Michigan Teens, 18 and 21, Win World Knife Throwing Title

Louie Perkins and Colbe Pudell have the best conversation starter imaginable: "Hi, we're the best knife throwers in the world."

The two Michigan natives weren't exaggerating. In April, they won the Knife Duals world championship at the 2026 World Axe and Knife Throwing Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma, becoming the youngest champions in either sport's history.

Perkins, 21, from Berrien Springs, admits it's hard to keep quiet about the title. "It's hard not to mention it when someone asks me about my hobbies," he said, though he tries to downplay it by saying he's just "decent at it."

Pudell, 18, from Stevensville, enjoys the reactions. "People think it's weird and crazy, but they are also like, 'wow, that's really cool too,'" he explained.

The pair trained at Lumberjax Urban Axe Throwing in St. Joseph, Michigan. Perkins started throwing five years ago, while Pudell discovered the sport at 13 during his brother's birthday party.

What makes their victory even more impressive? They only trained together for about two months before competing against throwers from eight countries.

"The thing is we trust each other," Perkins said. "You can't throw scared."

Pudell showed that fearlessness in the semifinals when he nailed a crucial kill shot to send them to the title match. "I told Colbe he could do it and he nailed it," Perkins recalled. "That was the best moment."

The dedication runs deep. Pudell skipped his senior prom to compete, though he admits he probably would have skipped it anyway.

Sunny's Take

What started as uncertainty has become history. "Everyone told me when I was younger that I could be a world champion, but I was like no," Pudell shared.

Their hometown celebrations included parades, news appearances, and even autograph requests. "A kid came up and said he wanted me to autograph his shirt," Perkins said about a recent tournament in Iowa.

Evan Walters, Commissioner of the World Knife Throwing League, was blown away. "Not only did you earn your spots as Knife Duals Champions with an amazing weekend of throwing, but you are also the youngest champions in all of WATL or WKTL, for arguably one of the hardest disciplines between the two organizations," he said.

The duo has automatic entry to defend their title next year, though Pudell's future in the sport remains uncertain as he plans to attend trade school in Cleveland. "I can't be mad if we do not win again," he said. "We're world champions and we will always have that no matter what."

Their championship performance will air on ESPN on August 8 at 3 p.m., giving the world a chance to watch history unfold.