GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE

We also wanted to be the first to wish you all the best of luck in these tournaments, and we can't wait to see you at the 2023 IATC - International Axe Throwing Championships.

Two short weeks ago, we announced that, on January 29, 2023, 9 Regional hosts would open their venues for the IATF Regionals Tournaments - a highly anticipated day of global competition happening in your backyard. And, the excitement continues to mount as registration opens on November 1st, 2022! So mark that date in your calendar and be sure to register early!

These competitions pave the way to the International Axe Throwing Championships, and this year has been made even more exciting with the addition of an automatic entry into Round 2 of the International Axe Throwing Champion’s Wilson Cup for Regionals winners.

As promised, here are the rest of the details! But first, if you missed the dates and the 9 Regionals Hosts announcement, you can catch up on these details here.

Where and When You Can Register to Compete

Registration opens November 1st, 2022, at 2 PM ET

Registration for all Regional Tournaments, happening on January 29th, 2023, will be managed through the IATF this year in order to streamline the entire process. On November 1, 2022, from 2 pm, you can register through our website, at www.iatf.com. We will put out an updated social post with all the venues and their registration links when registration opens. Registration will also be available via accessible links on the home page or via the tournament page (clicking on “Tournaments” in the main navigation bar).

Tournament Registration Fees and Value

Registration Fees are set at $80 USD

All Regionals Tournament registration fees are set at $80 USD, and 50% of all registration fees, collected, for each tournament will go toward the CASH prize pools at that tournament. Each tournament will have a prize pool payout for the top 8 throwers. And, as indicated above, the first-place finisher in each tournament will receive an automatic spot in 2023 Round 2 of the Wilson Cup (more details below).

Pool Play Round Robin Format - Followed By Single Elimination

Back by popular demand, this year's IATF Regionals tournaments at the 9 Host locations will be following a Pool Play Round Robin format. This format, by design, gives players more matches and better value. It further strengthens the competitive opportunities by guaranteeing each thrower 3 matches, with a minimum of 50% of competitors playing in at least 4 matches.

How does Pool Play Work?

This format starts with a group stage, with all players divided into groups of 3 and 4 depending on the tournament size. Each player will throw 3 matches within the group in a 3 out of 5 round match format before any elimination takes place. Once all Group Stage matches are complete, the top 2 throwers from each group move onto a single elimination tournament bracket.

Guaranteed Wilson Cup Round 2 Entry

As detailed in the original announcement post, all ‘Regionals’ first-place winners will receive the prize money, and the coveted “skip the line” guaranteed spot in Round 2 of the 2023 International Axe Throwing Championships Wilson Cup in Toronto, Canada.

While anyone can participate and win these Regional Tournaments and the prize money and accolades they come with, the guaranteed Round 2 entry is only applicable to IATF throwers who have competed in an IATF-sanctioned league season (Standard or Premier Ruleset League) between March 12, 2022, and Jan 28, 2023. As a further reminder, as last year’s Wilson Cup winner has already received a guaranteed spot in Round 2, they cannot take advantage of this additional placement prize. If a winner doesn’t meet the requirements for this guaranteed entry per the details above, it will be given to the next eligible winner (second place, third place, and so on).

REMINDER: Any player who wins a Round 2 entry into the Wilson Cup must still also compete in Round 1 for seeding purposes.

If you’re looking to plan out the rest of your road to the International Axe Throwing Championships, make sure you bookmark the IATC Dates Announcement and review the last Regionals Announcements.

We’re looking forward to watching all the competitions during regionals, and we wish you all the best of luck!

As always, if you have any additional questions, please send them to info@iatf.com, and we will get back to you.

IATF REGIONALS ARE COMING!

The countdown has begun! It’s been four months since 256 competitors from all 9 IATF Regions came together to celebrate community, competition, and the best axe throwers in the world at the 2022 International Axe Throwing Championships in Toronto; only four months since we bestowed the Wilson Cup and the title of World’s Best Axe Thrower to Dave Cycon. Now, we’re looking to see how the competitive field will be shaped for 2023. Who will be the next champion?

We’re excited to start announcing details about the IATF Regionals Tournaments. The IATF Regionals are a set of nine tournaments held on a single day across the IATF regions of the world. Regionals have always come with the opportunity to compete with the best, win prize money, and make your name and skills known throughout the world. This year, the stakes are even higher with the addition of a guaranteed qualification for Round 2 of the International Axe Throwing Championship’s Wilson Cup. This is the same for all nine tournament winners.

In this first post, we outline the core details of this highly anticipated set of tournaments: the dates, entry and winning requirements, and of course, the venues sanctioned to host in their regions. More importantly, stay tuned to our socials and website, over the next few weeks, for more announcements detailing: registration fees, how to register and reserve your spot in the regional tournament of your choice, the tournament format, and more. Please also refer to the FAQ section for answers to all the common questions.

TOURNAMENT HOSTS & DATES:

Review the details below to determine which axe-throwing venue is hosting your regional tournament this year. For any questions on how regions are setup, please review the following link: https://internationalaxethrowingfederation.com/regions/

ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

While these tournaments and their prize money are open to anyone, eligibility to participate in the International Axe Throwing Championships and the Wilson Cup, as well as entry into Rounds 1 & 2 of the IATC Wilson Cup, require that a player has completed at least one official IATF league (Standard or Premier ruleset) qualifying season. This includes the new Marathon Leagues format. Recreational leagues do not qualify.

FAQS

Am I Restricted To Throwing In My League’s Region?

No, you are not restricted to any specific regional tournament. Throwers are welcome to register and throw in any single regional tournament.

What Will The Prizes Be?

There are 9 Regional Tournaments, and the First Place winner of each region will receive a guaranteed Qualification to Round 2 of the IATC Wilson Cup. On top of that, each regional tournament will have a prize pool, reflecting 50% of the registration fees, and will pay out the top 8 places.

Can Anyone Participate Even If They Don’t Qualify For The IATC?

Yes, anyone can participate and play for the prize pools. However, as specified, players must have participated in an IATF Sanctioned League (Standard or Premier Ruleset) to win guaranteed qualification for Round 2 of the IATC Wilson Cup. In the event that a non-qualifying player wins their tournament, the Round 2 entry would immediately pass onto the next qualifying winner in order (to the second place winner as long as they qualify and the third place winner if they do not.).

What Happens If a Non-IATF Qualifying Thrower Wins Their Regional Tournament?

As stated above, anyone can participate and win the prize money. However, in the event that a non-qualifying player wins their tournament, the Round 2 entry would immediately pass onto the next qualifying winner in order (to the second place winner as long as they qualify and the third place winner if they do not.).

Will The First Place Winners Skip Round 1 of the Wilson Cup?

No. Winners that automatically qualify for Round 2 of the IATC Wilson Cup must still participate in Round 1 for seeding purposes, but their qualification for Round 2 is still guaranteed.

What Is The Cutoff Date For Completing A Sanctioned League Season?

To be eligible for the automatic qualification for an IATC Round 2 spot, a player must have completed a qualifying IATF league between March 12, 2022, and January 28th, 2023.

How Were Host Venues Selected?

Venues were selected, among all IATF Member organizations, based on their central location in their regions. Specifically, the IATF calculated the concentration of throwers in each region and matched that with a venue that represents a central location to support the necessary size of the tournaments.

What Happens If Last Year's IATC Wilson Cup Winner Takes First Place?

The winner of the IATC 2022 Wilson Cup was already awarded an automatic qualification to round 2 of this year’s championships. As such, they are ineligible to win another Round 2 qualification. In the event that they win their Regional Tournament, the Round 2 qualification spot would immediately pass onto the next qualifying winner in order (to the second place winner as long as they qualify and the third place winner if they do not.).

We’ll be sharing more details in the coming weeks so stay tuned to our social and website channels, so you don’t miss out on registration, and your chance to compete for the coveted Wilson Cup by qualifying through the regional tournaments. We will be announcing details on registration fees, how to register and reserve your spot in the regional tournament of your choice, the tournament format, and more.

As always, if you have any additional questions, please send them to info@iatf.com, and we will get back to you.

Following feedback from the community, we very recently committed to enhancing and clarifying the language and the imagery for rulesets 4.1 - Axe Specifications. We are pleased to now share these enhancements.

While these rules have not gone through any additional changes, the layout, formatting, and accompanying images have been re-designed to provide more clarity on what is and what is not a legal competition throwing axe. Hatchet and Big Axe specifications have also been combined into one page of the rulebook.

These axe specifications are designed to be comprehensive and to provide everybody with the confidence to customize to best suit their needs while maintaining the integrity and entertainment value of this sport. We strongly encourage all throwers, modifiers, and manufacturers to read this newly presented document from top to bottom in order to understand the rules in their entirety.

We here at the IATF are not looking to stifle creativity, nor prescribe that you must throw ours and only our axes for competition. However, we do need to ensure that axes are fair for unified competition and the entertainment value and integrity of the sport.

We are always thankful for the direct engagement of the axe-throwing community and appreciate and encourage all your feedback on these and other rules. Should you still have any questions or feedback, you can send them directly to info@iatf.com.

A REMINDER THAT:

HATCHET DIMENSIONS THAT HAVE NOT CHANGED:

• weight (1.5-2.5 lbs, total weight head and handle together)
• handle length (13"-17", from knob to eye)
• head length (5"- 7", entire length of the head from blade to butt)
• blade length (3"- 4", entire length of the blade from toe to heel)
• minimum head height (1.5", measured vertically, parallel to the handle)

HATCHET DIMENSIONS ADDED:

• maximum head height (4", measured vertically, parallel to the handle)

BIG AXE DIMENSIONS THAT HAVE NOT CHANGED:

• weight (2.75-3.75 lbs, total weight head and handle together)
• minimum handle length (25", from knob to eye)
• head length (6"-7.5", entire length of the head from blade to butt)
• blade length (3.5" - 4 5/8", entire length of the blade from toe to heel)
• minimum head height (2", measured vertically, parallel to the handle)

BIG AXE DIMENSIONS ADDED:

• maximum handle length (32”, from knob to eye)
• maximum head height (4 5/8", measured vertically, parallel to the handle)

We have also included clarity around what “Grossly Modified” means throughout the document.

IATF RULEBOOK CHANGES

Please click the following link to view the enhanced Rule 4.1 Axe Specifications and remember to read and understand these in their entirety. If you have any questions or require more clarity, please reach out directly via email to info@iatf.com.

We wish you all the best in your ongoing competitions!

This post contains the dates for stages and events for the International Axe Throwing Championship for the year of 2023, including the return of Axe Prom!

More information and details regarding these events and stages will be released leading up to their respective dates, so stay tuned to the IATF website and social media to keep up to date on everything you need to know when it comes to IATC 2023!

LEAGUE QUALIFICATION PERIOD

The qualification period for IATC 2023 is March 12, 2022 to March 10, 2023.

All IATF Standard and Premier league seasons that complete their playoffs between these dates are eligible for qualification.

REGIONALS

Nine IATF Regional Tournaments will be held on Sunday January 29, 2023. 

Host venues and details will be announced once they have been confirmed.

ROUND 1

Round 1 of the International Axe Throwing Championship for 2023 will be held Sunday March 26, 2023 at all participating IATF venues worldwide.

ROUND 2

Round 1 of the International Axe Throwing Championship for 2023 will begin on Saturday June 10, 2023 and then conclude on Sunday June 11, 2023.

Axe Prom

That's right! Axe Prom will be returning next year! We will be holding this iconic (and much missed) party on June 12, 2023 to celebrate our winners and the conclusion of IATC 2023!

Still have questions? Email us at info@iatf.com.

This post describes the paths to qualify for the 2023 International Axe Throwing Championship. 

For a more detailed discussion of how these paths have evolved over the past few years please refer to the Rules & Guidelines section 6.4 under “The Road to the IATC” titled “Qualification Paths Discussion”.

The Championship

The International Axe Throwing Championship (IATC) is an annual tournament that brings together great players from around the globe to compete for the Wilson Cup.

The tournament is divided into two Rounds. Round 1 is played at many host venues internationally. The results of Round 1 determine which competitors advance to Round 2 and determine their seeding in Round 2. The format of Round 2 is a seeded double elimination bracket, hosted in Toronto, which takes place over two days in June.

Competing in the IATC

To compete in the IATC, competitors must qualify during the Qualification Period prior to the IATC. The qualification period for IATC 2023 is March 12, 2022 to March 10, 2023.

There are two primary ways to qualify: winning selected tournaments and league performance.

Qualification via Tournaments

The previous year’s IATC Champion qualifies for the next IATC. In addition, they are guaranteed to advance to Round 2, with their seeding determined by their Round 1 results.

Each of the nine IATF Regions hosts a Regional Tournament in January. The winners of these tournaments qualify for the IATC. In addition, they are guaranteed to advance to Round 2, with their seeding determined by their Round 1 results.

Competitors who qualify via tournaments are removed from consideration for qualification via league performance.

Qualification via League Performance

IATF member organizations host qualifying league seasons (see below) throughout the Qualification Period. Any number of competitors may qualify for IATC by participating in an IATF member organization’s leagues. However, each member organization will advance a limited number of competitors to Round 2. Each member organization will have the opportunity to advance at least one competitor. Additional advancing competitors are determined by the organization’s total league participation as a percentage of the total IATF league participation.

In order to qualify, competitors must participate in at least three league seasons at one IATF member organization within the Qualification Period. These league seasons can be Standard rules or Premier rules seasons.

A competitor who finishes in the Top 8, by Champs Points (see below), in a Premier rules season qualifies for IATC. Once a competitor meets this qualification criteria, they are removed from consideration for any other league performance qualification.

A competitor who achieves an average of 70 or better in three non-concurrent seasons, Standard rules or Premier rules, hosted by one organization, qualifies for IATC. Once a competitor meets this qualification criteria, they are removed from consideration for Standard rules league performance qualification.

A competitor who finishes in the Top 4, by Champs Points (see below), in a Standard rules season qualifies for IATC.

All qualifiers via league performance compete in Round 1. The results of Round 1 determine which competitors advance to Round 2 and determine their seeding in Round 2.

What is considered a qualifying league season?

Players are considered for IATC qualification if the league seasons in which they participate meet all the following criteria:

1. The season is hosted by an IATF member organization in good standing
2. The season is not designated as Recreational
3. The season is played using either IATF Standard or IATF Premier rulesets
4. The round robin consists of matches where each player competes in 28 matches
5. The season concludes with a double elimination playoff tournament

What are Champs Points?

Champions Points (Champs Points) are awarded to players at the end of every Standard and Premier qualifying league season, based on where they place at the end of round robin play (see the table below) and additional Champs Points are awarded based on playoff performance (see the table below).

For a Qualification Path Flowchart click the button below:

Still have questions? Email us at info@iatf.com.

It was a whirlwind last couple of months planning, preparing for, and executing the International Axe Throwing Championships for 2022, and now it’s time to thank and reflect!

After a long hiatus due to COVID, we’re grateful that we could all get back to the friendly faces, the roar of the crowd, and the thunder of the axes this year in Toronto. If you didn’t make it to IATC this year, you were very missed, it was a homecoming unlike any other. Of course, the vibe was true to what we’ve all come to know and love about the axe-throwing community. It’s been said that there’s no other place in the world where axes and hugs fit so well together. Welcome to the IATF!

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

This year IATC saw some interesting firsts that highlight the growth and power of our sport.

More Women in the Final 32

For the first time in IATF history, there were more women competitors in the 256 throwers at IATC 2022 and in the final 32 on Sunday than ever before! Watch out, these women and more are bringing their skill and passion to the boards, and we couldn’t be more pleased!

Global Finalists

Even with COVID still presenting travel issues around the globe, we still saw participants, spectators and finalists come to Toronto from all over the world this weekend.

The Wilson Cup Goes to the USA

Of course, we can’t forget to mention that for the first time in history, the Wilson Cup belongs to our friends from across the border! Congrats Dave for taking the cup home this year!

IATC ADDITIONAL TOURNAMENT WINNERS

Over the course of four days filled with competition and camaraderie, we had many champions and we’re pleased to officially re-announce the winners of the week's events:

On Thursday and Friday, we hosted the Doubles Tournament, the Under 65 Tournament, and the Close But No Cigar Tournament at various BATL venues across Toronto. We can’t forget to give a big thank you to BATL Axe Throwing for providing the space and support for these tournaments!

THE WINNERS:

DOUBLES: Julio Romero & Rander Marquez
Congratulations Julio and Rander on your win!

UNDER 65: Jon Pelletier
Congrats Jon on your win!

CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR: Kelly Moylan
Congratulations on winning the tournament Kelly!

On Saturday, 4 BATL venues supported the IATC Round 2 tournament which pitted 256 throwers from around the world against each other for the chance to move onto the Finals. The excitement, and sometimes disappointment, was palpable. In the end, 32 players moved onto the final stages at BATL Pickering for the Finals!

IATC TOP 3 AND YOUR CHAMPION

Once again, the best axe throwers in the world took part in the IATF’s Finals matches on Sunday, further narrowing the field until there were only 3 remaining champions: Dave Cycon, Austin Agosti, and Cameron Dubrow! Congratulations!

We want to thank these players both for their dedication, passion for this sport, and the sportsmanlike way they conducted themselves! Here’s how it all turned out:

FIRST PLACE: Dave Cycon
Congratulations Dave, for a well-fought and long-awaited victory!

SECOND PLACE: Austin Agosti
Congratulations Austin! Your battle was epic!

THIRD PLACE: Cameron Dubrow
Congrats Cameron on such an outstanding achievement!

YOUR IATC SPONSORS

One final note is to let you all know that IATC 2022 would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We hope that you will all give them a big thank you with us as well!

Liquid Death
Beyond The Pale
White Claw
Woodhouse Ales
Sandbagger

We know we speak for everyone when we say how grateful we are to have had your support and generosity at this years IATC.

We also owe special thanks to all of the community, whether you attended in person or not because, without you, we would not be here to make these events happen! You’re all champions!

If you’re not already, follow us on Facebook (IATF), Instagram (@Interaxe), and Twitter (@inter_axe), since it won’t be long before we have news on next year’s IATC!

Still have questions? Email us at info@iatf.com.

Throwers from all over the world came to throw at IATC 2022 and 32 have risen to the top. They’ll go head to head today (Sunday, June 12) at 11 am for their chance to win the IATF Wilson Cup! We had some great throwers come out to compete this year so we are overjoyed to announce the top 32 of everyone who came out to compete.

The final 32 for IATC 2022 are:

A BRACKET

Andrew Blouin
Austin Agosti
Cameron Dubrow
Colin Blyth
Dave Alviso
David Cycon
David Mewett
Jeff Yateman
Julio Rayneri
Kimmy Supnet
Kurtis Adkins
Mark Tishko
Mason Wong
Matthew Kramer
Moira Girard
Nick Kolomyja

B BRACKET

Brandon McClester
Christopher Rios
Cooper Rogers
Ernest Brian Henze Starling
Jason Burrill
John Bradley
Jonathan Morgan
Kyle Fornet
Makita French
Matthew Colavecchia
Michael Kump
Mike Cowle
Rander Marquez
Sam Haldeman
Scott Brown
Simon Arseneault

If you have a Homecoming ticket you can watch the Finals in person at BATL Pickering! We still have tickets available and it includes access to the axe throwing party of the year, Homecoming!

You can also stream the event from wherever you are on our YouTube channel! No matter where you are today, you can get in on the action at IATC 2022!

Still have questions? Email us at info@iatf.com.

Homecoming is tomorrow! We are all getting ready for a day full of Axe throwing Champions and a night celebrating axes with our great community! We want to make sure everyone is prepared and has a fun night at homecoming so here are a few details to ensure things go smoothly for everyone.

BUSES BACK TO TORONTO

Between COVID throwing wrenches in many of the best laid plans, and all the events happening in Toronto this weekend, we have been working very hard to secure buses to help transport players, fans and partiers back into Toronto’s Union Station at the end of a great night!

We’re please to say that with the help of our sponsors, Liquid Death, Woodhouse Ales, Beyond the Pale, Sandbagger, and White Claw, we have secured transportation back from Pickering to Union Station! Make sure you thank them by visiting them on site!

Buses will pick guests up from the BATL Pickering venue to Toronto’s Downtown Union Station at multiple intervals throughout the night. Each bus can accommodate up to 50 passengers, to a maximum of 200 people.

If you plan to take public transportation back to where you’re staying Sunday night, these should help make the trip a little easier.

Buses will depart Pickering at 9 pm, 9:30 pm, 11:00 pm and 11:30 pm sharp. Please plan accordingly.

WEATHER

This whole sport started in backyards and cottages across our countries and as die-hard throwers, some light rain could never stop our throwing. In the same spirit, the IATC event and party will happen rain or shine!

For spectators who cannot find space inside the venue we have you ‘covered’ as well! The outdoor lot has large tents and canopy’s setup for protection and comfort! And, the event will be LIVE-STREAMED on the many TV’s setup under those very tents to make sure you don’t miss a second of the competition.

Luckily the forecast only calls for some showers through the day on Sunday, but we do suggest you pack and dress according to the weather and your comfort.

To check the weather for the Pickering area on Sunday, check the link below:

BAGS

You are permitted to bring bags and backpacks to the Homecoming Party. You may want to pack an extra pair of socks, etc. in case you get wet.

DOGS

We’re happy to run a pet friendly event so please feel free to bring your dog’s to Homecoming if you would like, but they must remain in the outdoor areas and be on a leash at all times.

Of course, as a responsible pet owner you are responsible for their behavior, their safety and their mess. Please be sure to bring waste bags, and bowls for your furry friends. We do have free water on site and we’re more than happy to share with your pups.

TICKETS

Make sure to have your ticket ready for when you arrive at the event! Tickets will be still be available all the way up to the start of the event, so if you haven’t got yours and decided you want to attend, grabs yours here:

We unfortunately cannot accept CASH for tickets at the door, so please be prepared.

ENTRANCE TO THE VENUE FOR PLAYERS and SPECTATORS

The 32 players who have progressed to this final championship must enter through the BATL Pickering front entrance to get checked in and ready to throw!

All other spectators and homecoming ticket holders must proceed around the back to the gated lot to enter.

WELCOME TO HOMECOMING 2022

We’re beyond excited to join you for a great day and night of drinks, fun, axe throwing, party games, ice cream and so much more! It has been a great weekend of competition so far, and we can’t wait to get together and celebrate the finals with all of you.

Still have questions? Email us at info@iatf.com.