At this year’s World Peashooting Championship, Luke Young added another title to an already impressive collection by becoming our Youth World Champion.
Having previously won the Junior World Championship and been part of the Junior Team World Champions in 2023, Luke is no stranger to success. But winning the Youth title marks another exciting milestone in his peashooting journey.
“I feel happy and excited that I’ve done it again.”
Luke has now been competing at the World Peashooting Championship for three years. Living in the neighbouring village, he first discovered the event after hearing about it from his parents, who had competed before him.
“I live in the next village and my parents had taken part before, so my sisters and I wanted to have a go.”
Since then, it’s become an annual tradition.
Friendly rivalry
Ask Luke what he enjoys most about the championship and the answer comes quickly.
“The chance to win and beat my twin sister. Also getting better scores each year.”
That family rivalry certainly paid off this year, with Luke defeating his twin sister in the semi-final before going on to lift the Youth World Championship trophy.
“My favourite moment was beating my twin sister in the semi-final and obviously winning the Youth Championship.”
Keeping it simple
While some competitors spend months designing customised peashooters, Luke prefers to keep things traditional.
“No, I like to use a standard peashooter. I will often get a new one at the competition each year.”
Practice isn’t a big part of his preparation either.
“I don’t really practise outside of the competition. I practise on the day.”
Proof that sometimes confidence, focus and enjoying the moment can be just as important.
Holding your nerve
The final wasn’t straightforward.
“I didn’t feel like it was going well at the beginning of the final and thought I was going to lose, but then I started to get bigger scores and felt a bit more confident.”
It’s that resilience that helped Luke turn the match around and secure the title.
Looking ahead
Luke is already setting his sights on next year.
“I will be back, hopefully to defend my title next year and would one day like to win the Traditional or Open World Championship.”
With his record so far, you certainly wouldn’t bet against him.
Advice for future champions
Luke has some simple but effective advice for anyone thinking of entering.
“Just go for it. Look straight at the target and blow hard. Find nice round peas before you compete.”
And if you’ve never experienced the World Peashooting Championship before?
“It’s a totally unique competition and it’s great that it takes place so close to where I live. People can travel from all over the world to take part.”
When asked if he’d change anything about the event, Luke’s answer says it all.
“Nothing, I think it’s pretty great.”
What being a World Champion means
For Luke, becoming a World Champion is about much more than winning a trophy.
“It feels good to have won such a unique competition and it’s a privilege to be able to take part. I display my trophies proudly. It’s also a great conversation starter.”
His newest trophy has already found its place.
“On my shelf in my bedroom with my Junior World Champion trophy from 2023 and my Junior Team Champion trophy from 2023.”
Congratulations once again to our 2026 Youth World Champion, Luke Young. We can’t wait to see him back on the shooting line next year as he looks to defend his title—and perhaps one day add an Open or Traditional World Championship to his growing collection.