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The Global Insight

Is AXE throwing an Olympic sport

Author

John Johnson

Updated on April 17, 2026

Axe throwing is a sport with Olympic aspirations. In December 2018, the top 64 axe throwers competed in Chicago to take home the trophy and earn the prestigious world title.

Is Ax throwing a professional sport?

Axe throwing is a new recreational phenomenon so there aren’t a large number of professional leagues. However, there are many local and independent leagues throughout the United states and Canada. The biggest league in the world is called The World Axe Throwing League (WATL).

Is axe throwing actually fun?

It’s A Fun Activity The new experience is thrilling, exciting, and eye-opening, which makes it a lot of fun! Additionally, you’ll feel on a high when you hear the “thud” sound when the sharp object meets the wood.

What is the sport of axe throwing called?

Axe throwing is a sport in which the competitor throws an axe at a target, attempting to hit the bullseye as near as possible like that of the archery. Axe throwing is an event held in most lumberjack competitions.

Who invented axe throwing?

According to legend, the first axe throwing competitions were held by the frontiersmen in North America. Though there have also been reports of axe throwing competitions amongst the Celtic tribes. Many years later axe throwing is still a popular sport in many lumberjack sporting events.

What is the age for axe throwing?

Is there an age limit? Anyone is welcome to play! However, if you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who will watch (or join!) the group and sign a waiver. In our experience, young children do not have the strength to throw an axe hard enough at the target.

How much do professional ax throwers make?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $56,500 and as low as $18,000, the majority of Professional Axe Throwing salaries currently range between $21,500 (25th percentile) to $30,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $38,000 annually across the United States.

Has anyone ever died axe throwing?

The Seattle Police Department has confirmed a man with a pre-partied posse of his boys died at Capitol Hill axe-throwing bar Blade & Timber Friday night, as expected.

Did Warriors throw axes?

Effective in attack but poor as a weapon of defence. In early Medieval times some warriors used a special type of axe known as a ‘francisca‘. This type of axe was quite small but with a very heavy blade. The francisca was designed specifically for throwing and had been first used by the Franks.

How hard is ax throwing?

Remember that axe throwing is a finesse sport, don’t throw it hard it doesn’t take much power to stick it in the target. Finally, remember to release the axe at eye level, which is basically straight ahead of you.

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When did axe throwing become a sport?

Though loggers and lumberjacks had been around since the early 1800s, the actual history of axe throwing as a sport can be traced back to the Loggersports of the 1940s.

How did axe throwing became popular?

Back in 2006, a group of friends were bored at a cottage outside of Toronto and decided to throw an axe at a stump. Little did they know that this innocent way to pass the time would soon evolve into the creation of a worldwide sport.

Is axe throwing a Canadian thing?

It’s impossible to say who was the first person to throw an axe for fun, but the modern version of the game is credited to Canadian Matt Wilson. He started a small league among friends in his Toronto backyard in the early 2000s.

Is hatchet throwing a sport?

The modern sport of axe throwing involves a competitor throwing an axe at a target, attempting to hit the bullseye as near as possible. Axe throwing has historically been an event in lumberjack competitions.

Can you make money AXE throwing?

How much profit can an axe-throwing party business make? Earning potential varies based on size. A small business can bring in up to $100,000 in its first year, with good marketing and strong a community presence. As your company grows, that revenue could swell to between $500,000 and $1 million per year.

How much do axe coaches make?

The national average salary for a Axe Throwing Coach is $45,467 in United States.

How much money can you make in the world AXE throwing league?

Today the World Axe Throwing League is excited to announce the largest tournament prize pool in axe throwing history. This year’s World Axe Throwing Championship will have a total prize pool of $50,000, thanks in part to our amazing title sponsor for the second year running, Signarama.

How much does a hatchet cost?

Hatchet pricing varies depending on size, material, and function, ranging from just $9 (like the Coleman Camp Axe) to nearly $200 (the Gransfors Bruks).

Do you need an ID to axe throw?

All adults who enter Total Axe must show a valid photo ID. NO EXCEPTIONS. Children under 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Everyone must sign a waiver to observe or participate.

Do you have to be 21 to throw axes?

Anyone is welcome to enter the facility, but you must be at least 10 years of age in order to throw axes. Anyone 18 years of age and younger will need to have a parent/guardian present. All participants under the age of 19 must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Did Vikings really throw axes?

Vikings most commonly carried sturdy axes that could be thrown or swung with head-splitting force. The Mammen Axe is a famous example of such battle-axes, ideally suited for throwing and melee combat. An axe head was mostly wrought iron, with a steel cutting edge.

Are Tomahawks meant for throwing?

A tomahawk was one of their best hand-to-hand weapons, good for both offensive and defensive moves. … Like the mountain men of old, you too can take up tomahawk throwing to pass the time on a warm summer’s day. It’s a great activity to do with kids because it’s so stinkin’ easy.

Are Tomahawks for throwing?

If you are looking for a good dependable throwing tomahawk, all of the Thrower Supply throwing tomahawks such as the Best Selling Competition Throwing Tomahawk or the Scout Tomahawk are both a safe bet.

Who owns axe throwing?

The World Axe Throwing League (WATL) is the global governing body of urban axe throwing. WATL was founded in 2017 by representatives from Canada, the United States of America, Brazil and Ireland. It has 19 axe throwing nations with membership. Members including over 175 member companies (affiliates).

Can you do axe throwing with two people?

Yes, people are more than welcome to come and cheer on their friends and family at no additional cost to them.

What to wear to ax throwing?

It’s important that you wear a shirt that is comfortable. This will help your overall axe throwing experience by not wearing something that’s constraining your ability to throw an axe. … If the shirt is too tight to make that motion, switch into something a bit more comfortable to let you throw the axe.

Is axe throwing a good first date?

Think axe throwing as a brilliant first date night idea. It is a great venue to be interactive with one another, where you actually get to talk and get to know each other on a cool new perspective while learning a new skill. Axe throwing is never boring nor dull. It is a great and quirky way to impress your date.

Are throwing axes different?

If you look at them superficially, axes, hatchets, tomahawks, and throwing axes are all basically the same. They have a handle, some longer than others, and they have some sort of a wedge-shaped head that enables them to cut wood and/or be thrown.

Is ax or axe correct?

The spellings ax and axe are both correct, but axe is more common, both in the US and elsewhere.

How tall is an AXE throwing target?

Placing your target The bullseye should be 63 inches (5’3”) off the ground. Use a drill or nails to affix your target to a tree or other base (it’s a bit more work, but some throwers make a stand for their target). Please, make sure you’re throwing in a safe area.

What are AXE throwing boards made of?

Ideally the wood you use should be not too soft and not too hard. Softer wood allows for the axe to stick when you throw it, but too soft and your target will degrade quickly. Pine and spruce are both good options. Look for wood that is free of dark spots and knots, especially towards the center of your target.