Victor Ahluwalia says it’s crazy how a hobby of his is taking him to a world-championship event.
The Richmond resident, 29, was recently crowned league champ at Newton’s Bad Axe Throwing location, meaning he’ll fly to Chicago for a competition against 63 other axe-throwers from around the world.
On Dec. 15, the World Axe Throwing League championship will be streamed live on ESPN3 and televised on ESPN2.
“I booked the flight and I’m excited,” Ahluwalia said of his self-financed first trip to the Windy City.
By day, he helps run his family’s Dream Carpets business.
By night, he’s been sharpening his skills as an axe-thrower, something he first tried a couple years ago.
“I randomly went with a few friends, a social party thing, and ended up spending four hours there the first time,” Ahluwalia recalled. “It was just awesome, and I got into it. I was a natural, just kind of hit bullseye after bullseye, but more because of the coach who told me what to do, and I did that.”
In league play this fall, Ahluwalia was tops among competitors in Surrey, in a points-based system.
“I got a medal, a gold medal kind of thing, and bragging rights, I guess you could say,” he explained.
“I’ve been keeping track of my score online with the other people in the league,” Ahluwalia added, “and I just missed out of the top 50, just eight points behind, from across North America, and maybe a few internationally as well.”
Accordingly, the Surrey rep is stoked about his chances in Chicago.
“This league started off just for fun, but each week I noticed I was getting better and better, points-wise,” Ahluwalia said. “I’m getting up to the level of even the coaches there (at Bad Axe in Surrey). I’ll keep practicing over the next couple of weeks here, to try to win. Who knows, anything could happen. Maybe I have to channel my inner warrior and something could come out.”
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League play involves four matches a night, with 10 throws for each match. A perfect match is 64 points – nine bullseyes (six points each) and one “killshot” (10 points).
Asked for some axe-throwing tips, Ahluwalia obliged.
“Just lock your wrists, firm steady wrists, and keep throwing from the same spot – the same throw, same power,” he said. “Pay attention to that. If the axe keeps landing on the handle or something, adjust where you’re standing, how far you are from the target.”
In Chicago, the world champion will get $5,000, a trophy and a special axe. Details are posted at worldaxethrowingleague.com.
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