Guest Writer Post: Don't Lose Sight of Fun at IATC.

This is our VERY FIRST guest writer post here at the Axe Badger. The writer wanted to remain anonymous, and that adds a lot of mystery which I think can only be good for viewership. Anyway, here's the post, discussing how IATC is more than competition:

IATC TIP: GET YOUR MONEY'S WORTH WHEN IT COMES TO A GOOD TIME.

Big congrats to everyone that qualified for round 2 of IATC this year! IATC is the ultimate showcase of skill and really shows how consistent the top of the top throwers can be, and it is a great achievement to even qualify. However, round 2 is only the tip of the iceberg of all of the things happening in Toronto in June.

A lot of throwers going to Toronto are traveling to throw in the tournaments before it. What if I told you those tournaments can be even more fun than round 2 (both as a thrower and spectator). Not only that, but if you're only traveling to Toronto because you made round 2 and didn't sign up for any other tournaments, you might have a bad time.

Let's talk about it:

BIG STRESS, BUT A BIGGER OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMUNITY.

Starting with round 2 from a realistic point of view. I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but if you're not a very well seasoned thrower, you're probably not going to place near the top. If you thought the pressure of round 1 was intense, wait until your arm is shaking like a wet noodle from nerves and your worlds tournament placement is on the line! It is the only tournament in Canada that is straight up double elimination from the start and has 256 of the best throwers in the world in it, so if you choke at the start, you're out. Eliminated. Donesies.

Super fun.

Last year, between me and a handful of friends that made round 2, some of us managed to win 1 game and we spent the afternoon at a pub licking our wounds. That being said, watching day 2 championship Sunday in person is an experience I'll never forget and highly recommend.

Every other tournament starts with pool play followed by a single elimination playoffs, meaning you're guaranteed a minimum of at least 3 games, no such thing as 0-2 and donesies. Even better than that, many of the tournaments are for funsies, meaning way less pressure and more fun regardless of outcome. I threw in one and didn't even make the playoffs, but still threw more axes than I did in round 2 and had more fun doing so. I also had some friends throw in the under 65 & Close But No Cigar tournaments and had an absolute blast cheering for them and watching how the tournament played out even after my friends were eliminated.

The final thing to talk about is the community. No matter which tournament(s) you throw in/spectate, the pure awesomeness of the community is next level. When I got my butt kicked in round 2, I still hugged the heck out of my opponent and wished them the best. I met and shared drinks with many people even when I was just cheering on my friends in other tournaments. The more tournaments you throw in/spectate, the more you get to see just how many people from around the world come together to do this crazy thing we call IATC. Most people aren't going just to throw in round 2, even though round 2 is the spectacle that allows for the other tournaments to even exist.

Keep your expectations healthy and look forward to having fun. We're just throwing axes at the end of the day. If you're traveling to another country to do it competitively, set realistic expectations for yourself and give yourself opportunities to experience the community and have fun!