Capital Region Man Hits Bullseye in World Axe-Throwing Competition

The Capital Region has many athletes that have won championships. We can now add another one to the growing list. This time it's an axe thrower from Rensselaer.

Mark Mirasol, who owns and operates The Lazy Axe on Central Ave in Albany along with his wife Kristyn Muller Mirasol, has won the title of World Axe Throwing Champion at the Big Axe Tournament in Fort Worth, Texas.

Mark Mirasol was in a few different tournaments at the World Championships. He was teamed up with partner Gary Dater from Scotia for the Standard Hatchet Dual Tournament but they didn't throw very well. Then they were in the individual Standard Hatchet and did better. Gary Dater finished in 13th place and Mark Mirasol came in 5th out of 128 axe throwers.

Mark's journey to World Champion wasn't easy. In the individual Big Axe competition, he won four matches but lost one which dropped him down a bracket. He clawed back to win five matches and ultimately won in a three-match final which gave him the World Champion title.

In an article in the Daily Gazette, Mark said this about his achievements:

For me, it’s almost validating to see my hard work paying off. And to compete against the giants of the sport, to have his name mentioned in the same context as theirs, is thrilling.

The couple opened up the first axe throwing venue in the area back in 2019 called The Lazy Axe. They say it's all about making it fun for the patrons not intimidating. They want people to try it out and enjoy it.