The wait is officially over, and what a weekend it was! The 2026 Apex Rocky Mountain Challenge is officially in the books, and we are still buzzing from the energy. Hosted in the breathtaking foothills of Millarville, Alberta, this wasn’t just another match – it was the biggest Precision Rifle Series match in Canadian history, and it delivered on every single front.
With a brand-new venue offering sweeping, pristine views of the Canadian Rockies, this year’s challenge brought together a massive lineup of shooters. We had competitors making the trek from all across the globe – some who have made this an annual pilgrimage, and a fantastic crowd of first-timers. Seeing so many fresh faces and witnessing the rapid growth of the precision rifle community is exactly why we do this.
"This new location brings a whole new life to the Apex match. The setup is epic, the atmosphere is going to be electric, and I think shooters are going to be talking about this one for a long time."
The Ultimate Match Prep Experience
Before the clock started ticking, Friday kicked off with our optional Train-Up Day - the ultimate match prep experience. This was a massive highlight of the weekend, offering competitors a chance to dial in their gear, shake off the travel legs, and learn directly from some of the absolute best in the business.
We hosted specialized clinics led by IPRF World Championship Team Canada members, where competitors could grow their skills with 3 levelled sessions from NorthStar Precision with Josh Botha, a clinic for new shooters with Art of Precision owner, Nowell Greasley, and skill focused Kestrel clinic with Michael Bae.
Beyond the clinics, there was a massive buzz on the range as we had our highly anticipated, brand-new Apex Synergy LRF Binoculars on hand. Our CEO, Vanja, was running live demonstrations throughout the afternoon, giving shooters exclusive, hands-on experience with the system. The feedback was incredible – from the lightning-fast laser architecture to the insanely crisp glass, it’s safe to say the excitement surrounding the Synergy landing is very real!
Multiple competitors came by to spend the afternoon sending rounds down range at our 5 custom train-up stages, verifying their data, and hanging out with our on-site sponsors. Between the gear demos, the practice stages, and the sponsor tents, the energy on Friday perfectly highlighted what makes this community so special. In precision shooting, a match of this scale feels less like a tense competition and more like a massive family reunion.
"Whether you have all the gear or are just starting out, just come out.This is a great community who is passionate about the sport, and the Apex team puts on an event that simply can't be missed."
Saturday: High Heat & Heavy Competition
When Saturday morning arrived, so did the heat. Temperatures soared up to a blistering 30°C (86°F) under direct, unfiltered sunlight. The course of fire (COF) was brilliantly designed to challenge shooters’ physical limits, target acquisition speed, and positional transitions.
For some, the soaring temperatures were a welcome bonus. Rocky Mountain Sponsor and MDT President Maarten van Ruitenberg, attending the Rocky Mountain Challenge for the first time, was completely unfazed.
"I enjoy the heat, so the conditions were great for me! If anyone is on the fence about coming out, you've gotta do it."
By the time the final shot of Day 1 was fired, the leaderboard was incredibly tight. The feedback from the stages was unanimous: the terrain was stunning, the COF was beautifully challenging, and shooters of all experience levels were having the time of their lives.
Adding to the excitement, the crew from the Ballistically Speaking Podcast was live on-site. They set up to livestream the action, capture the energy of the firing line, and sit down for exclusive chats with our Match Director, Vanja Krtolica, and Apex VP, Carlee Krtolica.
SUNDAY - A TRUE TEST OF ENDURANCE
If Saturday was a battle against the heat, Sunday was a masterclass in survival. While the temperatures dropped to a much more tolerable level, the foothills of the Rockies decided to show their true teeth - turning the match into a gruelling test of grit. The unique natural bowls and contours of the terrain created a chaotic, "whirlpool" wind effect. Wind calls became an absolute guessing game as gusts switched direction mid-stage, putting everyone’s ballistic data, gear, and wind-reading skills to the ultimate test. As missed impacts mounted and the pressure cooked, the psychological side of the sport took center stage. It was the perfect embodiment of what Mike and Derek from Ballistically Speaking described during the live coverage
It was the perfect embodiment of what Mike and Derek from Ballistically Speaking described during the live coverage
"PRS really is an endurance sport, both physically and mentally. You have to be able to handle the conditions, be it downpouring rain, high winds, or intense heat, as well as the terrain - you could be hiking up to high elevations that a lot of competitors aren’t used to, which adds an entirely new element to the challenge."
Team Apex member Cheyenne Hofer has attended this match every single year, but this year’s grueling, new setup stood out as her absolute favorite.
"Of all the years, I am a huge fan of this new location. I love the constant challenge that comes with this event. Obviously, being a part of the team, there's a special sense of community and pride being able to attend your home match, and the combination of everything keeps me coming back."
Down to The Final Shot
The final stages of Sunday brought one of the most dramatic, neck-and-neck finishes we have ever seen in a Pro Series match.
Going into the final stretch, Dale Rhoads (Team USA) held a razor-thin 1-shot lead. But the infamous Tank Traps on Stage 18 shook up the standings when Rhoads dropped 3 shots and unfortunately timed out.
This opened the door wide open on the Canadian Classic, Between the Pipes Stage, featuring a custom hockey net prop. Our defending 2024 champion, Chase Beckley, completely blocked out the external noise. He locked in, absolutely focused, and dropping only 1 impact, clawing his way back to tie Rhoads for the top spot.
Meanwhile, Corson Piper was mounting a furious comeback of his own from a few points back. He finished his day on Stage 4, dropping 3 shots and wrapping up an incredible performance to take 3rd place overall.
With the match ending in a dead tie, the win ultimately came down to a tie-breaker. After meticulously reviewing the scores from Stage 8’s PRS Wall, Dale Rhoads officially took the victory by a single point!
Both of our top finishers walked away with an immense amount of respect for the venue and the course of fire.
"I love thisplace; Canada is a beautiful country, and Van and the team at Apex put on an incredible event, I will definitely be back next year!"
When asked to describe the grueling match in just one word, Dale chose: “Challenging.”
Second-place finisher Chase Beckley agreed on just how tough the foothills can be, “It is incredibly tough to get consistent wind calls out here. It really highlights the importance of staying consistent and sticking to your process.”
A Mountain of Gratitude
Across all 150+ competitors, one thing certainly remained consistent: everyone is already counting down the days until next year’s match.
An event of this scale doesn’t just happen. It takes an absolute army of dedicated, passionate people working behind the scenes to pull off the largest PRS match in Canadian history. We want to extend a massive, heartfelt thank you to everyone who poured their time, energy, and heart into this weekend:
Our Incredible Host & Landowner: Thank you for opening up this spectacular new piece of paradise to our community. The venue was world-class, and we are so grateful for your hospitality.
The Legend-Tier ROs & Volunteers: You stood out in the blistering heat on Saturday and braved the swirling, frustrating winds on Sunday – all to keep the match running safely, smoothly, and on time. We literally could not do this without you.
Our Generous Sponsors: Thank you for stepping up, setting up, and continuously investing in the growth of precision rifle shooting in Canada. Your support makes our legendary prize table and the entire experience possible.
The Apex Staff: For the endless hours of planning, logistics, stage design, and behind-the-scenes grinding to make sure this event was executed flawlessly.
The Competitors & Attendees: Whether you flew across an ocean or drove down the highway, thank you for bringing your positive attitudes, your competitive spirit, and your love for the sport. You are the heartbeat of this community.
Media and Results
Ready to dive into the stats, analyze the stages, or find that perfect action shot of yourself on the tank traps? We’ve got you covered.
Thank you all for making history with us in the Foothills of Southern Alberta. Clean your rifles, pack your gear, and start practicing those wind calls – we’ll see you all on the line for 2027.
