I am the kind of person who likes when something isn't quite nailed down. I enjoy the possibility of something. Our little sport has, admittedly, a lot of room to grow and change, and that's part of the reason I like it so much. There is just an oodle of possibility that the sport will be very different in five or ten years, and that's kinda exciting to me.
In the spirit of those changes and innovations and experimentations, I got the chance to interview (Read: we exchanged emails) Patrick Silverthorn of Major League Axe Throwing recently. Now, I knew almost nothing about MLAT, so I truly approached this interview as someone who was mostly in the dark about how MLAT is different, and what makes it another fun way to engage in axe throwing.
What did you find lacking in WATL and/or IATF that pushed you to create a third organizational body for the sport?Â
All of the original owners of MLAT were managers of axe throwing venues at one time. We found some flaws/problems in the way things were being done and we felt we could do better. We shoot to help the venues succeed.
One of the big reasons for creating MLAT was the sheer cost being charged by the biggest affiliate. It was pushing the owners of the venues we managed away. They did not want to pay the cost when it wasn't bringing any additional revenue into the business. I'm sure many axe venues feel this way.
 The affiliations were strict and did not allow for any competition affiliations to be in the same venue. WATL and IATF could not be in the same building.
Also, the gameplay of IATF and WATL 2-3 years ago was much easier. It was always aim for the large bullseye in the center every single throw. Players passed on the clutch or killshot just to get a better average score. We wanted a more challenging game for the advanced throwers. Perfect games should not be easily achieved.
The ownership of the competition affiliations seems disconnected from the throwing community. Plus the banning and kicking out of the affiliations was rampant.
Finally, I felt there were too many restrictions on venues and throwers alike.
When did that [the creation of MLAT] happen, and what were you hoping to achieve with the foundation of MLAT?Â
MLAT started development during the first major COVID shutdown. We have been fine tuning it ever since. The goal is to achieve a more well rounded game that doesn't cost venues a fortune while supporting players and venues wherever we can. All while providing a more exciting and intuitive gameplay experience.
Since the MLAT format has gone live both affiliations have tried to make it harder. The major affiliation has almost copied some of our rules and target and added it to their own system.Â
What makes Major League Axe Throwing (MLAT) different when compared to WATL or IATF?Â
We designed MLAT to be less restrictive on throwers and venues. Less axe restrictions. Less cost. Throw a big axe against a hatchet if you really want. Have all 3 affiliations under one roof. The more the merrier.
What are the rules?Â
Rules can be found at throwmlat.com/rules
A quick guide would be:
There are 10 frames (just like bowling)
Players get 2 throws each frame to reach 10pts.
If a player does not get a bullseye(10) the second throw is at the remaining points to get the "spare".Â
Example: First throw hits a 9. Second throw at the 1. If a player exceeds 10pts on the second throw the second throw is a 0.(gutter ball)
On the 10th frame all players must throw at "the splits"Â
Splits are a small triangle in all 4 corners (one affiliations just added 4 corners, coincidence? )
What is the scoring like?Â
You can keep score using our scoring software for free at ThrowMLAT.com/keepingscore
Scoring is much like bowling. A perfect score would be 300pts.
Players get 10pts for each bullseye. Bullseyes compound for consecutive bullseyes.
Spares are calculated the same as bowling.
A miss, bust (scored over 10), or drop are all considered 0pts(gutter ball)
What equipment do people use?Â
Same equipment everyone uses. Less restrictions on weight class and handle length. We feel weight and handle length do not add a competitive advantage.
How many people are currently a part of MLAT? Where would you say is the highest concentration of throwers (geographically).Â
Geographical I would assume Michigan has the highest concentration of throwers. We had leagues in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Arizona, Indiana, Canada, and Wisconsin. At our peak I would estimate around 500 league members. Unfortunately, we lost a few members due to our lack of a fancy league tracking app that our competitors have.
Why do you think people are drawn to MLAT?Â
The game is more fun to play. You do not just throw at the bullseye each turn. MLAT levels the playing field due to our handicap system, plus players can do single, scotch doubles, and even team play.
Venues are drawn to it because it is more fun for customers and because the throws are spread out across all 5 board, so boards last longer. MLAT also will help in any way we can to support venues.
How has MLAT changed since its first year? How are decisions around changes made?Â
There has been very minor rule additions, the target has stayed unchanged -- there hasn't really been a reason to change very much. When changes are made, it's after careful consideration by myself, and advice from the axe throwing community.
I am planning some future changes, including a current effort to raise funds and create an app that can match or exceed the other affiliations apps.
What do you want current axe throwers to know about MLAT?Â
The game format is more fun, more challenging, more exciting.Â
As an axe thrower myself I know and feel that this game is what you are looking for.
What do you think are the biggest challenges for MLAT to overcome to increase its reach in the axe throwing community?
Our biggest challenge to date is raising funds to create the scoring app that can track and guide league play like the other affiliations.
I realize it's not a complicated ruleset or equipment standards - so what do you think will grow MLAT into a larger organization than what it currently is?Â
The community will love the game. I'm 100% sure it can be the standard league play. Aside from the MLAT app, just getting throwers to try it and to play is all we need. I think the game will speak for itself. It's simple. It's fun. It's a challenge.
How can throwers give MLAT a try, or where can they learn more?Â
Throwers and venues can learn more at ThrowMLAT.com
Throwers can buy stencils at ThrowMLAT.com/shop
If you are in the state of Michigan you can visit World of Games in Southgate, MI and give it a shot.
Our friends at Choppers Hatchet House in Philly might break out the MLAT Stencil for you.Â
There are a few axe venues across the country who periodically throw MLAT in their affiliate rotation.Â
If anyone wants to reach out to me (Patrick) directly, just email contactus@throwmlat.com.
Ask your local venue to give MLAT a shot they won't regret it.