Texas lawmaker Brian Harrison opens axe throwing tournament in Midlothian

Brian Harrison’s ceremonial first axe gave Battle Axes Indoor Axe Throwing a little political sheen in Midlothian, but the bigger story was the sport’s push to be treated like a real small business, not a novelty. For venue operators, that kind of visibility matters: it can signal legitimacy, draw curious customers, and make it easier to ask cities and sponsors for support.

Harrison, a Republican who represents Texas House District 10 and lives in Midlothian, opened the tournament amid a room full of world champions. He has held the seat since winning a special election in 2021, his current term runs through Jan. 12, 2027, and he is running again in the Nov. 3, 2026 general election. That local fit was part of the point. His House biography says he has worked with his wife and father in multiple small, family-run businesses in Texas, which lined up neatly with the message he brought to the lane: support local small businesses and cut back on regulations.

The tournament itself was billed as a regional stop for Battle Axes Indoor Axe Throwing, with check-in at 9 a.m. and a 10 a.m. start, and a $50 per-person entry fee. Battle Axes’ Midlothian site sits at 1704 FM 875, Building A, Suite 100, and the company also operates a Waxahachie location at 507 N. Hwy 77, Suite 610. The event page also pushed local accommodations and sponsors, another sign that axe throwing is operating less like an isolated pastime and more like a traveling amateur sports circuit with hospitality tied to it.

That circuit has real structure behind it. The World Axe Throwing League says it has 300-plus affiliated venues across 20 countries, while the International Axe Throwing Federation says its integrated tournament circuit launched in July 2023 and now sorts events into tiers such as Majors, Grand Slams and the International Axe Throwing Championship. Battle Axes says it is affiliated with both organizations, and its league offerings for all skill levels, plus memberships for frequent throwers, show how the business is trying to convert one-night curiosity into repeat traffic.

That is the value of a politician throwing the first axe. It is not just a photo op for a district representative on the ballot again in November. It is a public nudge that places like Battle Axes want the same standing as other local sports businesses: recognized, regulated and busy.