Local Axe Throwers Headed to World Axe Throwing Championships

Four local axe throwers are in elite company.

They have qualified for the World Axe Throwing Championships this weekend.

128 total throwers from an international pool of 20 different countries advanced to the championships and four of them are from ‘The Lazy Axe’ in Albany.

That group includes the club’s co-owner Mark Mirasol.

This is the second straight trip to the world championships for Mark and another local thrower, Gary Dayter.

Ben Paultre and Richard Lin are also headed to Fort Worth, Texas to compete for cash prizes in the $50,000 pool.

"I think we’re more prepared to face that level of pressure as well," said Mark Mirasol, co-owner ‘The Laxy Axe.’ "I remember distinctly after my first match last year, Gary and I went up to each other after we had played our first matches and we’re like, ‘Hey dude, check it out,’ our hands couldn’t stop shaking because the adrenaline is just with you the entire time."

The finals at the World Axe Throwing Championships will be streamed live on ESPN-3 at 2 p.m. on Sunday.