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NFAA News
NFAA News
Apr 24, 2026
Archers Rise to the Challenge at 2026 BTB & NFAA 1-Arrow 3D Nationals
The NFAA proudly continued its partnership with Break the Barriers (BTB) to host the 2026 BTB & NFAA 1-Arrow 3D National Championship, held April 18–19, 2026, on a private ranch outside of Fresno, California. The event welcomed 542 archers, including 55 collegiate competitors, from around the world to take on one of the most unique formats in the sport.
Competitors shot marked distances featuring the signature 12-ring orange dot, with 51 life-size 3D targets on Saturday and 34 targets on Sunday, totaling 85 targets over the weekend. The format proved both technical and demanding, with steep angles, side hills, and targets placed from 3 to 101 yards. It continues to test even the best field archers and keeps participants coming back year after year for more.
In addition to individual competition, the event expanded its offerings in recent years with additional NFAA Team National Championship divisions. Open to all age groups and shooting styles, the team competition allowed archers to partner with one teammate to compete for the title of National Team Champion and a prestigious championship belt buckle. Team members could be from different age divisions or gender classes, with special handicaps applied to ensure fair competition. Break the Barriers contingency awards were offered in the Team Open Compound and Team Open Recurve divisions.
The weekend brought beautiful conditions, with sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s creating an ideal setting for competition. Team shoot-offs added an extra level of excitement, drawing strong spectator interest as many stayed to watch the action unfold and cheer on competitors.
Several standout performances highlighted the weekend. Uriah James Overbay secured a commanding victory in the Youth Male Freestyle division with a score of 972. Matthew Nofel dominated the Adult Male Freestyle Limited Recurve division, besting his competition by nearly 200 points with an impressive 916. Fan-favorite Paige Pearce continued her dominance in the Pro Female Freestyle division, earning her fifth consecutive title with a 970, a format she has described on social media as her “favorite format in archery.” Across all divisions, champions walked away with prestigious National Championship belt buckles.
New for 2026, the BTB & NFAA 1-Arrow 3D National Championship was included in the NFAA Shooter of the Year program. Archers were able to earn valuable points toward their overall rankings as part of the newly revamped program. The updated Shooter of the Year structure was designed to be more inclusive, incorporating a wider variety of NFAA events and expanding opportunities across more age divisions and shooting styles.
Beyond competition, the event continues to make a meaningful impact. Break the Barriers is a non-profit organization offering more than 25 inclusive programs for individuals of all abilities. All proceeds from the tournament directly support BTB’s outreach efforts, including its free Veteran program, which serves over 1,000 veterans. The BTB & NFAA 1-Arrow 3D National Championship remains a powerful example of how sport can bring people together, raise awareness, and support important community initiatives. The NFAA values its ongoing partnership with Break the Barriers and looks forward to continued collaboration in the years ahead.
