Throw To Victory.
Run The Gauntlet!
A prelude to Ironside with unique offerings from your Dragon Masters, The Gauntlet brings elite-level individual Knife, Hatchet, and Big Axe competition to Dragon’s Lair Axe & Tap on June 19–21.
With a projected $10,000 purse based on anticipated participation, and cash payouts to the top 6 in each event, this is built to be one of the standout weekends of the summer.
A custom Sublime Wear USA jersey is also included for early registrants.
- Friday, June 19: Knife at 3:00 PM
- Saturday, June 20: Hatchet at 10:00 AM
- Sunday, June 21: Big Axe at 10:00 AM
Entry Status
- StatusRegistration Open
- SpotsLimited
INFO
Athletes may register for one event, multiple events, or all three. Bundle pricing is available for multi-event registration. Final bracket details and any last event communications will be shared after registration closes.
All axes and knives will be checked at the desk upon arrival to ensure compliance. Throwers who register on or before May 29 will have a custom Gauntlet jersey from Sublime USA waiting for them at check-in. Throwers who register after May 29 can still receive their jersey by mail for the cost of shipping, with the jersey itself covered by Dragon’s Lair Axe & Tap.
Entry Tiers
Hatchet
PAYOUTS BASED ON 75 ENTRIES
- 1st Place: $1,600
- 2nd Place: $1,200
- 3rd Place: $600
- 4th Place: $400
- 5th Place: $250
- 6th Place: $250
- Total Payout: $4,300
Big Axe
PAYOUTS BASED ON 50 ENTRIES
- 1st Place: $1,000
- 2nd Place: $750
- 3rd Place: $450
- 4th Place: $300
- 5th Place: $175
- 6th Place: $175
- Total Payout: $2,850
Knife
PAYOUTS BASED ON 50 ENTRIES
- 1st Place: $1,000
- 2nd Place: $750
- 3rd Place: $450
- 4th Place: $300
- 5th Place: $175
- 6th Place: $175
- Total Payout: $2,850
All Events
Full tournament access across all three events. Only for those who truly want to test thier mettle.
- Hatchet + Big Axe + Knife
- Best chance to earn winnings
- Best value entry
Event Info
Format
The Gauntlet is a 3-event individual tournament featuring Knife, Hatchet, and Big Axe competition at Dragon’s Lair Axe & Tap. Each event will use the current WATL competitive bracket format, with competitors placed into brackets based on completed registrations received by June 15.
Match flow, advancement, and elimination structure will follow current WATL rules and standards for each discipline. This event is currently scheduled as individual competition only, with no team events announced at this time.
Eligibility
The Gauntlet is open to throwers ages 8 and up who are eligible to compete under current WATL and WKTL rules for Hatchet, Big Axe, and Knife. Competitors should be familiar with standard WATL gameplay, scoring, and equipment requirements for the disciplines they enter.
Participation
Participants may enter Hatchet, Big Axe, Knife, or any combination of those events. All competitors must complete registration, payment, and waiver acceptance before the registration deadline in order to be placed into a bracket.
Check-In
All competitors must check in on-site at Dragon’s Lair Axe & Tap prior to their event.
Check-in times:
- Friday, June 19 for Knife: 1:30 PM
- Saturday, June 20 for Hatchet: 8:30 AM
- Sunday, June 21 for Big Axe: 8:30 AM
Requirements
Competitors should arrive with enough time to complete check-in, confirm their registration, have their equipment inspected, and be ready for announcements and lane assignments.
Please bring:
- WATL and WKTL compliant throwing equipment only
- A valid photo ID
- Your registration confirmation if needed
- Any personal items you need for a full day of competition
Prizes
The Gauntlet is targeting a total purse of $10,000 based on anticipated thrower volume across all three events. Current projected payouts are based on expected participation levels, and the final purse may adjust if entry targets are not met.
Projected Payout Structure
Hatchet
- 1st | $1,600
- 2nd | $1,200
- 3rd | $600
- 4th | $400
- 5th | $250
- 6th | $250
Big Axe
- 1st | $1,000
- 2nd | $750
- 3rd | $450
- 4th | $300
- 5th | $175
- 6th | $175
Knife
- 1st | $1,000
- 2nd | $750
- 3rd | $450
- 4th | $300
- 5th | $175
- 6th | $175
What Registration Can Collect
- First and last name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Selected event or bundle
- Tournament jersey size
What To Expect
- Select the event or bundle that fits your plan
- Complete checkout to submit registration
- Enter your participant details during purchase so your registration can be matched correctly for bracketing, jersey fulfillment, and final event communication
- After checkout, you will receive confirmation of your registration
- Competitors may pay in full or use Affirm to spread the total cost over time through monthly payments
- Once registered, keep an eye out for final bracket details, event reminders, check-in timing, and any last updates from Dragon’s Lair Axe & Tap
Venue Location
Dragon’s Lair Axe & Tap
Maple Grove, MN 55311
Use the map for quick directions, or open the full Google Maps view for navigation.
