Austin Agosti of Nashua hoists the Wilson Cup after winning this year's International Axe Throwing Championship in Toronto. Courtesy photo by Elizabeth Garren

NASHUA – After two days of intense competition, Austin Agosti of Nashua outlasted 256 of the best axe throwers in the world to take home the coveted Wilson Cup at this year’s International Axe Throwing Championship in Toronto.

Originally from Pittsburg, Pa., Agosti, 27, got his start in competitive axe throwing four years ago. He now practices at Wicked Axe in Haverhill, Mass. having learned of the establishment through fellow Pittsburgh thrower David Alviso.

“Dave is one of the main reasons I got into competitive axe throwing,” said Agosti, adding that he belonged to a league at Ace Axe Throwing while living in Pittsburgh.

Agosti said this was his third year competing in the IATC.

“It’s an awesome experience that not many sports can give you,” he said. “Your opponents are friends and everyone is cheering for one another. I honestly enjoy the friendship and camaraderie between all of the competitors.”

Agosti’s fiancé Michaela Duffy said he has competed in tournaments throughout the U.S. and eastern Canada always finishing in the top five.

However, the IATC has always been hailed as the big one.

“This tournament is for all the marbles,” said Duffy. “Thousands of throwers from all around the world compete to qualify to throw in the tournament.”

Agosti first qualified for the IATC in 2022 where he won the silver medal. He also returned for the 2023 tournament and won the bronze medal. With this year’s win, Duffy said Agosti is now the only person to have stood on the winner’s podium three years in a row.

“Austin had to play through many challenging throwers over a period of two days,” she said. “This win not only scored him a nice cash prize, but also secured his bid to next year’s championship. He hopes to continue making axe throwing history.”

According to the Backyard Axe Throwing League, urban axe throwing was founded by Matthew Wilson in 2006. Since 2011, the sport’s popularity has exploded. The BATL has also taught axe throwing to a number of celebrities and sports teams including actor Vin Diesel, country music singer Morgan Wallen, the Oshawa Generals of the Canadian Hockey League, Family Feud host Steve Harvey and retired NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.