Las Vegas is poised to once again become the epicenter of the archery world this weekend, as the iconic Vegas Shoot celebrates its 60th anniversary and hosts the final leg of the 2025-2026 Indoor Archery World Series. From Friday through Sunday, over 3,500 archers will compete for substantial prize money and the coveted titles at stake, with the event attracting athletes ranging from seasoned Olympic champions to rising stars.
The Vegas Shoot, known as the largest and most prestigious indoor archery tournament globally, isn’t just a competition; it’s a celebration of the sport. This year’s event promises to be even more thrilling, with organizers introducing a latest challenge for the final stage. After three rounds of qualification, the target will evolve, with the center ring shrinking from 2 centimeters to 1.5 centimeters, and ultimately to just 1 centimeter, increasing the difficulty and spectacle.
Beyond the competition, the three-day event will feature archery seminars and a gala celebrating six decades of the Vegas Shoot. The culmination of the Indoor Archery World Series will similarly be on display, showcasing the archers who have qualified through numerous indoor circuit stages over the past several months.
Italian Archers Aim for Glory in Las Vegas
A strong contingent of Italian archers will be competing in the compound division, adding to the international field. Fresh off their Italian Indoor Championship victories, Marco Morello and Elisa Roner will be looking to develop their mark in Las Vegas. They will be joined by Francesca Aloisi and Giulia Di Nardo, who secured a team gold medal at the European Championships in Plovdiv. Other Italian competitors include Marco Bruno, Lorenzo Gubbini, Alex Boggiatto, Jesse Sut, Mattia Corgiat Loia, Alessandro Berti, and Sergio Pagni, a past Vegas Shoot champion.
Indoor Archery World Series Structure and Ranking
The Indoor Archery World Series consists of seven qualifying events for the 2025-2026 season. These open-entry tournaments require participants to be current members of their member association, recognized by World Archery. The series kicked off with the 250 Swiss Open in Lausanne, Switzerland, in October 2025, and included stops in Luxembourg, Taipei, Rio de Janeiro, Nimes, and Merida, Mexico. The Vegas Shoot, a 1000-point event, serves as the final stage.
Elite ranking is determined by accumulating points based on final placement, using an athlete’s best three results throughout the season. World Archery will publish an elite ranking list based on these accumulated points. Top performers in each category – Recurve Men, Recurve Women, Compound Men, and Compound Women – will receive prize money from World Archery. To be eligible for elite ranking points, athletes must compete in the Championship divisions at The Vegas Shoot: Compound Open, Compound Women, Recurve Men, or Recurve Women.
A separate youth ranking is also maintained for athletes under 21, based on their best three results in under-21 events. This ranking is solely for assigning youth ranking points, regardless of whether the athlete competes in the adult or youth championships.
What to Expect at the Vegas Shoot
The Vegas Shoot is renowned for its unique format: a three-day competition featuring the traditional 3-spot 20-yard Vegas Round. This format has become synonymous with the tournament’s prestige and challenges. Over 4,000 archers and 6,000 fans are expected to participate and witness the action. Approximately 900 prize checks totaling $500,000 in cash and scholarships will be awarded. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore over 100 vendor booths showcasing the latest archery products.
The event has evolved over the years, moving to the Paris and Horseshoe casinos on the Las Vegas Strip in 2025, providing more space and amenities for participants and spectators. The shift to a March date also marks a change from the tournament’s traditional February timing.
For those unable to attend in person, the finals of the Indoor World Series and key moments from the Vegas Shoot will be live-streamed on Archery+, the official channel of World Archery.
The Vegas Shoot continues to be a pivotal event in the archery calendar, attracting the world’s best and setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the Indoor Archery World Series. The competition promises not only exceptional athletic performances but also a celebration of the sport’s rich history and vibrant community.
The next major event on the World Archery calendar will be announced following the conclusion of the Vegas Shoot. Stay tuned to Archery+ for updates and results from Las Vegas.
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