For the international community in Hungary, the event offers a unique chance to see a sport that has grown from 19th-century forestry traditions into a global phenomenon.

According to reports from Turizmus.com, the Budapest competition will feature both male and female categories, allowing spectators to support a diverse range of top-tier athletes.

A Sport Born from a Bet

The origins of competitive woodchopping trace back to 1870 in Ulverstone, Tasmania. Local lore suggests the sport began when two lumberjacks entered a £25 bet to see who could fell trees the fastest.

What started as a spontaneous test of skill among Australian and New Zealand woodsmen has evolved into a highly regulated professional series followed by millions of fans across North America, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere.

The Tools of the Trade

The equipment used in these competitions is a far cry from standard backyard gardening tools.

The technical specifications are impressive:

Chainsaws: These high-performance machines feature engines with displacements exceeding 90cc, nearly double the engine size of a typical small scooter.

Handsaws: Used in the most physically demanding disciplines, these two-meter-long saws feature teeth reaching up to ten centimeters in length.

Axes: Forged from specialized steel, the competition axes are honed to a razor-sharp edge. They are so sharp, in fact, that they could technically be used for shaving.

Safety and strategy are paramount; athletes typically bring two axes onto the stage. This allows them to quickly switch to a backup should a handle break during a cut, ensuring the momentum of the duel isn't lost.

Sustainability and Speed

Despite the focus on timber, the sport maintains a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. In European Stihl Timbersports events and training camps, 100% of the logs used are recycled after the competition.

The "World Trophy" format is designed for maximum intensity.

Competitors face off in side-by-side duels, completing four grueling tasks in a single continuous heat:

* Stock Saw: Cutting a disc from a log with a chainsaw.
* Underhand Chop: Using an axe to cut through a horizontal log while standing on it.
* Single Buck: Cutting a slice from a log with a two-meter handsaw.
* Standing Block Chop: Splitting a vertical log with an axe.

New Zealander Jack Jordan currently holds the world record, having finished this entire sequence in a staggering 52.53 seconds.

Local Talent to Watch

The Hungarian crowd will have a local favorite to cheer for in Ádám Urbán. The 17-year-old from Göd has quickly climbed the ranks, following a successful 2025 season where he secured a second-place finish at the Benelux Cup.

While his age currently limits him from competing in all six adult-level disciplines, his recent times suggest he is already capable of challenging the world’s most seasoned veterans.

More: 
facebook.com

Tickets: 
cooltix.com

*********************************************************************************************

You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: 

Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoop’s groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary

You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters

Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop:

As an independent portal we’re grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here.