Urban Open 2026 is almost here. I feel weird about it.

Urban Open is, I think, my favorite event of the axe throwing calendar. Outside of maybe the U.S. Champs? Truthfully I think the two swap places for number 1 and number 2, with Choptober taking up the next spot down. And, behold: Urban Open 2026 is this week!

But this year, and truthfully I don’t know why, I’m not thinking all that much about it. I mean, as a competitor. I’m gonna throw in the Swiss and the Open itself, but I’m not taking off a bunch of days to do it, nor am I planning a bunch of things to hand out or do really, though there are some notable things I’m doing for the event. I’ll illuminate those things now, here:

For the very first time ever, the axe badger photojournalist crew was hired to document

I’m so excited to share that Mollie (of IATC photography fame and my own true, lovely partner in life) and I were approached by Urban Baltimore to be the photographers-on-record for the Urban Open. Granted, we’ll only be acting in that capacity for Saturday and Sunday, but it’s all very exciting!

I couldn’t have imagined being anything other than a little creep writing notes and snapping pictures for this blog in the past, so moving on up to being, you know, a recognized little creep is fun. I know Mollie is up to the task, and I’m so excited to see what they’re able to do with lighting that isn’t like we’re in a cave (Port Lands, c’mon).

I’m considering this Urban Open gig to be a test — both to see if the ABPC (axe badger photojournalist crew) has fun doing the work, and ALSO to see if we can offer it up as a service to more axe houses for tourneys and such.

Is this why I feel weird about it? The pressure of providing Dena with a great customer experience? Mayyyybe?

I guess I don’t care at all how i throw?

If you’ve been paying attention, you know I don’t throw well at Urban Baltimore. I had one NYD marathon a few years ago where I threw really well, but every other tourney? Forget about it.

Mentally, I think it’s made me see that venerated axe venue as just a place to see people and have fun — not a place to achieve much. Even so, this is the first time where I’m heading there and the grip of competitive excitement hasn’t clutched at my heart. I’m like, uh, so whatever about it, you know?

Does it bother me that I’m not visualizing a few wins for the Swiss? No. Does it bother me that I’m not even considering anything outside of an 0-2 run for the Urban Open itself? Also no.

Am I excited about drinking a big natty bo [[Imagine the “it comes in pints?!” gif, here – oh nevermind I found it] and eating some street meats? You bet your bipper I am.

(This isn’t why I feel weird about it. It’s just how I feel. I’ve kinda reached a point where I’m delighted when I throw well, but fully expect to not. It’s a pleasant place to be)

I am hoping to do fewer, but more in depth, interviews with people

I have a pretty set routine when it comes to tiny axe thrower interviews: write down a few questions, ask everyone I interview a variation of those questions, and be done with it. And that’s fun, but I’ve reached a point where I think I could get more useful, insightful info out of people.

So what I’m going to try to do, for the very first time ever, is be good at my “job.” I’m gonna do the ol’ follow up question a bit more, explore topics, let me and the interviewee go on an adventure of thought and feeling. Explore the space a little bit, you know?

If I approach you for an interview, I’d appreciate your patience while I try this out. Hell, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t run from me. You can just walk fast — I have short legs.

(Oh, maybe it’s this. I am getting anxious just thinking about talking to someone for longer than 10 minutes)

I look forward to seeing you throwkin, and hope you have fun!

It’s almost perfunctory at this point, but as ever: I hope to see you (yes, you) at the Urban Open. I hope you have the best time, forget about the struggles of the world for a bit, and throw as well as you wanna.

(It’s not this. I am genuinely excited to see you goobers)