Axe throwing is a throwing sport where participants hurl a hand axe at a circular wooden target from a fixed distance, aiming to land as close to the bullseye as possible. It started as a backyard pastime in Canada and has since become a global recreational industry with thousands of licensed venues across North America, Europe, and Australia.
The two main governing bodies are the World Axe Throwing League (WATL) and the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF), which set the rules, target specifications, and safety standards used at certified venues worldwide.
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A Brief History of Axe Throwing
Axe throwing as a competitive sport has ancient roots. The Franks used a short-handled throwing axe called a francisca as a battlefield weapon as early as the 5th century AD. But the modern recreational version has a much more recent origin story.
In 2006, a Canadian outdoorsman named Matt Wilson started throwing axes in a Toronto backyard with friends. That informal gathering eventually became Bad Axe Throwing (BATL), the first commercial axe throwing venue in North America, which opened in Toronto in 2011. By 2017, the sport had grown enough to support the formation of WATL and the establishment of league play. Today, North America alone has over 500 axe throwing venues.
How Axe Throwing Works
The basic format is straightforward. A thrower stands 12 feet (3.66 meters) from a wooden target mounted on a wall or frame. They throw the axe overhand (or underhand in some formats) and attempt to stick the blade in the highest-scoring zone. Each player typically throws 5 axes per round, and the scores are tallied after each round.
You throw alone. The lane is yours while you are throwing, and no one enters the lane area until all axes have been retrieved. An axe coach or judge supervises every session at certified venues.
Target Scoring: WATL vs IATF
Both major rule sets use a circular target with concentric rings, but the point values differ. Here is how each system scores:
WATL Target Scoring:
Bullseye (blue center dot) = 6 points
Ring 1 (first ring around bullseye) = 4 points
Ring 2 = 3 points
Ring 3 = 2 points
Outer ring = 1 point
Killshot (two small blue circles at the top of the target) = 8 points
IATF Target Scoring:
Bullseye = 5 points
Rings decrease outward by 1 point each
Clutch (two small blue dots at the top) = 7 points
The killshot and clutch zones are high-risk, high-reward areas. Most recreational players skip them entirely. In competition, calling the killshot before the throw is required for the points to count under WATL rules.
For a detailed breakdown, read our guide on axe throwing rules and scoring.
What Kind of Axes Are Used in Axe Throwing?
Standard competition axes weigh between 1.25 and 1.75 pounds with a 14 to 18-inch wooden handle. The blade must be sharp enough to stick in wood but has no standardized edge geometry beyond that. Axes with composite or plastic handles are not allowed in most competition formats.
Common WATL-approved axes include the Elk Ridge ER-AXT12WH, the SOG Voodoo Hawk, and purpose-built competition axes from brands like Forged Axe Throwing. Most venues provide axes on-site, so you do not need to bring your own.
If you want to understand more about equipment and target specifications, see our axe throwing target dimensions guide.
Axe Throwing Safety Rules
Certified venues follow a consistent set of safety protocols regardless of which governing body they are affiliated with. The core rules are:
One thrower at a time. No one else stands in the lane while axes are being thrown. This is the single most important rule and is enforced without exception.
No one approaches the target until the axe coach gives the all-clear signal and confirms all throwing has stopped for that round.
Only the thrower retrieves their axe. Bystanders never enter the target zone to pull an axe out of the wood.
No throwing behind the designated line. The toe line is set at 12 feet. Stepping over it before the axe lands is a fault and the throw is not scored.
Venues use caged or partitioned lanes to prevent axes from entering adjacent areas. For a full breakdown of what to expect, read our axe throwing tips for beginners.
What to Wear to Axe Throwing
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory at every licensed venue. Sandals, flip flops, and open-toed footwear are prohibited without exception. Beyond footwear, the guidelines are practical rather than strict.
Wear comfortable clothing that lets your arm move freely. Avoid loose scarves, dangling jewelry, or baggy sleeves that could catch on the axe handle during a throw. Most people show up in jeans and a t-shirt and are perfectly equipped.
Can You Drink Alcohol at Axe Throwing Venues?
Many axe throwing bars serve beer, wine, and cocktails; the bar-plus-sport format is a significant part of the industry’s appeal. However, most venues cap alcohol consumption at two drinks per person during an active throwing session, and visibly intoxicated guests are removed from the lane.
Some venues, particularly those with youth leagues or daytime family sessions, are completely alcohol-free. If you are planning a group event and want to drink, confirm the venue’s alcohol policy when booking. Chains like Dueling Axes and Bad Axe Throwing both serve alcohol but enforce the two-drink limit during throwing time.
How to Find an Axe Throwing Venue Near You
The easiest way to find a venue is through the WATL venue finder at watl.com, which lists all certified member venues by location. IATF maintains a similar directory. Searching “axe throwing near me” in Google Maps will surface both certified and independent venues in your area.
Sportycious covers axe throwing venues in several major cities. If you are looking for a specific location, check our city guides below:
- Axe Throwing in Boston
- Axe Throwing in Chicago
- Axe Throwing in Atlanta
- Axe Throwing in Brooklyn, NYC
- Axe Throwing in Tampa
- Axe Throwing in Houston
- Axe Throwing in Denver
- Axe Throwing in Las Vegas
Is Axe Throwing Right for You?
Axe throwing works for a wide range of group sizes and occasions. Date nights, birthday parties, corporate team-building events, and bachelor or bachelorette parties are all common uses. Most venues offer 60 to 90-minute sessions with an axe coach included, and no experience is required to book.
The learning curve is short. Most first-time throwers stick their first axe within the first 5 to 10 attempts with basic coaching. Consistency (hitting the same spot repeatedly) takes a full session to develop, and competition-level accuracy requires weeks of regular practice.
If you are ready to go deeper, check our beginner tips guide and our full rules breakdown before your first session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is axe throwing?
Axe throwing is a competitive throwing sport where participants hurl a hand axe at a circular wooden target from 12 feet away, aiming to score points by landing close to or on the bullseye. It is popular as a recreational activity at commercial venues across North America, Europe, and Australia.
What kind of axes are used in axe throwing?
Standard axes weigh 1.25 to 1.75 pounds with a 14 to 18-inch wooden handle. Venues provide axes on-site. Popular brands include Elk Ridge, SOG, and purpose-built competition axes. Composite-handle axes are not allowed in most league formats.
What should I wear to axe throwing?
Closed-toe shoes are required at every venue. Wear comfortable clothing that allows full arm movement. Avoid loose jewelry, flowing sleeves, and scarves. Casual athletic wear or jeans and a t-shirt are perfectly appropriate.
Can you drink at axe throwing venues?
Most commercial axe throwing bars serve alcohol but cap it at two drinks per person during a throwing session. Visibly intoxicated guests are not permitted to throw. Some venues are alcohol-free, especially those offering family or youth sessions.
Is axe throwing safe?
Yes, at certified venues with trained coaches and lane separators, axe throwing is considered a low-risk activity. The most important rule is that only one person throws at a time, and no one enters the lane until all axes are retrieved. WATL-certified venues follow a strict safety protocol before every session.
More Axe Throwing Guides
Explore more in-depth guides on every aspect of the sport:
- Axe Throwing Safety: Rules, Risks, and What to Expect
- Axe Throwing vs Knife Throwing: Key Differences
- WATL vs IATF: Which League Should You Join?
What is the difference between WATL and IATF scoring?
WATL awards 6 points for a bullseye and 8 for a called killshot. IATF awards 5 points for a bullseye and 7 for a clutch. Both use concentric scoring rings decreasing outward. WATL venues are more common in the US and Canada.
