Shotgun Champions crowned: a breathtaking Champions League chapter concludes

The first chapter of the European Shooting Confederation Champions League has come to a spectacular close.

The world's finest shotgun athletes converged in Madrid, delivering incredible duels and fierce team competitions that embodied the very essence of sportsmanship. While every competitor fought with passion and skill, only a select few stood atop the podium. Their names will be spoken for years to come, and we are confident they will continue to add new victories to their remarkable titles.

The path to the top was a hard-fought battle, but these athletes proved they had what it takes to seize victory.

Skeet Team Women: The formidable duo of Vanesa Hocková and Monika Štibravá from Slovakia
Skeet Team Men: The powerful team of Mykola Milchev and Andrii Kobzaruk from Ukraine 
Trap Team Women: The skilled champions from San Marino, Alessandra Perilli and Martina Tonini
Trap Team Men: The unbreakable brotherly duo from Croatia, Anton and Josip Glasnović
Skeet Solo: Jakub Tomeček from Czechia
Trap Solo: Aaron Heading from Great Britain

For Jakub Tomeček, who won the gold medal in the Skeet Solo event for Czechia, his victory was a welcome affirmation of his hard work.

"European Champions League Challenge was pure reward vibes. From the stay to the atmosphere at the venue – everything was just perfect. Everyone’s a winner here, no stress, just fun. Honestly, I’d do this 4 times a year without hesitation".

The Shotgun Finals were celebrated with a magnificent gala dinner for all participants and guests. Thanks to the generous sponsor’s support, the winners, silver, and bronze medalists — as well as those who were just a step away from the podium — received commemorative medals, statuettes, and prize money certificates.

For Martina Tonini, who earned her first international medal by winning the Trap Team Women title for San Marino, the victory was particularly emotional.

"I am very grateful and satisfied with the result. This is my first international medal, and I will forever remember every emotion I felt during the competition. I really like the format used for the competition; it felt like I was even more motivated to give my best. I hope to have the opportunity to participate in this type of competition in the future. Thank you everyone".

This fantastic evening was shared with esteemed guests, including the presidents and general secretaries of national federations from Ireland, Croatia, Turkiye, Russia, Portugal, Malta, Great Britain, Slovenia and Azerbaijan. The hosts themselves, led by the President of Royal Spanish Federation of Olympic Shooting, Miguel Pumarada Frances, proudly shared in the athletes' success.

One of the most notable comments came from Hamish McInnes, the current Chief Executive Officer of British Shooting. When asked what he would wish for the Champions League, he shared a clear and ambitious vision:

"I want to see the Great Britain team win every gold medal, and I want to see the Champions League become a truly established event alongside the World Cup and the World Championships. I believe there's a real place for both. I hope the Champions League remains on the program for a long time and continues to go from strength to strength".

A new mark has now been left on the legendary Champions League cup, engraved with the names of this season's shotgun winners. We thank you, dear athletes, for an excellent history of battles and triumphs!

The Champions League goes on! The journey is far from over, with the Rifle and Pistol, and Youth Leagues still to come. We are thrilled to announce the next stop — Hoş geldin, Istanbul!

This article has been posted on the InsideTheGames as well.

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