Photo Credits: Hector Cibrian, Cibrian Production House

After a disappointing cancellation in 2023, the Red Oktober Kalashnikov Championship (ROKC) made a welcomed return in 2024, delivering an unforgettable weekend of intense competition for AK enthusiasts from across the country. Held from October 10-13 at the Pro Gun Club in Las Vegas, Nevada, the event proved to be a true test of skill and endurance, with shooters pushing themselves and their rifles to the limit.

A Prime Location

Pro Gun Vegas, the host of the Red Oktober Kalashnikov Championship 2024, is conveniently located just 30 minutes southeast of Harry Reid International Airport. This prime location makes it easily accessible for competitors traveling from across the country. With a variety of hotels and resorts in close proximity to the venue, participants had no trouble finding suitable accommodations to fit their needs and budgets.

Eight Stages of Exhilaration

This year’s match featured eight challenging stages designed to test the mettle of both shooters and their AKs. Competitors were scored across seven of the eight stages due to one stage being tossed to ensure equity across the field. With the match utilizing Hit Factor scoring, every shot counted, and consistency proved to be the key to success.

Flexible Match Format

The ROKC 2024 offered a flexible match format to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of its participants. The staff match took place on October 10, allowing organizers and volunteers to test the stages and ensure a smooth experience for the competitors.

For those looking to complete the match in a single day, the All Day Match Option was available on October 11. This format allowed shooters to tackle all eight stages in one go, making it an ideal choice for those with limited time or those who prefer a more intensive shooting experience.

Alternatively, competitors could opt for the two-day format, shooting half of the match on Saturday, October 12, and the remaining stages on Sunday, October 13. This option provided a more relaxed pace, allowing participants to enjoy the full weekend experience and socialize with fellow AK enthusiasts.

Mother Nature’s Cooperation

The weather during the event was nothing short of challenging, with temperatures reaching 97°F during the event. The hot temperatures tested the competitors’ endurance and ability to maintain focus under pressure. Lower humidity levels and light winds provided a small measure of relief.

Champions Crowned

After four days of intense competition, the dust settled, and the champions emerged. Let’s take a look at the top three performers in each division:

Gulag:

1. Brandon Badger – 100% (1205 pts)
2. Ivan Loomis – 60.91% (733.99 pts)
3. Martin Biorato – 45.65% (550.06pts)

Heavy Irons:

1. Kyle Litzie – 100% (1415 pts)
2. Nathan Sorensen – 58.85% (832.68 pts)
3. John Misola – 55.31% (782.65 pts)

Heavy Optics:

1. Zack Smith – 100% (1415 pts)
2. Allan Webster – 77.16% (1091.83 pts)
3. Ryan Truong – 75.99% (1075.23 pts)

Light Irons:

1. Forrest Moulton – 100% (1414.92 pts)
2. Evgeny Che – 80.43% (1138.00 pts)
3. Aaron Sturholm – 49.55% (701.08 pts)

Light Optics:

1. Tim Panic – 100% (1382.49 pts)
2. Marco Cabahug – 92.35% (1276.70 pts)
3. Leland Hart – 85.95% (1188.32 pts)

PCC:

1. Russel Curtis – 100% (1365.98 pts)
2. Brandon Badger – 81.38% (1111.66 pts)
3. Jae Seifert – 76.92% (1050.70 pts)

Special recognition goes to Kyle Litzie, the reigning IPSC Rifle World Shoot champion, who demonstrated his exceptional skills by securing the top spot in the Heavy Irons division. His victory in Finland earlier this year marked the first time an American has won both the Overall and Open competitive divisions, while also leading the US men’s team to their first ‘Team’ overall win.

The Red Oktober Kalashnikov Championship 2024 will be remembered as a milestone event that showcased the best of the AK community. With its challenging course of fire, hit factor scoring, flexible match format, and top-tier talent, the match set a new standard for future competitions. As participants bid farewell to Las Vegas, they left with newfound friends, unforgettable memories, and a renewed passion for the sport they love.