Why chop and change when this Ekka classic draws 65,000 viewers online

Splinters fly in all directions as steel hits wood and eight axemen launch into a frenetic burst of chopping.

About 30 seconds later it’s all over.

“That wasn’t a great chop,” 19-year-old Jack Stratton tells Brisbane Times as he walks off, axe in hand and dripping with sweat.

Jack Stratton says competitive woodchoppers try to stay fit, “despite how some of us look”.Credit: William Davis

“It’s just fun … there’s not many sports where you … can just bash something as hard as you possibly can.”

Stratton and friend Daniel Beams, 28, have been woodchopping since shortly after they were old enough to walk.

They’re among about 100 competitors from Australia and New Zealand at this year’s Ekka, where prizes up to $3000 are on offer for finalists in the crowd-pleasing classic.

The oldest competitor is in his 80s. The youngest just turned five.

“Between this and Sydney Royal [Easter Show], they’re probably the two most competitive chops in the whole country,” Stratton said.

The sport is one of Australia’s oldest, and requires competitors to cut through a log as quickly as possible in multiple different configurations.

The best can get through a 13-inch block – about 33 centimetres – in under 30 seconds.

“We try and stay as fit as we can, despite how some of us look,” Stratton said.

“If you’ve never chopped before you probably won’t finish it ... Technique and strength are the main part.

“I did my first chop when I was four or five. I’m fourth-generation and that’s how a lot of us get into it, through family.”

Competitive chopping has been at the Ekka for almost 140 years. The show’s largest ever female contingent is taking part in 2024, with about 35 women taking part.

The day Brisbane Times watches the axemen in full swing, hundreds of people are spectating from the stands, and organisers report more than 65,000 people tuned into an online livestream.

Competitive events run over nine days.

“I probably haven’t been on a ride for about five or six years because we’re just so flat out,” Stratton said.

Beams, who travelled from his home in Tasmania for the Ekka, said the community made it worthwhile.

“It’s a generational sport and really a family-orientated thing,” he said.

Woodchopping has sent Daniel Beams flying all around the world.Credit: Kristen Camp

“Everyone comes to compete at the highest level but people also come for the family aspect out the back.

“Everyone is good friends with each other. We definitely enjoy having a drink or two with each other afterwards and enjoy the show.”

And he said the sport had become “truly global”.

“We get to chop in pretty special places around the world. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to NZ a few times, Canada and the US and hopefully will get into Europe fairly soon.”