Open Qualifiers – WKTC IX

First, we want to extend our sincere thanks for your passion and patience during our recent Open Qualifiers for WAKTC IX.

As many are aware, our open qualifiers for WAKTC had a bit of an issue regarding the killshots in the app. Though we acted immediately upon initial reports, we discovered the fix did not apply consistently across all venues. With the bulk of submissions arriving just before the deadline, this created last-minute confusion that we could not preemptively resolve.

That clearly caused a bit of confusion that was a bit too late to action ahead of time. So we went to work to get as much information about the situation as we could and check to see how much damage the issue caused for all of our qualifiers and what we can do to rectify that to satisfy everyone as much as we could.

After we took the time to gather all the information and review all of the submissions this week, we had to discuss how to rectify the issue. As an example, one solution that were considered were things like marking all 5th throws as a 0 or bullseye across the board. But we found that this action would alter every player’s statistics and records in the app, and that upon review of the videos, it was sometimes difficult to determine which was the 5th throw as knives are scored sets.

Then, considering also the trickle-downs from declined bids from leagues and tournaments earlier in the year, we found the number was larger than the minimum qualifier bids that we had plans to award. So after taking in all of the information and reviewing the footage to make sure that everything was done to our satisfaction (outside of the 5th throw issue), we decided there was only one proper course of action.

We are awarding a bid to WAKTC IX to every competitor who submitted a valid qualifier.

While there are slightly more than what we planned to award, it’s not a significant amount, and seeing the passion and talent that all of these throwers showed in their videos made this feel like the right course of action to take, considering the issues with our software.

We also want to take a moment to commend all of the judges and affiliates who hosted the qualifiers this year. It was truly great to see so many amazing organizers not only put on an excellent round of qualifiers, but seeing how supportive and encouraging they all have been with the throwers has been inspiring for the future of this sport.

To every thrower who submitted a proper qualifier: Congratulations. You should have already received your bid email. If you have not, please contact us at WKTL@worldknifethrowingleague.com so we can resolve it.

Thank you for your dedication. This community’s spirit is what drives the sport forward, and we can’t wait to see you at WAKTC IX.

Qualifiers are closed

There will be at least 32 bids available for Standard Knife Qualifiers and 13 Duals bids. This is subject to change with any final declines from previous bid earners.

For each discipline, the top verified scores will earn a bid to the world championship.

Open Qualifiers for the WKTC IV will abide by the following structure:

• Qualifiers will run from 12:01 AM EST January 2, 2026 – 11:59 PM EST February 1, 2026.
• All who wish to participate may do so, there are no eligibility requirements.
• Qualifying Throws take place in person at a WKTL venue to qualify players for WKTC.
• Throwers will be allowed only one scored submission per discipline.
• Scores will be submitted via the WKTL App by a certified WKTL judge.
  • Self-scoring is not permitted, for any reason. Any thrower found to be scoring themselves will be disqualified.

FORMAT

Standard Knife

• Qualifiers will consist of 50 throws in standard league match format
  • The first set of 5 throws will be from the 10ft fault line (1 spin), then the next set of 5 throws will be from the 15ft fault line (2 spin). Then back to the 10ft line (1 spin), rotating back and forth between the two distances every 5 throws.
  • Knives will be retrieved on the 3rd and 5th throws of each 5-throw set.
• Mandatory Killshot on every 10th throw
  • Standard league play of open Killshots does not apply, Killshots do not have to be alternated
  • Killshots will be all-or-nothing. If the Killshot is missed, the score is marked as 0.
• 10 overtime Killshot throws (used as tie-breakers)
  • Killshots do not have to be alternated
  • Overtime Killshots may be thrown from the 10ft fault line (1 spin)
  • Knives will be retrieved after every throw
• As an example, this is how a set of QTs should look:
  • Throws 1-3 — 1 spin, retrieve
  • Throw 4-5 — 1 spin, retrieve
  • Throws 6-8 — 2 spin, retrieve
  • Throw 9 — 2 spin
  • Throw 10 — 2 spin Killshot, retrieve
  • Repeat the process 4 more times
  • 10 OT throws at Killshots only, retrieval after each throw

DUALS

Duals Open Qualifiers for the WKTC IX will abide by the structure as described above but with the following changes:

• Each Duals Team will be allowed only one scored submission per discipline.
• Qualifying Throws
  • Qualifiers will consist of 50 throws per team (25 per player on the team)
    • These 5 throws are broken into two sets of throws. Knives are retrieved after the first set of 3 throws and after the second set of 2 throws.
    • The first set of 3 throws will be thrown from the 15ft line
    • The second set of 2 throws will be thrown from 10ft 
    • Knives will be retrieved on the 3rd and 5th throws of each 5-throw set.
  • Mandatory Killshot on every 10th throw
    • This means both players will have 2 mandatory killshots at the 10th and 20th throw
    • Both players in the Duals team must throw killshots
    • Standard league play of open Killshots does not apply, Killshots do not have to be alternated
    • Killshots will be all-or-nothing. If the Killshot is missed, the score is marked as 0.
  • 10 overtime Killshot throws per team (used as tie-breakers)
    • Killshots do not have to be alternated
    • Overtime Killshots may be thrown from the 10ft fault line (1 spin)
    • Knives will be retrieved after every throw
  • As an example, this is how a set of QTs should look:
    • Throws 1-3 — 2 spin, retrieve
    • Throw 4 — 1 spin
    • Throw 5 — 1 spin, retrieve
    • Second Set
    • Throws 6-8 — 2 spin, retrieve
    • Throw 9 — 1 spin
    • Throw 10 — 1 spin Killshot, retrieve
    • Repeat the process for 3 more sets of 5 throws
    • 10 OT throws at Killshots only, retrieval after each throw

• For Throwers that do not have a WKTL venue readily accessible or are not within a 1-hour travel distance between your primary residence and your closest participating WKTL venue, please contact WKTL via email for information on Qualifiers.
  • *Travel is defined as driving and ferry, but does not include public transportation or air travel.
• Throws must be scored using the WKTL official targets. No exceptions.
• All throws must be recorded on video (this is the responsibility of the thrower, venues are encouraged to help facilitate this). Videos must conform to the stated format:
  • It will be required in your submitted video to show the App being opened at the beginning of your qualifying attempt. At the end of the qualifying attempt, your video must show the scores being posted to the leaderboard.
  • During each throw, the thrower (head to toe), fault line, and target must be visible.
  • Players must stay behind the fault line and wait for their score to be called before crossing.
  • Certified Judges MUST speak in a loud, clear, and concise voice, indicating the score of that throw.
  • Refer to this video for correct camera placement.
• Videos will be uploaded via the form below no later than 11:59 PM EST Feb. 1st
  • Any videos submitted after the deadline will be disqualified from receiving entry.
  • ALL VIDEOS MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA THE FORM BELOW. Any videos not submitted via the form will not be considered.

AFFILIATE GUIDELINES

To maintain the integrity of the WKTL Championship qualification process, Affiliates must strictly follow these guidelines when offering qualifying throw sessions. These requirements are established to assure fair and legitimate competition as well as consistency across all submissions.

CERTIFIED JUDGE REQUIREMENT

A certified WKTL judge with a valid certification at the time of scoring must oversee every qualifying session. The judge is responsible for accurately scoring each throw and ensuring that all WKTL rules are followed. The judge must remain present during the entire session, visibly and audibly scoring each throw in real time for transparency.

FACILITY & TARGET STANDARDS

All targets and distance lines used for qualifying throws must be compliant with up-to-date WKTL specifications. The facility must be well-lit so all target scoring rings are clearly visible from a reasonable distance.

FEE POLICY

Each qualifying throw submission will require a $25 fee when submitting the qualifier. WKTL affiliated Venue attempts fees will be determined by the hosting venue, and at-home attempts will be $100 each.

For qualifying throws that are recorded and sent in from home, WKTL will collect $50 of each $100 payment to cover the cost of hosting/video review of the Qualifying Throws. WKTL will then distribute the remaining $50 back to Affiliates within 77 miles/125 kilometers of that individual’s primary residence, divided equally among all Affiliates within the aforementioned range. This is to offset the benefits Affiliates would get from having that individual pay them instead of WKTL directly due to the distance from the competitor’s primary residence to their nearest WKTL affiliated venue. If a WKTL affiliated venue does not host qualifying throws, they will not be considered eligible for this compensation.

The recommended pricing reflects the time, expertise, and resources required to facilitate a qualifying session. When an attempt is made at an affiliated venue, staff provide setup, supervision, coaching, and materials, ensuring that competitors have a fair and consistent environment that meets WKTL’s standards. A small portion of the registration costs covers WKTL’s administrative costs to manage the overall qualifying throws system. These fees also help reinforce the seriousness of the competition, ensuring that those attempting to qualify are genuinely committed to competing at the highest level.

Video submission information:

• Videos must be uploaded into a shareable link such as Google Drive, Dropbox, YouTube, etc, the link is what will be submitted via this form
  • If using services like Google Drive or Dropbox, turn on sharing permissions for all viewers
  • If using YouTube, make sure there is no background music that could be flagged for royalties. Valid videos must have sound, and YouTube may mute your video if the music is flagged.
• Videos must be filmed continuously with no pauses or breaks.
  • Make sure you have a full battery
  • If using a phone we suggest to put it in Airplane mode so there are no breaks in the recording.
• If videos are submitted in multiple parts due to size, all links pertaining to that video must be uploaded together. There will be an option for this in the form.
• Each thrower must have their video submitted independently.
• Must submit the name of the Certified Judge who scored the qualifying throws

Once you’ve reviewed the Qualifying Throws section above and confirmed your eligibility, follow the form below to submit your attempt! Don’t forget, your Judge will need to set up your attempt in the app as well!

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to the WKTL directly at WKTL@worldknifethrowingleague.com

To see WATL requirements for open qualifier submissions, please check out their page here.