Baptiste Addis Claims Top Seed in Puebla as 2026 World Cup Season Opens

The 2026 outdoor archery season has begun with a statement of intent from France’s Baptiste Addis. On Wednesday, April 8, the 19-year-old sensation claimed the top seed in the recurve men qualifications at the first World Cup stage of the year in Puebla, Mexico.

Addis demonstrated remarkable consistency, mirroring a dominant start to the 2025 season. After 72 arrows, he posted a score of 674, narrowly edging past the 671 he recorded a year prior during the opening stage in Central Florida. The performance secures him the coveted number one seed heading into the elimination rounds.

Battling the Elements in Mexico

The conditions in Puebla proved challenging for the entire field. A warm, unpredictable wind plagued both recurve and compound archers throughout the week, creating a volatile environment where precision is often at the mercy of the breeze. Despite these atmospheric hurdles, Addis remained composed, maintaining a level of execution that separated him from the rest of the pack.

The French contingent showed strong collective form in Mexico. While Addis led the way, teammate Thomas Chirault also delivered a standout performance, securing a third-place finish in the qualifications.

Mindset Over Rankings

Despite the prestige of the top seed, Addis remains focused on long-term development rather than immediate accolades. Speaking after the round, the young archer emphasized a philosophy of growth over results.

“For me, we work hard every winter and we never know the level I will be in the new competition and new season but I came here without expectation,” Addis said. “I don’t want to be first seed, I don’t want to win the first competition. It’s just to focus on my skill and try to develop in every competition.”

This measured approach is a response to his experience last year, where he noted that the first World Cup was not his best outing, but served as a foundation for improvement throughout the season. His goal for 2026 is to maintain that upward trajectory, accepting that the nature of the game means opponents will occasionally outperform him.

A Rising Star with Olympic Pedigree

At just 19, Addis is already a veteran of the highest stage of the sport. He rose to international prominence during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he played a pivotal role in securing a silver medal for France in the men’s team event. That achievement made him the youngest French medalist in the history of archery at the age of 17.

While his team success in Paris was historic, his individual growth has been equally impressive. In the 2024 Olympics, he entered the individual event as the 6th seed before being eliminated in the quarterfinals by fellow Frenchman Florian Unruh. His ability to consistently seed in the top tier of global competitions suggests he is evolving from a young talent into a perennial contender.

The ‘Vegas’ Effect on Training

The 2026 season has presented unique logistical challenges for the world’s elite archers. An expanded Indoor World Series resulted in the annual The Vegas Shoot being pushed to the final weekend of March.

This shift left a narrow two-week window between the conclusion of the indoor season and the start of the outdoor circuit in Puebla. For many athletes, this compressed timeline forced difficult decisions regarding training priorities. Some archers struggled to juggle the transition between indoor and outdoor environments, while others, such as Casey Kaufhold, began their outdoor training only 12 days prior to the event.

Addis’ ability to pole the qualifications suggests his preparation—and his decision to prioritize the transition to Puebla—paid off, providing him with a competitive edge over those still adjusting to the outdoor elements.

Quick Glance: Baptiste Addis’ Puebla Qualification

• Event: 2026 World Cup Stage One
• Location: Puebla, Mexico
• Score: 674 (72 arrows)
• Ranking: 1st Seed (Recurve Men)
• Key Comparison: 3 points higher than 2025 Florida opener (671)

With the qualification round complete, the focus now shifts to the head-to-head elimination brackets. As the top seed, Addis will have the most favorable path possible, though the unpredictable winds of Puebla remain a factor for everyone involved.

The competition continues in Puebla as the field narrows toward the gold medal match. Stay tuned for updates on the elimination rounds and final standings.

Do you consider the compressed schedule between the Vegas Shoot and the World Cup is hurting athlete performance, or is it a test of adaptability? Let us know in the comments.