It is my sincere pleasure to welcome Niffler to the Axe Badger writing room. Niffler kindly reached out to me a little while ago offering her services, and I was beyond stoked to welcome her to the clubhouse. Here’s her first story (an axe thrower interview with Dreadz) from the UK:
Hey friends! I’m Niffler from the UK, and I’m excited to take you inside the world of axe throwing through exclusive interviews with some of the most passionate throwers across Europe. Each conversation dives deep into the fun, the stories, and the personalities that make our community truly unforgettable. Get ready for laughs, wild moments, and behind-the-scenes adventures you won’t find anywhere else.
To kick things off, I’d like to introduce you to one of the brightest personalities in the European scene: Dreadz. Her energy and spirit truly capture what makes axe throwing special.
If you want to see just how much fun axe throwing can be, look no further than Dreadz at Lumberjax UK’s Sunday league night. In just a few months, she’s made a name for herself, not only with her bullseyes, but also with her contagious positivity and genuine kindness. Dreadz’s playful sense of humour keeps spirits high, her patience helps new throwers find their confidence, and her energy motivates everyone to give their best. Whether she’s organising goofy trick shot contests, cheering on first-timers, or handing out high fives after epic throws, Dreadz turns every league night into a blast. She’s the one who makes everyone feel at home, showing that axe throwing is about skill, laughter, and building a supportive, fun-loving European community.
With that spirit in mind, my conversation with Dreadz was everything you’d hope for: packed with big laughs, wild moments, and stories that truly capture how much fun axe throwing can be. So, get ready to dive into an interview full of big throws, bigger laughs, and the kind of energy that makes axe throwing unforgettable.
What’s your axe-throwing origin story? Was it instant obsession, or did you have to survive a few wild bounces first?
Our axe-throwing adventure began with a happy twist of fate at Tracy’s Café, where we spotted Troops and Wildfire. In a crowd of families, they stood out with their bright smiles and that unmistakable spark for adventure, exactly the kind of people who make life more interesting! Light-hearted banter blossomed into shared stories, laughter, and the realisation that we all loved diving into new experiences. But axe-throwing truly became the highlight. As Troops and Wildfire talked about it, their faces lit up, not just with the thrill of the throw but with the pure joy of belonging to a community where everyone is embraced, and every throw is a celebration.
Axe throwing wasn’t just a sport; it was an open invitation to have fun, encourage each other, and be part of something uplifting. Suddenly, any nerves vanished. The idea of stepping up to the target felt electrifying and joyful. That spirited chat inspired us to book our very first public session that February, and from then on, axe throwing took centre stage in our story, bringing endless smiles and unforgettable memories. Who would have thought a casual coffee could spark such a positive and life-changing adventure?
How did your legendary nickname come about?
So, when I first started out in the public sessions, everyone called me Man-Hands. That was actually a nickname all the kids in my family had given me, probably because my grip isn’t exactly what you’d call delicate! But pretty quickly, I realised I needed something a bit different (for obvious reasons). That’s when Dreadz came about. It was all thanks to Coggy, who spotted my hair during a session and just called out, “Hey, Dreadz!” Instantly, it stuck. It’s kind of amazing how those little moments and inside jokes end up shaping who you are in a community like this. Suddenly, your nickname becomes part of your story.
What convinced you to take the plunge into your first league?
Right from the start, meeting everyone at LJs just felt great, like we were being welcomed into a group of old friends. The league members didn’t hesitate to include us, and you could really feel the supportive vibe. My partner and I ended up checking out both Lumberjax Tamworth and Nuneaton, and honestly, both places had such an awesome atmosphere. There were friendly faces everywhere, plenty of laughs, and so much encouragement. It’s no wonder people keep coming back every week. Those early days really made us feel like we were becoming part of something special, somewhere you could just be yourself and belong, no matter your background or how good you were at throwing.
Which axes are you rocking these days?
When it comes to bullseyes, I always reach for my trusty Bad Axe on a custom Coggy handle. It just feels right in my hands and never lets me down. For clutch shots, the King with a standard handle is my go-to. And when it’s time to go big, I’ve got a custom Coggy Drapper that gives me that extra bit of confidence. There’s just something about having the right axe in your grip that makes the game even more fun.
I’ll be honest, I’ve definitely learned the hard way when it comes to switching things up. There’s been more than one occasion when I ignored good advice, tried something new mid-game, and totally regretted it. These days, I know what works for me, and there’s real comfort (and maybe a bit of superstition!) in sticking with my tried-and-true setup. When you find the gear that feels just right, every throw becomes that much more enjoyable, and a whole lot less stressful!
When did you know you were hooked on axe throwing? Was there a legendary throw or just that first irresistible ‘thunk’?
The sound of that first “thunk” still echoes in my memory. From the moment I tried axe throwing, I was hooked. Coggy was there with me for my very first session, guiding me through those first nervous steps. When I picked up the axe, it just felt right, like chocolate to a chocoholic. There was a spark of joy, and I knew I’d found something special.
Has anyone been a game-changer on your axe throwing journey?
My partner, Fatboy, has always been my biggest rival and my greatest motivator. In the early days, we were constantly neck and neck, pushing each other to do better with every throw. He’s the only one who truly brings out my competitive side. When Fatboy hit his 81, something inside me switched on. I couldn’t let him outdo me, so I pushed myself harder than ever. He’s the reason I discovered that fierce, determined side of myself, always ready to rise to the challenge.
What’s your proudest or most outrageous achievement in axe throwing? Trophy, trick shot, or wild story, don’t hold back!
My biggest achievement so far has definitely been beating Coggy, someone I’ve looked up to from the very beginning, both as a thrower and as a mentor. For a long time, he seemed almost unbeatable to me, so when I finally managed to edge him out in big axe, scoring my first 27 round, it felt surreal. The following week, I somehow found another gear and beat him again, this time in a standard hatchet game, hitting that magical standard 81. Standing across from Coggy and realising I’d actually come out on top against someone I respect so deeply was an unforgettable moment. It was more than just a win; it was proof that all the hours of practice, the missed throws, and the determination had finally paid off.
Are you gearing up for the pilgrimage to IATC 2026? Any wild plans, dream matches, or top-secret strategies you’re willing to spill?
Yes, I’m incredibly excited to attend IATC this year! I can’t wait to meet the Axe League of Their Own in person and, if I’m lucky, witness Undertaker pull off that legendary underarm big axe clutch. But honestly, what I’m most looking forward to is just soaking up the atmosphere and finally experiencing what it’s like to throw at BATL. I’ve heard so many stories about the floors at Portland’s; they’re practically mythic at this point, and I can’t wait to step up and see if the legends are true. For me, it feels like a pilgrimage to the true home of axe throwing.
What are your axe throwing goals?
My next big goal is to hit my premier 81, and this time, I’m determined to get there before Fatboy does! It feels like it’s finally my turn to shine. Of course, world domination is still on the list… but for now, beating Fatboy to that elusive 81 is the real prize. One step at a time, right?
How will you know you’ve made it in axe throwing?
For me, it’s about having the self-awareness to recognise when I’ve made a mistake and the humility to correct it. But it’s not just about improving myself; I also want to help others learn and grow by offering support and gentle guidance when they need it. Growth, after all, is a team effort.
Who gets a spot in your personal axe throwing hall of fame?
Fatboy, for being right there with me in every moment, whether it was a glorious thunk or a total flop.
Coggy, for all the coaching, encouragement, and unwavering support that helped me reach my goals.
Kitty, for trusting me and giving me the chance to grow as a coach and expand my experience.
Everyone at LJS, for their constant support, friendship, and for making every session feel like coming home to family.
A huge shoutout to Dreadz for making our axe throwing interview an absolute blast! Swapping stories, sharing laughs, and hearing about her journey turned the whole experience into a wild and memorable ride.
Next up, I’ll be hitting the road across Europe with my partner Nightwing, interviewing incredible people and chasing down the most exciting Marathons, tournaments, and events. Every stop promises a new adventure, packed with unforgettable stories and plenty of laughter!
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