World Axe Throwing League U.S. Open Comes to Billings This September
Billings is about to be ground zero for some serious sharp-object sports. From September 11–14, the World Axe Throwing League (WATL) and World Knife Throwing League (WKTL) are bringing their U.S. Open to town, hosted at Öx Indoor Axe Throwing.
You may have seen Öx's mobile trailer at special events or out and about around town, but their indoor facilities, located off 8th and Central, are one of the largest axe and knife throwing facilities in the region. It's huge, complete with 12 throwing lanes, a hangout space, and even a fire pit patio. It's a perfect fit for Montana’s first-ever national axe-throwing event.
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The U.S. Open is historically one of WATL’s biggest tournaments, second only to the World Championships. Competitors will be chasing a prize pool that could reach $45,000, not to mention the golden ticket - direct bids into the World Axe & Knife Throwing Championships.
Events include Pro Hatchet, Big Axe, Duals, and Knife, while up-and-comers can battle it out in the Amateur Hatchet division for their shot at the big leagues.
For Billings, this is more than axes and bragging rights.
It’s a tourism win. Hundreds of athletes, coaches, and fans will pour into town, sampling our breweries, restaurants, and maybe even sneaking in a trip to the Big Horn before heading back home with a suitcase full of Montana memories.
Casey Conlon, Sports Tourism Director at Visit Billings, summed it up in the press release: “This is a huge get for the city.”
Whether you’re a die-hard competitor or just want to watch someone sink a blade into wood from 20 feet out, the weekend promises adrenaline, camaraderie, and a new chapter in Billings’ growing sports tourism story.
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