This January will see the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) bring a regional tournament to Lethbridge, pitting the top axe-slingers from across Western Canada against each other in contests of accuracy.
The tournament is one of nine regional competitions, with winners and top finishers qualifying for the International Axe Throwing Championship, also called the Wilson Cup, which will be held in Toronto. There will also be a prize pool made up from the registration fees, which will be distributed among the top eight finishers. Competitors will face off in a group stage that guarantees at least three one-on-one match-ups, with scoring based on accurate throwing. The top half of each group will move on to a playoff round, with the ultimate winner receiving a bye to round two of the Wilson Cup.
Long a staple of renaissance fairs and rural games, axe throwing has become popularized by specialized bars and other establishments offering the game, often advertising through banner printing and social media. The competitive side of the game is sponsored through IATF-approved leagues. The nine regional championships will all take place on the same day around the world, including tournaments in Europe and Asia-Pacific. All one-on-one matches are held in a best three-out-of-five format.
The Lethbridge IATF Regional Tournament will be held at True North Axe Throwing on Sunday, January 29, 2023.
