Toronto to Host 2018 National Axe Throwing Championship (NATC) Finals

TORONTO, Jan. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Axe Throwing Federation (NATF), the governing body for competitive axe throwing organizations located on five continents, today announced that its second annual National Axe Throwing Championship finals, which are part of the NATF's All-Star Weekend presented by Beau's All Natural Brewing, will take place on Sunday 18 February in Toronto, Canada. The NATC represents the keystone tournament of the NATF's annual calendar, with over 300 of the world's best urban axe throwers competing to be awarded the Wilson Cup.

The 2018 NATC will be hosted by the Backyard Axe Throwing League, which is one of six founding members of the NATF, and home to the tournament's 2017 winner, Stefan Herda. Participants in the 2018 edition of the championship are expected to hail from over 25 cities, including Toronto, and as far reaching as Austin, Calgary, Chicago, Halifax, Nashville, Montreal, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

NATF Commissioner Matt Wilson, who originally pioneered the sport of urban axe throwing in his Toronto backyard recently commented: 

"I'm proud and excited to have so many talented throwers competing next month. I never imagined when we started throwing axes in 2006 that urban axe throwing could grow into what it has become today. It's been an incredible journey made possible by a lot of great people, and I believe we're just scratching the surface of how far axe throwing can go as a mainstream sport."

The rules administered by the NATF have grown organically and date back over 10 years. Since then, the sport has gone from a localized phenomenon, to flourishing worldwide with over 50,000 guests now visiting member organizations in Australia, Canada, Poland, Thailand and the United States on a monthly basis.

The 2018 National Axe Throwing Championship will take place at 33 Villiers St. in the Toronto Port Lands. The general public is welcome to spectate free of charge, and proceeds from the weekend's activities will be donated to the Red Door Family Shelter. 

About the National Axe Throwing Federation: The NATF (www.nationalaxe.com) was established in 2016 to service the sport of axe throwing globally, with a vision to create broad and standardized competition amongst players, while providing member support through a mandate to promote universal safety, sportsmanship and competitive protocol.

National Axe Throwing Federation
47 Front St. East, Suite 200
Toronto, ON, M5E 1B3
Media Inquiries: [email protected]