Las Vegas, NV – Victoria Sebastian of France has been crowned the 2026 Indoor Archery World Series champion, concluding a remarkable season of competition at the final leg held in Las Vegas this weekend. The 22-year-old archer, representing the Arc club de Nîmes, demonstrated consistent excellence throughout the series, culminating in the prestigious title.
The competition in Las Vegas was fierce, with top-ranked archers from around the globe vying for the championship. According to a statement released by the Arc club de Nîmes, the tournament saw a tight contest among American Casey Kaufhold (ranked #3 globally), Holland’s Gabriella Schloesser, Mexico’s Angelina Ruiz, and Sebastian, with each archer taking the lead at various points. Kaufhold ultimately secured the win in Las Vegas, with Sebastian finishing fourth and Ruiz in sixth place.
However, Sebastian’s overall performance throughout the Indoor Archery World Series – including victories in Taipei and Nîmes, and strong showings in Las Vegas and Mexico – proved decisive. Her consistent high scores and strategic prowess secured her the championship title. This victory adds to the growing success of the Arc club de Nîmes, a renowned archery institution.
A Season of Dominance
The 2026 Indoor Archery World Series saw a shift in format, with final standings across the entire circuit determining the champions, rather than a concluding Finals event. Points were accumulated from tournaments held in Lausanne, Luxembourg, Taipei, Rio, Nimes, Merida, and Las Vegas, beginning last October. This change, implemented by World Archery, aimed to expand and reshape the indoor season, placing greater emphasis on consistent performance throughout the circuit.
Sebastian’s success wasn’t the only highlight for the Arc club de Nîmes. Teammate Baptiste Addis, a 19-year-old Olympic medalist, was named the International Federation’s “best young athlete of the 2025 season” after finishing first in the Coupe du Monde 2025 rankings. This double achievement underscores the strength and depth of talent within the club.
The Road to the Title
Sebastian’s path to the championship wasn’t without its challenges. The recurve women’s competition featured a strong field of contenders, including Victoria Sebastian, who led the elite rankings. Her victory in Taipei and a subsequent win at the Nîmes tournament (IWS 1000) established her as a frontrunner. Angelina Ruiz, with a second-place finish in Nîmes and a win in Mérida, provided a strong challenge, creating a compelling head-to-head rivalry throughout the season.
The Indoor Archery World Series featured a star-studded field, including reigning circuit champions Brady Ellison, Casey Kaufhold, and Nico Wiener, as well as world number ones Mathias Fullerton, Andrea Beccera, and Marcus D’Almeida. The absence of Andres Temiño Mediel opened the door for D’Almeida, Nicholas D’Amour, and Matias Grande to compete for the top spot in the recurve men’s field.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 Indoor Archery World Series now concluded, the focus shifts to the outdoor season. Victoria Sebastian’s victory serves as a significant confidence boost as she prepares for upcoming international competitions. Her performance demonstrates her potential to become a dominant force in the world of archery. The Arc club de Nîmes will undoubtedly be looking to build on this success, with both Sebastian and Addis poised for continued achievements.
The next major event for many of these archers will be the outdoor World Archery Championships, scheduled for later this year. Details regarding the location and dates will be released by World Archery in the coming weeks. Fans can follow Victoria Sebastian and the Arc club de Nîmes for updates on their training and competition schedule through their official channels.
This victory for Victoria Sebastian marks a significant moment in her career and solidifies her position as one of the world’s leading archers. Her dedication, skill, and consistent performance have earned her the title of 2026 Indoor Archery World Series champion, a testament to her hard operate and the strength of the Arc club de Nîmes.