ESC Challenge brings fresh energy to shooting sport in Wrocław

The new ESC Challenge formats have become one of the highlights of the European Championship U23 in Wrocław, Poland. The Solo and Duet formats are designed to make shooting faster, more dynamic and easier for spectators to follow, with every hit or miss having an immediate impact. Challenge events in Air Rifle, Air Pistol and Skeet have already concluded. 

Sweden’s Victor Lindgren, a Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist, has won three gold medals in Wrocław, including victory in Rifle Solo Men. Lindgren praised the Challenge format for its demanding nature, where athletes need near-perfect shots and every attempt can immediately influence the outcome of the match. 

Serbia’s Anastasija Živković, winner of Rifle Solo Women, also highlighted the speed and intensity of the Solo and Duet formats. She believes the concept makes shooting easier for new audiences to understand and could bring fresh energy to the sport at the Olympic level in the future. 

After four ESC Challenge events, Serbia and Ukraine lead the medal count with five medals each, followed by Georgia with three. Türkiye, Sweden, Greece, Cyprus, Slovakia, Poland and Czechia have each won one medal. The programme will continue with 25m Pistol Duet and Trap events. 

News link — https://esc-shooting.org/news/read/esc-challenge-in-wroclaw-fresh-energy-in-shooting-sports-1183