STIHL is an innovative company that develops and manufactures motorized products for forestry and agriculture, as well as for landscaping. Founded in 1926 by Andreas STIHL, the global benchmark for chainsaws officially celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and we are fortunate to partner with them to host the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® competition at the JACKALOPE Virginia Beach, from May 29 to 31. A major partnership to promote the sports of both companies, close to STIHL's American headquarters in Virginia Beach.
ABOUT THE SPORT
STIHL TIMBERSPORTS®, what is it? It is one of the biggest lumberjack competitions in the world, present in more than 25 countries and bringing together more than 1,000 athletes who transmit the culture of the sport. Born 150 years ago and originally practiced in the forest, this extreme sport is now represented internationally on a mediated competition circuit promoted by international sponsors. To win the competition, strength is not enough. Most events are won by milliseconds, with huge logs sliced in mere seconds, while a single misplaced movement can change everything.
The competition format includes 6 events with powerful chainsaws and sharpened axes, promising superhuman performances that unite strength and technique:
1. Underhand chop
This discipline simulates cutting up a felled tree. The athletes stand on a horizontally positioned block and must cut through a 32 cm thick trunk with their axe. The block has to be chopped from both sides. Cutting through from one side only leads to disqualification in this discipline.
2. Stock saw
In this discipline all the contestants use the MS 661, a standard STIHL chainsaw. After allowing the saw to warm up it is then placed on the ground. On the "Go" signal it is seized and applied to the wood (diameter 40 cm). Two cookies (discs of wood) must be sawn off within a 10 cm wide area using a downward and an upward cut. The pressure and speed must be precisely adjusted to the wood.
3. Standing block chop
This discipline simulates felling a tree with an axe. A vertically secured block of wood (diameter 30 cm) has to be chopped through from both sides as quickly as possible. Optimum placing of the axe and a powerful swing are the factors that ensure rapid success in this discipline.
4. Single buck
The competitor makes one cut through 45 cm of white pine using a single man cross-cut saw. Time ends when the block is clearly severed. The primary challenges of this event are technique, brute strength and stamina.
5. Springboard chop
In this discipline, two springboards are slotted one below the other into a vertical tree trunk. The aim is to cut through a block of wood on top of the trunk (diameter 27 cm) at a height of about 2.80 m above the ground. Springboard is also described as the "supreme discipline" because as well as precise technique and strength, it also requires balance and skill from the athlete.
**This event will not be part of JACKALOPE THIS YEAR
6. Hot saw
This discipline uses specially tuned, extremely powerful chainsaws. The aim is to cut three wooden discs as quickly astihlcover2f the horizontally anchored wooden block (diameter of 46 cm). The particular appeal of this discipline is controlling the concentrated power of the chainsaw (up to 80 hp). With a chain speed of 240 km/h and a weight of approx. 27 kg, these machines demand maximum performance from the athletes.
JOIN THE SHOW IN NEPTUNE'S PARK
The competition will take place all weekend in Neptune's Park in Virginia Beach, right next to the boardwalk. A wooden platform personalized with STIHL's black and orange colors will be set up directly on the park's central stage, facing a large area set up for the crowd, a JACKALOPE bar, food trucks and a merch store for big fans.
SCHEDULE
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FRIDAY |
HOT SAW SHOWDOWN
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SATURDAY |
NORTH AMERICAN WOMEN’S CUP
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SUNDAY |
NORTH AMERICAN MEN’S TROPHY
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CASH PRIZES
JACKALOPE is committed to equity in sports, which is why partnering with companies that share these same values is essential to us. STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® demonstrates this commitment by ensuring equal cash prizes for competitors of all genders.
BROADCASTED ON FOX SPORTS
STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® is returning to Fox Sports for another year, following its success in 2025 with over 4 million views!
You can also catch the live events on YouTube and Facebook.
