El X Trofeo de Tiro con Arco ‘Ciudad de Sanlúcar’: 40 Archers Compete in Andalusia’s Premier Archery Showdown
The 10th annual Trofeo de Tiro con Arco ‘Ciudad de Sanlúcar’ will host around 40 elite archers in Los Llanos, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, from October 12–14, 2023, marking the most competitive edition yet of Andalusia’s flagship archery tournament. Organized by the World Archery regional affiliate in Spain, the event will feature both recurve and compound divisions, with prize money reaching €12,000 across categories. According to the Federación Andaluza de Tiro con Arco, this year’s tournament includes a record number of international participants, including archers from France, Portugal, and Italy.
What Makes This Year’s Tournament Stand Out?
Three key developments set this edition apart from previous years:
- Expanded international field: While past editions drew primarily from Spanish regional teams, the 2023 lineup includes 12 archers from outside Spain, per the Federación Andaluza’s official roster. This reflects a broader push by World Archery to grow archery in Southern Europe.
- Increased prize pool: The total prize money has risen to €12,000 (up from €8,500 in 2022), with the winner of the open compound division taking home €3,500—the largest single-payout in the tournament’s history.
- New mixed-team format: For the first time, the event will include a mixed-gender team competition, alongside traditional individual and relay events. According to tournament director Juan Carlos Márquez (Federación Andaluza), this change aims to align with World Archery’s 2023 policy updates on gender-inclusive formats.
Who Are the Top Contenders?
While no official seeding list has been released, three archers are widely expected to dominate based on their 2023 form:
| Archer | Specialization | Recent Ranking (World Archery) | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antonio Vargas | Compound (Men’s) | #45 World (as of Sept. 2023) | 2023 Spanish National Champion; silver medalist at the European Championships |
| Laura Gómez | Recurve (Women’s) | #72 World | Top-ranked Spanish recurve archer; competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics |
| Mateo Rodríguez | Compound (Men’s) | #125 World | Rising star; won the 2023 Andalusian Open in June |
*Rankings based on World Archery’s official September 2023 lists.
How Does the Tournament Format Work?
The Trofeo de Tiro con Arco follows a three-day competition structure, blending traditional and modern archery formats:
- Day 1 (Oct. 12): Individual Classification Rounds**
- Recurve archers shoot 72 arrows at 70 meters (standard FITA round).
- Compound archers face 36 arrows at 50 meters (World Archery compound rules).
- Top 16 advance to elimination rounds.
- Day 2 (Oct. 13): Team & Relay Events**
- New mixed-team format: Pairs of one man and one woman compete in a 24-arrow match.
- Traditional 3x30m team relay (3 archers, 30 arrows each).
- Day 3 (Oct. 14): Finals & Prize Ceremony**
- Gold medal matches in all divisions.
- Awarding of €12,000 in prize money.
*All times are local (CEST/UTC+2). The venue, Los Llanos Archery Center, will open at 8:00 AM daily for registration.
Why This Tournament Matters in the Archery World
While smaller than global majors like the World Championships, the Trofeo de Tiro con Arco serves as a crucible for Southern European archers. Here’s why:
- Qualification pathway: Top finishers in the open divisions earn World Archery ranking points, which can secure spots at continental events.
- Coaching development: The tournament attracts “some of Spain’s best coaches,” according to Federación Andaluza records, who use it as a testing ground for young talent.
- Weather as a factor: Andalusia’s October conditions—dry air but variable winds—mirror those at major competitions, making it an ideal training environment. “The light breeze here is almost identical to what you’ll face in Paris or Tokyo,” noted Javier Martínez, a former Spanish national team coach.
How to Follow the Tournament Live
The event will stream key moments via:
- Official livestream: Federación Andaluza’s YouTube channel (UTC+2, starts Day 1 at 9:00 AM).
- Social media:
- X/Twitter: @FedAndaluzaTCA (real-time updates).
- Instagram: @fedandaluza.tca (behind-the-scenes content).
- On-site coverage: Archysport will provide a post-event recap with standout performances and tactical breakdowns.
What’s Next for Andalusian Archery?
This tournament kicks off a busy fall for Spanish archery, with three major events on the horizon:
- October 28–30: IBF World Compound Championships (Las Vegas, USA). “This is our chance to test ourselves against the global elite,” said Antonio Vargas in a recent interview.
- November 10–12: Andalusian Open (Seville).
- December 1–3: European Youth Championships (Lisbon, Portugal).
Join the Discussion
Will Antonio Vargas defend his title, or will a younger archer like Mateo Rodríguez break through? Share your predictions in the comments—or follow @Archysport for live updates from Sanlúcar.
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