Sharpshooting bar patrons flock to new cutting-edge competition

NEW YORK - Leave it to Brooklyn hipsters to combine craft beer and sharp objects.

A bar called 'Kick Axe Throwing' is the first in the Big Apple to pick up on the ax-throwing trend that is sweeping the US - a sport that some enthusiasts hope will take off the way bowling did in the last century.

"People are like, 'Sharp objects and beer? What a great idea that is!' But truthfully, after you have a couple drinks you start to actually throw a little bit better," said Alexander Stine, a resident "ax-pert".

Stine honed his skills growing up in Colorado, throwing knives at carnivals. Now he trains newcomers on proper technique.

"It's all about believing in your ability to do something you didn't think you could do before," he said.

Scoring is similar to darts. Players aim at a wooden board painted with a bull's-eye surrounded by rings corresponding to different point values.

In a tribute to the sport's origins at Canadian logger sports competitions, Kick Axe's decor is reminiscent of a rustic ski lodge, complete with flannel chairs and calfskin carpeting.

The perimeter of the venue is lined with cages for throwing. There's a bar serving wine and beer, but no hard liquor.

Guests can take a break from throwing axes to play board games at tables in the center of the room.

While Kick Axe mainly caters to casual players, there are locations across the country where enthusiasts play the sport competitively.

There was no alcohol in sight during recent tournament play at Chicago's Bad Axe Throwing, a Canada-based chain of 18 venues.

Bad Axe's CEO, Mario Zelaya, founded the World Axe Throwing League a year ago. He said it now has 2,500 members worldwide who compete at his own locations and other independent venues.

"It's bowling 2.0," said Zelaya.

"What bowling maybe used to be in the'80s and'90s, this is what ax throwing is right now. It's fun. It's new. It's addictive."

The World Ax Throwing League held its first world championship tournament in December.

Competitors played in their home courts and the games were broadcast remotely on Facebook Live. The winner took home a $3,500 prize.

Zelaya said his ultimate goal is to make ax throwing an Olympic sport.

Associated Press