Victory for Ojas Deotale in $10K Shootoff at the 2024 Vegas Shoot

In a memorable moment for Indian archery, Ojas Deotale secured a win as the second Indian archer to conquer the $10K-a-Day Shootoff at the 58th Vegas Shoot.

Ojas Deotale of India poses with his winning arrow and prize check, as captured at the 2024 Vegas Shoot in the South Point Hotel and Casino on Feb. 3, 2024.

A record-breaking 105 archers, including Deotale, participated in the shootoff, necessitating two shooting lines for the first two ends. The stiff competition intensified with the cheers of the crowd, resulting in 27 eliminations after the first end and further narrowing down to just 11 archers after the second end.

The fourth end witnessed a riveting showdown between two exceptional archers, former World Champion Stephan Hansen and Deotale. In a remarkable display of skill and composure, Deotale emerged victorious. The moment of triumph saw a jubilant celebration as many of Deotale's Indian teammates congratulated him with heartfelt hugs and high-fives.

Deotale is embraced by his friends, as captured at the 2024 Vegas Shoot on Feb. 3, 2024.

“My heart is still pumping ‘dum dum dum,’” laughed the 21-year-old. Deotale shared that although the announcers kept reminding everyone of the monetary prize, he tried to think only of one thing. ”They were always announcing that [the winner] will get 10K, 10K, 10K. I just told myself ‘forget it and focus on your shooting, that’s it.’”

His strategy paid off big time. Deotale's win not only marks a personal milestone but also serves as an inspiration for his home country’s archery community. “I’m very proud that I am Indian and that I won this.” His groundbreaking victory highlights the global reach and competitive spirit of archery, and showcases the talent and dedication of the athletes who converge at The Vegas Shoot each year.

Deotale is perfect through today’s round, which means he is 30 arrows away from joining the final Vegas Championship Shootoff. Will he strike gold twice? Who will be taking home a check from the $143,000 Championship Open prize pool? All of that and more to come tomorrow.

Be sure to follow live results and stream the final Championship Shootoff at 5:30pm PST on ArcheryTV+.Check the schedule here for more information, and follow @TheVegasShoot on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates.