The Vegas Shoot on course for record breaking number of participants in 2014

Having already soared past last year’s entry of 1,811, organisers hope to hit 2,200 athletes by the time The Vegas Shoot begins on Thursday 6 February. This year’s online early-registration system has seen many archery stars who would previously have entered on the day confirm attendance early.

Over 200 entries ahead of the 1 February target, the event – which is run by the National Field Archery Association – relocated to the Southpoint just a few years ago to expand its capacity and offer better amenities, and is one of the world’s most prestigious open archery competitions.

“There is no other tournament in the world that compares,” asserts event President, Bruce Cull. “The Vegas Shoot is the ‘proving grounds’ of archery; it truly determines the best of the best.”

For many in the USA and dedicated group from around the world, The Vegas Shoot has always been a calendar highlight – but the number of international competitors is growing, something organisers attribute to the development of the Indoor Archery World Cup.

An increase in promotion and awareness around the world has already persuaded athletes from 33 countries to register for the 2014 event. Many will arrive in Nevada, USA for the series’ last stage – the first two competition days of The Vegas Shoot – within reach of qualification for the Indoor Archery World Cup Final. Held on Saturday evening, this year’s head-to-head will feature the top 16 ranked athletes in each of the four competition categories battling for champion titles.

More people are entering The Vegas Shoot’s recurve and freestyle – similar to compound – NFAA flight categories, as well. Competitors are split into smaller flight divisions according to their score on the first day, and prizes are awarded according to final position in each flight, so are distributed to more of the field.

Coupled with a greater junior presence, it could be the Hollywood effect: with the sport becoming more accepted by the general public, many of those inspired by archery in the movies over the past few years are now starting to enter large tournaments.

The ongoing success of The Vegas Shoot, and the Indoor Archery World Cup, is down to hardworking staff and volunteers at the NFAA and World Archery, the Southpoint Hotel and Casino, all its sponsors and trade show exhibitors, and the continued – and increasing – support of archers.

Bruce believes the event will continue to grow: “by the 50th anniversary, we will have over 3,000 participants and a payout of half a million dollars!” Judging by the upward trend in archery participation around the world, these goals do not seem unreasonable.

Athletes are currently preparing for the third stage of the 2013/14 Indoor Archery World Cup, which takes place this weekend. Results from Telford will help clarify the series rankings, before 2014’s record-setting tournament in Las Vegas.

The Vegas Shoot takes place on 6-9 February 2014 in South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA and incorporates the fourth leg and Final of the 2013/14 Indoor Archery World Cup.

World Archery Communication