer, to accompany the tournament circuit, we will be launching a tournament rating system to accompany the Collins Rating System (CRS) and provide a 12 month rolling rating based on tournament performance alone.

 
We believe this will be an excellent complement to the existing Collins Rating System, which features daily match-by-match rating adjustments, whereas the tournament rating leaderboards will be more stable, updating only when Tournament Circuit events occur.


More information on this coming this summer.

The top 4 finishers from Grand Slams will be reserved a spot in Round 2 of the Wilson Cup. The winner of Majors will be reserved a spot in Round 2 of the Wilson Cup.

VIEW RULEBOOK PAGE

THE IATF 'FEDERATION' BIG AXE

THE IATF 'PREMIER' HATCHET

THE IATF 'HOUSE' FIBERGLASS HATCHET

We are thrilled to announce the release of the new IATF IATF Precision Throwing Axes! Designed and crafted by experienced throwers, these axes are tailored to elevate your axe throwing experience to new heights. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or brand new to throwing an axe, these throwing axes will help you get the best out of your game.


Unleash Your Inner Champion 


At the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF), we believe that precision is key to mastering the art of axe throwing. That's why we've meticulously developed the IATF Precision Throwing Axes, paying attention to every detail to ensure superior performance, balance, and accuracy. With these axes in your hands, you'll feel empowered to conquer any target and showcase your throwing prowess like never before.


Precision Axes For a Brilliant Sink


Designed with a specialized edge geometry and a sharp blade, the IATF Precision Throwing Axes provide an exceptional stick into your wood targets. The thin profile blade, beautiful weight and balance, and strong straight handles give you a smooth consistent rotation and an effortless sink into your target. 


Throwing Axes Crafted for Excellence And Competition


The IATF Throwing Axes are expertly crafted using premium materials to deliver exceptional quality and durability. Each axe features a carefully balanced design, allowing for a smooth and controlled throw, while maintaining optimal weight distribution. The high-grade steel construction ensures longevity, ensuring these axes will withstand countless throws and remain your trusted companion on your axe throwing journey.


GUARANTEED FOR IATF COMPETITION THROWING AND VENUE SUPPORT


These axes are designed by the International Axe Throwing Federation with both competition, enjoyment and growth in mind. The Premier Hatchet, and the Federation Big Axe are guaranteed legal for IATF Competitive throwing, and ready to throw right out of the box.  While the IATF House Fiberglass Axe is not approved for IATF Competitive Throwing, it is designed for the discerning venue that wants a long lasting house axe which still helps their brand new throwers grow into champions!

So what are you waiting for?


Precision Throwing Axes Made For Upcoming Champions


Experience the next level of precision in axe throwing with the IATF Precision Throwing Axes. Designed and crafted with the utmost care, these axes offer unparalleled performance, control, and accuracy. Join the ranks of elite throwers and take your skills to new heights. Visit our website now and equip yourself with the tools that can support you on your way to becoming an axe throwing champion.


The IATF Precision Throwing Axes aRE AVAILABLE NOW


The IATF Federation, House and Premier Throwing Axes are now available for purchase on our website. Don't miss this opportunity to equip yourself with the finest tools for throwing. Click Here and secure your own IATF Precision Throwing Axes today!


VIEW RULEBOOK PAGE

Throwing axes is hungry work. In order to help you plan ahead, we’ve compiled a food option & recommendation guide for each of the IATC 2023 venues.


Matt Brown, a thrower with Maniax Perth, has put together his IATC Toronto Hit List that compiles a range of suggestions and tips for places to eat and things to do. Thanks for sharing Matt!


On Sunday, June 11 at Homecoming, there will be 3 food vendors on site so you don't have to miss any of the action! Cherry St Bar-B-Que, Sumo Seafood, and Gangster Cheese will be there in the afternoon so get your ticket to Homecoming now! Check out our Instagram and Facebook for more information about menus and hours.

BATL PORTLANDS

*Cherry St Bar-B-Que* Official Food Partner of IATC 2023!
275 Cherry Street, Toronto, ON
416-461-5111


Cherry Street Bar-B-Que is a counter-service style barbecue house, specializing in authentic Pit Smoked meats prepared over live oak fires.


Approx. 300m from BATL Port Lands.


The Keating Channel Pub

2 Villiers Street, Toronto, ON

416-572-0030


The Keating Channel Pub serves a wide variety of classic pub fare and has something for everyone.


Approx. 200m from BATL Port Lands.


You can also order food for delivery. We recommend you meet your courier outside to avoid confusion as the venue will be busy.

BATL STOCKYARDS

BATL Stockyards is located in the Stock Yards Village which is home to multiple 20 different food options.


You can also order food for delivery. We recommend you meet your courrier outside to avoid confusion as the venue will be busy.

BATL VAUGHN

Across the street there are multiple food options in or around the RioCan Marketplace such as: Tim Horton’s, Wild Wings, Montana’s, Wendy’s, Subway, Osmows, East Side Mario’s, Starbucks, as well as some smaller independent restaurants.


You can also order food for delivery. We recommend you meet your courier outside to avoid confusion as the venue will be busy.

BATL PICKERING

Pickering does not have any restaurants within a short walking distance. A short drive (or 25 minute walk) to the intersection of Bayly St and Brock Rd provides options such as Tim Horton’s, Harvey’s, St Louis Bar & Grill as well as some smaller independent Caribbean restaurants and a coffee shop.


You can also order food for delivery. We recommend you meet your courrier outside to avoid confusion as the venue will be busy.

On Sunday, June 11 at Homecoming, there will be 3 food vendors on site so you don't have to miss any of the action! Cherry St Bar-B-Que, Sumo Seafood, and Gangster Cheese will be there in the afternoon so get your ticket to Homecoming now! Check out our Instagram and Facebook for more information about menus and hours.
VIEW RULEBOOK PAGE

Round 2 of the Wilson Cup will be held in Toronto on June 10-11, 2023.


On the first day of competition, June 10, each of the 256 players will compete at one of four BATL Axe Throwing venues in Toronto. Registration and practice begin at 9:00 am and the tournament starts at 10:00 am. See our travel guide for tips on getting to and from all 4 venues.


Click the STARTING VENUES button to view the list of players and their starting venues. Also included is the A Bracket for the first day of the tournament.


Players' tournament seed in Round 2 was determined by their Round 1 performance.

More Great IATC Events

We are so excited for you to join us in Toronto for IATC Round 2 and we hope to see you at all the awesome events the weekend has to offer. 


Homecoming

Homecoming is here for the best backyard party ever. In order to gain access to the party, you'll need to purchase a Homecoming ticket at the link below.


The backyard features:

  • Large outdoor bar
  • Several viewing tents with large flatscreens to watch the live stream
  • Multiple food vendors (including Cherry St BBQ, Sumo Seafood, Santa of Summer and more!)
  • DJ
  • Axe Market full of your favorite community vendors such as
    • 81 axes
    • Philly Axe Co
    • Warriors Axe Throwing Inc
    • ACE Etching
    • more!

Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the final day of the Wilson Cup with your axe throwing family!

Axe Prom

We’re bringing back Axe Prom this year and we are stoked! Come spend the evening in The Metropolitan Ballroom at Westin Harbour Castle and celebrate an epic end to another year of international axe thrower excellence.


There are still some tickets available for Axe Prom on Monday evening. The awards ceremony, including the presentation of the Wilson Cup by Commissioner Matt Wilson, will take place at this gala event.


Also at Axe Prom:


  • Red Carpet photo ops
  • Full buffet dinner:
    • Organic seasonal greens, chopped romaine, carrots, cherry tomato, cucumber, radish, Spanish onions, pumpkin seeds (GF, NF, DF, Vegan)
      Ginger and kombucha vinaigrette (GF, NF, DF, Vegan),
      Peppercorn Caesar dressing (GF, NF)
      Aged balsamic dressing(GF, NF, DF, Vegan)
    • BYO Pulled pork sliders creole coleslaw, kozliks mustard and sauerkraut (NF, DF)
    • Grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken, nuac cham, scallions and carrots (NF, GF, DF)
    • Braised beef meatballs, san marzano tomato sauce (NF, DF)
    • Ontario early summer grilled vegetable medley (GF, NF, DF, Vegan)
    • Roasted garlic and boursin cheese mashed potatoes (GF, NF, Vegetarian)
    • Selection of pastries from our pastry kitchen.
  • Black & White photobooth
  • Several fully stocked cash bars
  • DJ & dancefloor
  • And all the joy of being together again at last after 3 years!

Get your tickets at the link below!


VIEW RULEBOOK PAGE

Background

For several weeks, the IATF has been reviewing feedback from axe makers, IATF owner/operators and the axe throwing community at large. In particular, we've been reviewing the minimum axe head length dimension. Several models of hatchets have been demonstrated to fall slightly short of the minimum 5" (127mm) at the very bottom point of the blade. These models are and have been commonly in use, unmodified, and considered safe and fair for competition.


The IATF has always strived to encourage a thriving maker's ecosystem around axes and customization while balancing the rules for safety and fairness. It is not the IATF's intention to disqualify axes arbitrarily.

Axe Head Minimum Length Dimension Updated

Based on the data collected in research we've conducted, and constructive, quantitative feedback we've received, we are revising the minimum hatchet axe head length to 4.75" (121mm) and the minimum Big Axe (felling axe) head length to 5.75" (146mm). This 0.25" (6mm) adjustment for both hatchets and Big Axes (felling axes) accommodates the vast majority of commonly used, unmodified models.


Section 4.1 - Axe Specifications, specifically Rule 3.4 - Axe Head Length Specification, of the IATF Rules & Guidelines has been updated to reflect this revision.


Hatchet

Big Axe (Felling Axe)

3.4 The minimum head length is:

4.75"

121mm

5.75"

146mm

Acknowledgements

We want to acknowledge that measurements of the bottom point of the blade should have been more rigorously reviewed before the previous rules publication last August. We appreciate our passionate community for your attention to detail and for your continued constructive feedback in bringing this matter to our attention. We also appreciate your patience while we took the time to collect information to support the revision.


As always, we value feedback and continue to encourage it via email to info@iatf.com

VIEW RULEBOOK PAGE

Getting around Toronto and to Pickering can seem daunting and that is why we are here to help! This guide breaks down your transit options to make the most of your time and your budget at IATC 2023. All prices listed in this document are in Canadian dollars.


For information about our hotel partners, see our Hotel & Accommodations Details.

PUBLIC TRANSIT

Toronto and Pickering are both accessible by public transit. Transit is most densely located in the core of Toronto, and gets less frequent as you get further into surrounding regions.


If you plan to use public transit as a means of transportation during your stay in Toronto (or the GTHA), we recommend buying a Presto card for $3.20. Using a Presto card will automatically save you money on fares and make transferring between systems seamless. You can purchase a Presto card at TTC subway stations, select GO stations, and select retailers. Find out more here: https://www.prestocard.ca/en/about/get-a-presto-card


The Toronto Transit Commission (commonly referred to as the TTC) is the local subway and surface route operation in Toronto. Service is provided via subway lines, and bus and streetcar routes across the city. Information about fares, routes, and schedules can be found at ttc.ca.


GO Transit is the regional public transit service for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). The GO is a network of trains and buses that connect the cities and municipalities that surround Toronto. GO connects to the TTC at multiple subway stations, depending on the line. GO connects to DRT at Pickering GO station. Find more information about fares, routes, and schedules at gotransit.com


Durham Region Transit (or DRT) is the local bus transportation for eight municipalities, including Pickering. The bus from the Pickering GO station runs every 30 minutes. Information about fares, routes, and schedules can be found at https://www.durhamregiontransit.com/en/index.aspx

One TTC adult fare is $3.25 CAD and provides a 2-hour unlimited transfer. You can purchase a Presto Card for $3.20 and load single rides or unlimited day passes at all subway stations. More information on the TTC website: https://www.ttc.ca/Fares-and-passes


Go Transit offers one- and two-day weekend passes that must be purchased in advance online for $10 and $15 respectively. These passes do not use the Presto system and are activated on your smartphone directly. For more information: https://www.gotransit.com/en/travelling-with-us/dont-need-a-car-to-go


Go Transit fares are calculated based on distance traveled. Short distances (less than 6 miles/10kms) are $4.40 or $3.70 with a Presto Card. The fare calculator can be found here: https://www.gotransit.com/en/trip-planning/calculate-fare


One adult fare on DRT is $3.25 with a Presto card or $4 cash. If connecting from the GO train, your fare is free. Just tap your Presto card or present your GO ticket to the operator. More information about DRT fares can be found here: https://www.durhamregiontransit.com/en/index.aspx

Schedules

The TTC subway runs every 2-5 minutes most of the time. Late night can see longer wait times up to 10 minutes. The last trains leave the station sometime after 1:00am. Check the online schedule if you plan to be traveling late at night. Late night buses run along the subway lines between the last and first trains of each day so you can always get public transit along those major lines. Buses and streetcars depend largely on the route. Some routes end early or reduce to minimal service during off-peak hours. Always check the schedule for departing and returning trips before you leave.


GO trains run approximately every 30 minutes. It is important to check ahead to make sure you get where you are going on time.

getting to BATL Portlands

BATL Portlands is located 33 Villiers St, Toronto, ON.


To Portlands via TTC: (Best for local travel)

  • Take the subway to Pape Station. Take the 72B Pape Bus south to Union Station via Queens Quay and Commissioners for 19 stops (approx. 20 minutes).  Exit Villiers at Munition St. Walk west on Villiers and enter BATL Portlands via parking lot.

  • Take the subway to King Station. Board the 504C King to Distillery replacement bus (eastbound) on the south side of King St, east of Yonge St. Ride 9 stops (approx. 15 minutes). Exit at Distillery Loop. Walk 0.7 miles (1.1kms): south under the highway and cross Lakeshore Blvd, cross the Cherry St bridge, turn left on Villiers St and BATL Portlands will be on your right. Enter via the parking lot.

  • Take the subway to Union station. Walk to Bay St (west side) south of Front St. Take the 72 Pape Bus to Pape Station via Queens Quay and Commissioners for 9 stops (approx. 14 minutes). Exit Villiers at Munition St. Walk west on Villiers and enter BATL Portlands via parking lot.

*Please note that all routes are subject to disruption and delay. Check online for most up-to-date information.


To Portlands on the GO transit: (Best for GTHA travel)

  • Take advantage of the multitude of trains and buses that serve the central hub of Union Station. For most accurate information, visit the Go Transit travel planner: https://www.gotransit.com/en/

  • See directions for TTC from Union Station above.

getting to BATL Pickering

BATL Pickering is located at 813 Brock Rd #11, Pickering, ON.


To Pickering on TTC, GO Transit, & DRT:


While you can take public transit to BATL Pickering, there is not great transit from the Pickering GO station to BATL and it is a 40-50 minute walk. There are a few buses that will bring you a little closer from the GO station, but you will still have to walk 20-30 minutes to get the rest of the way. However, if you are traveling with a group, you can take an uber from the GO station and split the fare and it will still be cheaper than an Uber from Downtown.

  • Take the subway or GO train to Union Station. Take the train east along the Lakeshore East line 6 stops (approx. 40 minutes) to Pickering GO. Walk south towards Fairall St to the DRT bus stop near Westney Rd. Take the 917 Pickering Parkway Terminal bus 6 stops (approx. 6 minutes) to Bayly Westbound at Brock Road. Walk south on Brock Road for 1.3 miles (2.1kms) to BATL Pickering.

  • Take the subway to Main Street station. Walk south on Main St to Danforth GO Station. Take the train east along the Lakeshore East line 5 stops (approx. 30 minutes) to Pickering GO (DO NOT take the Stouffville line that also services this stop). Walk south towards Fairall St to the DRT bus stop near Westney Rd. Take the 917 Pickering Parkway Terminal bus 6 stops (approx. 6 minutes) to Bayly Westbound at Brock Road. Walk south on Brock Road for 1.3 miles (2.1kms) to BATL Pickering.

The GO transit fare from Union Station is $9.40 standard or $7.91 with a Presto card. The GO transit fare from Danforth GO Station is $7.75 standard or $6.52 with a Presto card. You can transfer onto DRT free of charge by using your Presto card or presenting your ticket or weekend pass.


*Please note that all routes are subject to disruption and delay. Check online for most up-to-date information.

getting to BATL stockyards

BATL Stockyards is located at 30 Weston Road, Unit C109, Toronto, ON.


To Stockyards on TTC:

  • Take the subway to Keele Station. Take the 89 Weston to Albion Rd bus for 7 stops (approx. 7 minutes) to Keele St at St Clair Ave West. Walk 450’ (140m) to BATL Stockyards.
  • You can also take the 89, 941, or 989 buses from Keele Station to Keele St at St Clair Ave West (same route & travel time).


To Stockyards on the GO transit: (Best for GTHA travel)

  • Take advantage of the multitude of trains and buses that serve the central hub of Union Station. For most accurate information, visit the Go Transit travel planner: https://www.gotransit.com/en/
  • See directions for TTC from Union Station above.


*Please note that all routes are subject to disruption and delay. Check online for most up-to-date information.

getting to BATL vaughn

BATL Vaughan is located at 1600 Steeles Avenue W #12, Concord, ON.


To Vaughn on TTC:

  • Take the subway to Sheppard West Station. Take the 105 Major Mackenzie NB bus for 13 stops (approx. 17 minutes) to Dufferin/Steeles. Walk 1300’ (400m) to BATL Vaughan.
  • Take the subway to Sheppard West Station. Take the 105A Dufferin North to Steeles bus for 10 stops (approx. 18 minutes) to Gerry Fitzgerald Dr at Steeles Avenue W. Walk 1000’ (300m) to BATL Vaughan.
  • Take the subway to Finch Station. Take the 60A Steeles West to Pioneer Village Stn bus 19 stops (approx. 26 minutes) to Steeles Ave West at Futurity Gate. Walk 820’ (250m) to BATL Vaughan.


To Vaughn on the GO transit: (Best for GTHA travel)

  • Take advantage of the multitude of trains and buses that serve the central hub of Union Station. For most accurate information, visit the Go Transit travel planner: https://www.gotransit.com/en/
  • See directions for TTC from Union Station above.


*Please note that all routes are subject to disruption and delay. Check online for most up-to-date information.

Driving in toronto and pickering

For those of you who live in the GTHA or have visited before, this will come as no surprise: traffic is really, really bad. In fact, Toronto recently ranked as the 3rd most congested city in North America (only behind Chicago and Boston) and 7th worst internationally. If you can avoid driving, especially to Port Lands or Stockyards, take transit.


Uber is available in Toronto and Pickering and can be cost effective when carpooling and sharing fares. We still recommend against taking an Uber to Port Lands as it is near several of the most congested intersections in the city. It is very accessible by public transportation.


If driving is still your best option, all 4 IATC venues offer parking on site. See addresses in Google maps linked below for driving directions:

VIEW RULEBOOK PAGE

IATC 2023 Round 1 of the Wilson Cup took place on Sunday, March 26, 2023. The event was hosted by 46 IATF member organizations at 74 locations worldwide. Of the 20,000 rostered league players, 897 qualifiers competed in Round 1. Of these competitors, 246 will join last year's IATC Champion and the 9 winners of the 2023 IATF Regionals in the 256 player bracket for Round 2.


Congratulations to all the players advancing to Round 2.


The IATF is excited to announce the results of the the first round of the 2023 Wilson Cup. 

Complete List of Round 1 Results

Please click the button here to download a PDF of the results list. The list is arranged alphabetically by Qualifying Club, then in descending order by Round 1 score. The list includes whether the competitor has advanced to Round 2.


The list has been updated as of April 14 to include an updated Round 2 Status. The update indicates who has registered, declined and players who have advanced and can still register.

What's Next: Round 2

Round 2 of the Wilson Cup will be held in Toronto on June 10-11, 2023.


Round 2 will include 256 players. 10 spots are reserved for last year's IATC Champion and the 9 winners of the 2023 IATF Regionals. Each IATF member organization is allocated a portion of the 246 remaining Round 2 spots based on their total league participation during the Qualification Period.


Players' tournament seed in Round 2 is determined by their Round 1 performance.

Players Advancing to Round 2

If you are among the players advancing to Round 2, expect an email from the IATF containing details on how to register and exclusive deals on Homecoming and Prom. Be sure to add info@iatf.com to your address book to ensure the email gets to you inbox.

CLose But No Cigar

If you competed in Round 1 and are not among the players advancing to Round 2, you can still get in the action during the IATC weekend by registering for the Close But No Cigar tournament, to be held at BATL Port Lands on Friday, June 9, 2023. This is an exclusive tournament for Round 1 competitors that did not advance to Round 2.


More info here: IATC 2023 Information and Itinerary

More Great IATC Events And competitions

We are so excited for you to join us in Toronto for IATC Round 2 and we hope to see you at all the awesome events the weekend has to offer. 


Homecoming


Homecoming is here for the best backyard party ever. Celebrate with a well-earned beer at the outdoor bar and kick back with a drink in a viewing tent surrounded by the best community. Cheer for your friends and favorites to win.


Axe Prom


We’re bringing back Axe Prom this year and we are stoked! Come spend the evening in The Metropolitan Ballroom at Westin Harbour Castle and celebrate an epic end to another year of international axe thrower excellence. Dress to impress for dinner, drinks, music, dancing and plenty of photo ops.


Tournaments


Thursday and Friday are packed full of events for you to check out: There are tournaments for Under 55 and Under 65, a Doubles tournament, and the above Close But No Cigar. Stay tuned for more information about the skills tournament.


Check out the IATC 2023 Information and Itinerary to find your event! Tickets go on sale Friday, March 31st.

VIEW RULEBOOK PAGE

We are happy to announce that we have partnered with three hotels to offer discounted rooms for the week of IATC. We have also negotiated a special rate for the night of Prom at the Westin Harbour Castle if you are feeling fancy. For more information about getting around Toronto, Pickering, and the IATC host venues, see our Travel Guide.

NEARLY SOLD OUT


175 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON

www.torontodonvalleyhotel.com


For 10% off best available rate, book with code: SMERF
Please note that this rate is only available for online bookings.

Toronto Don Valley Inn & Suites is a 3-star hotel in North York that is an easy driving distance to all 4 host BATL locations. Their amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness facility, pet friendly options, and onsite parking.


Driving distances
  • 8.5 miles (13.7kms) to Port Lands
  • 19.3 miles (31.1kms) to Pickering
  • 17.9 miles (28.8kms) to Stockyards
  • 16.8 miles (27kms) to Vaughn

Transit options
  • Catch the 100A Flemingdon Park to Broadview Station bus on Wynford Drive. This bus takes you 30 stops (approx. 26 minutes) to Broadview station. From there, you can get on the subway east or west to your destination.
  • Walk south to Eglinton Avenue and catch the 34 Eglinton East to Eglinton Station. This bus takes you 18 stops (approx. 25 minutes) to Eglinton station. From there, you can get on the subway north or south to your destination.

More details on booking this hotel

Desktop booking
  1. Visit the hotel website - www.torontodonvalleyhotel.com
  2. Select arrival/departure dates, # of rooms, # of guests, Book Now
  3. Special codes or rates
  4. Promo code: SMERF, Apply
  5. Complete your booking

Cell phone
  1. Visit the hotel website - www.torontodonvalleyhotel.com
  2. Book Now
  3. Select arrival/departure dates, # of rooms, # of guests, Book Now
  4. Arrow down (besides "your stay")
  5. Special Codes or Rates (below "select guests", at bottom of the page)
  6. Promo code: SMERF, Apply
  7. Update
  8. Complete your booking


Notes
  • The discounted rates are for online bookings only.
  • Check-in time: any time after 3 pm
  • Check-out time: 12 pm (noon)
  • Parking: $11.95/vehicle per night plus HST
  • Incidental hold/deposit is required at the time of check-in

8081 Birchmount Rd, Markham, ON

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yyzmr-toronto-marriott-markham/overview/


To book our group rate at $239 per night, book at this link.

You can also book by calling 1 800 241 3333 and give the group name “IATF”.


The Toronto Marriott Markham is a 4-star hotel in Markham, ON that is outside of Toronto. Their amenities include an indoor pool, hot tub, a fitness center, and a restaurant. They offer pet friendly accommodations and onsite paid parking.


Toronto Marriott Markham is NOT IN TORONTO OR PICKERING. However, it is an hour or less drive to all the IATC locations and accessible by public transit. See below for more details regarding driving and public transit.


Driving distances
  • 18.3 miles (29.5kms) to Port Lands
  • 20 miles (32.2kms) to Pickering
  • 23.2 miles (37.3kms) to Stockyards
  • 10.1 miles (16.3kms) to Vaughn

Transit options
  • Taking public transit from this hotel is a long trip and definitely needs pre-planning. Buses outside the core may not run as often, so timing can be critical! Rather than offer potential routes, we recommend that you use the TTC travel planner or Google to plan your trip based on your departure or arrival times.
Driving + transit options
  • If you want to avoid the hassle of downtown driving but not spend extended time waiting for buses, many transit stations offer park & ride parking lots. These lots are typically inexpensive surface parking adjacent to subway station entrances. You park at Finch or Warden Stations and take transit the rest of the way! A full list of commuter lots can be found here.

See our Travel Guide for more detailed information about taking public transit to all 2023 IATC venues.

SOLD OUT


1 Harbour Square, Toronto, ON

www.marriott.com


For a special group rate of $349 per night, book via this direct link - https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1662495442981&key=GRP&app=resvlink


Please note this link is only valid for the night of Prom, Jun 12, 2023. Any nights booked outside this date will be at the regular rate. There are 17 rooms total available at this rate.

The Westin Harbour Castle is a 4-star hotel on Toronto’s Waterfront. It is walking distance to Port Lands, major city attractions, transit, and restaurants. Amenities include a fitness centre, yoga studio, and multiple onsite dining options.


Driving distances
  • 1.5 miles (2.5kms) to Port Lands (walking distance!)
  • 27.8 miles (44.7kms) to Pickering
  • 6.6 miles (10.7kms) to Stockyards
  • 21.8 miles (35.1kms) to Vaughn

Please note: because of the Westin Harbour Castle’s location in the heart of downtown, driving times may vary greatly. Toronto traffic is heavily congested most times of day.


Driving distances from other hotels
  • 8.8 miles (14.1kms) to Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites
  • 1.5 miles (2.4kms) to Residence and Conference Centre - Toronto Downtown
  • 19.3 miles (31.1kms) to Toronto Markham Marriott
Transit options
  • Walk 15 minutes up Bay St to Union station. From there you can take the TTC or GO transit to your destination.

Residence and Conference Centre - Toronto Downtown

SOLD OUT

80 Cooperage St, Toronto, ON

stayrcc.com/locations/toronto-downtown


For 12% off best available rate, book with code: IATC 2023
Please note that this code is only valid from June 5th to 15th, 2023. Any nights booked outside these dates will be at the regular rate.

The Residence and Conference Centre is the George Brown downtown residences converted into a 3-star hotel in the summer months. It is an easy walk to Port Lands and the Westin Harbour Castle (the location of Prom). This is a great option if you want to travel with friends as many rooms include two bedrooms and a kitchenette.


Driving distances
  • 1.3 miles (2.1kms) to Port Lands (walking distance!)
  • 26 miles (41.8kms) to Pickering
  • 8.8 miles (14.2kms) to Stockyards
  • 20.6 miles (33.2kms) to Vaughn
Transit options
  • Walk south to Cherry St and Mill St and catch the 121D Esplanade-River to Union Station for 10 stops (approx. 16 minutes) to Union station. From there you can get on the TTC or GO transit.
  • Walk north to King St and catch the 504B King St to Broadview Station for 11 stops (approx. 13 minutes) to Broadview station. From there you can get on the subway east or west to your destination.
  • Walk west along Front St for 1.6 miles (2.6kms), approximately 30 minutes to Union station. From there you can get on the TTC or GO transit.

VIEW RULEBOOK PAGE

With the IATC 2023 Qualification Period completed, the IATF is excited to announce the list of qualifiers eligible to compete in Round 1 of the 2023 Wilson Cup!

Round 1 Schedule

Round 1 of the Wilson Cup will take place on Sunday, March 26, 2023, starting at 9:00am.


Round 1 competitions are run by the IATF member locations that hosted leagues throughout the Qualification Period.


Players will usually compete at their usual IATF league location, however, competition at another IATF member is possible (see FAQs below).

Round 1 Competition Format

Round 1 of the Wilson Cup is a competition hosted at IATF member venues around the world. Qualifying players compete against each other in a unique match format consisting of 75 hatchet throws and 15 big axe throws. Premier rules are used to score Round 1.


Players are divided into heats of up to 4 players. Each player will start on one of 4 targets. They will begin by throwing 15 axes at one target. Players have the option to call clutch on the 5th, 10th and 15th (final) axe.


Following this set of 15 axes, all players will move one target to the right, with the player on the 4th target moving to the 1st target. They will then continue by throwing another set of 15 axes at this target, again, with the option to call clutch on the 5th, 10th and 15th (final) axe.


Following this second set of 15 axes, all players will move one target to the right, with the player on the 4th target moving to the 1st target. They will repeat this process of throwing 15 axes and moving to the right until they have thrown 75 total axes.


Once the 75 hatchet throws are completed, each player will individually throw 15 big axes.

All scores will be recorded in AxeScores, however, scorekeepers should communicate the total score for each set of 15 axes and the 15 big axes to the players to ensure that each set of axes are recorded accurately.

Qualifiers

The IATF and its members hosted over 20,000 rostered players in eligible leagues during the IATC 2023 Qualification Period. Of these players, almost 1,900 have qualified for Round 1.


Please click the button here to download a PDF of the qualifiers list. The list is arranged alphabetically by last name, then first name.

How to Register

Congratulations if you are one of this year's qualifiers! To compete on Sunday, March 26, 2023, you must register via the IATF store (link below). Registration is $30 USD.


During registration, please provide your AxeScores ID. This will allow the IATF to correctly identify you as the registrant. Your AxeScores ID can be found on the List of Qualifiers.


Once you have registered, keep your Shopify receipt handy, you may need to show it when you arrive at Round 1 on March 26.

Following Round 1

Following Round 1, the players with the top performances from each participating IATF member organization will advance to Round 2, held in Toronto in June 2023.

Players' Round 1 performances are ranked among their fellow Qualifying Club players by highest total score of the 75 hatchet throws. Ties are broken by the highest total score from the 15 big axe throws.


Round 2 will include 256 players. 10 spots are reserved for last year's IATC Champion and the 9 winners of the 2023 IATF Regionals. Each IATF member organization is allocated a portion of the 246 remaining Round 2 spots based on their total league participation during the Qualification period.


Players' tournament seed in Round 2 is determined by their Round 1 performance. This means the IATC Champion and Regionals Winners must register and compete in Round 1 to be seeded in Round 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: I'm away from my usual league location on March 26. Can I still compete?


Answer: Yes, you can still compete on March 26 at another IATF venue hosting Round 1. To arrange this, please send an email to the IATF (info@iatf.com) and the IATF venue letting them know of your intention to compete at their venue.



Question: I'm busy on March 26, can I compete on another day.


Answer: Round 1 is the first round of a tournament. To respect the level playing field and the competitive spirit of the tournament, all competition will take place on March 26 only.



Question: Can I purchase a registration on a player's behalf?


Answer: Yes, however, in this case, it is very important to provide the player's AxeScores ID. Otherwise the IATF will not be able to correctly identify who the registration is for.



Question: Why are last year's IATC Champion and the 2023 IATF Regionals Winners on the list of qualifiers?


Answer: The IATC Champion has always held a reserved spot in the next IATC Round 2 to defend their title. This year, the 9 Regional Winners were rewarded with a reserved spot in Round 2. These 10 players will advance into Round 2, however, their tournament seed will be determined by their Round 1 performance.

VIEW RULEBOOK PAGE

IATF AxeScores App 2.0

The AxeScores App Version 2.0 has now been submitted and will be available for all players over the next few days. Please check your app stores for the update.  In addition, we've updated and improved a number of functions within the AxeScores platform, as well as addressed some key bug fixes.

As part of the IATF's ongoing commitment to its players, members and the sport of axe throwing, we are always looking to improve the experience in everything we do.  This includes regular fixes and updates to the stats tracking platform and tools that support excellence in competition.


Remember, if you find any bugs, issues or have suggestions on how to improve the AxeScores experience, we've introduced a new method for improving your experience.  We now use a platform called Upvoty which lets you submit, and vote on the features and bugs that are the highest priority to you. Please visit us at https://iatf.upvoty.com/ and make your feedback shine.

Update Notes

  • AxeScores App v2.0 Release Date: Monday February 6, 2023
    • We've re-platformed the application code-base to make future updates easier.
    • The update resolves a current login problem some users experience, particularly Samsung users.
    • Navigation within the app has been improved.
    • The remote matches feature has been retired. This feature was seldom used and was costly to maintain.
    • In order to comply with certain privacy legislation, we've included a method for players to permanently delete their account.
  • AxeScores Admin
    • Issues resolved in January
      • Playoff stats were not appearing as expected, specifically number of playoff losses and big axe playoff stats
      • In testing, leading up to Regionals, some issues were identified due to the rosters of non-standard size. These were prioritized to allow the tournaments to run smoothly
        • The bracket appeared to not advance players from tournament pools larger than 4 players 
        • The tournament forfeit option was not working as expected
        • Accommodating the non-standard roster sizes
    • Bugs addressed in the Monday February 6 release
      • Rarely, playoffs would not load or names would appear as MISSING
      • Premier, Recreational and Youth leagues were not options to assign a waiver and did not appear on the Admin Dash page
      • Introducing match-end validation to prevent extra rounds and throws

Still have questions, found a bug or want to make a suggestion for AxeScores? Connect with us at https://iatf.upvoty.com/ but you can also always reach out to us at info@IATF.com

VIEW RULEBOOK PAGE