Axe-throwing is the new league sport.

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Ax throwing gains in popularity as pastime, sport

Kick AXE Throwing is the first bar in New York City to pick up on a nationwide trend of ax throwing, a growing 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, an “axepert” at Kick Axe. He honed his own skills growing up in Colorado throwing knives at carnivals and now trains newcomers on proper technique. “It’s about believing in your ability to do something you didn’t think you could do before.”

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 80′s and 90′s and this is what ax throwing is right now. It’s fun. It’s new. It’s addictive. It’s active entertainment.”

The World Axe 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 says his ultimate goal is to make ax throwing an Olympic sport.

An axe-throwing session generally takes two and a half to three hours, depending on the size of the group. The bar supplies all the equipment, including the axes.

Many axe-throwing bars also have axe-throwing leagues, which add a competitive angle to the sport.

In Chicago, the minimum age to participate is 18. Participants there can bring their own food and snacks.

The upcoming Boston outlet will be run by Urban Axes, which allows groups to bring beer or wine depending on local laws. (No hard liquor is permitted.)

Participants are briefed on safety rules and given demonstrations before anyone picks up an axe. Coaches at Bad Axe locations teach three different types of throws: overhead, which is performed with two hands on the axe; one handed and underhanded.