If you are getting into competitive axe throwing, two organizations run the sport: the World Axe Throwing League (WATL) and the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF). Understanding the differences between them helps you choose the right venue, the right league, and the right scoring system to practice under.
For casual recreational throwing, the distinction barely matters. For anyone who wants to compete seriously, join a league, or qualify for championship events, choosing the right format from the start matters a great deal.
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Origins and Organization
WATL was founded in 2017 as an independent governing body for competitive axe throwing. It grew rapidly and now certifies hundreds of venues across North America, Europe, Australia, and other markets. WATL runs its own championship circuit, with regional qualifiers feeding into the WATL World Championship.
IATF was founded in 2016, one year earlier than WATL. It emerged from the National Axe Throwing Federation (NATF), which was one of the earliest formal axe throwing organizations in North America. Urban Axes, a founding IATF member with locations in Baltimore, Boston (Somerville), and Durham, helped shape the federation’s early competitive standards. Bad Axe Throwing (BATL) venues, which are some of the busiest axe throwing venues in North America, align with NATF/IATF rather than WATL.
Scoring Comparison
The scoring difference between WATL and IATF is the most practically important distinction for competitive throwers:
WATL Scoring:
Bullseye: 6 points
Ring 1: 4 points
Ring 2: 3 points
Ring 3: 2 points
Outer ring: 1 point
Killshot (two small circles at top, declared before throw): 8 points
IATF Scoring:
Bullseye: 5 points
Ring 1: 4 points
Ring 2: 3 points
Ring 3: 2 points
Outer ring: 1 point
Clutch (two circles at top, declared before throw): 7 points
The key difference: WATL’s bullseye is worth one more point (6 vs 5), and the WATL killshot is worth one more point than the IATF clutch (8 vs 7). In a close match, this 1-point difference on every bullseye adds up significantly.
The physical target layout is nearly identical between the two formats. If you build or practice on a WATL target, you can use the same physical target for IATF competition by applying the different point values to the same zones.
Match Format
Both organizations use a similar match structure for singles competition:
Under WATL, a standard match is 3 rounds of 5 throws each (15 total throws per player). The high-score zone (killshot) requires a verbal declaration before the final throw of each round. Tiebreakers use sudden-death killshot rounds.
IATF uses a comparable format with clutch declarations on final throws. The formats are similar enough that the strategic thinking transfers between both, even if the point values differ.
Venue Affiliation
The easiest way to determine which format to practice under is to check which organization your nearest quality venue is affiliated with.
WATL-affiliated venues are more numerous overall and span a wider range of city sizes and international markets. If your nearest venue is a WATL member, you can enter WATL local leagues and advance toward the WATL World Championship.
IATF/NATF-affiliated venues include all Bad Axe Throwing (BATL) locations (which are among the busiest in North America) and Urban Axes locations. If your nearest quality venue is a BATL or Urban Axes, you will throw under IATF/NATF format. These venues run strong weekly leagues and season championships of their own.
Both WATL and IATF venues use the same physical safety standards and similar coaching protocols. For recreational throwing, you will not notice a meaningful difference in the session experience.
Which Should You Choose?
The practical answer for most people is: choose based on where you throw most often. If your home venue is WATL-affiliated, practice WATL scoring. If it is IATF-affiliated, practice IATF scoring. Switching between formats is disorienting in competition because your instinct for the bullseye point value is different.
If you are starting fresh with no home venue preference, WATL has more venues in more markets, which gives you a larger network to compete within. But if you are based near a Bad Axe Throwing or Urban Axes location, the IATF format has more competitive depth at those specific venues.
For the full scoring breakdown of both formats, see our axe throwing rules guide. For target specifications, see our target dimensions guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between WATL and IATF?
Both govern competitive axe throwing with similar formats, but WATL scores the bullseye at 6 points and the killshot at 8, while IATF scores the bullseye at 5 and the clutch at 7. WATL has more venues overall; IATF/NATF-aligned venues include Bad Axe Throwing and Urban Axes.
Which is better for beginners?
Both are fine for beginners. Choose based on whichever format your nearest venue uses. The experience and coaching quality at recreational level is similar across both organizations.
Which organization has more venues?
WATL has more total certified venues. IATF/NATF-aligned venues are fewer but include large chains like Bad Axe Throwing (BATL) and Urban Axes, which are among the busiest throwing venues in North America.
