To help you plan your training schedule, book your travel, and tune your equipment, we've compiled the essential dates across the three major competitive tracks: International, National, and Collegiate.
The International Stage (ISSF & Major Opens)
The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) circuit is the pinnacle of the sport, offering high-stakes competition leading up to major championships. These are the dates where the world’s best will be testing their skills.
| Event | Location | Tentative Dates (Rifle/Pistol Focus) |
| European Championship 10m | Osijek, Croatia | March 7 – 13, 2026 |
| ISSF World Cup R/P/S | Buenos Aires, Argentina | April 1 – 11, 2026 |
| ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol | Granada, Spain | April 5 – 13, 2026 |
| ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol | Munich, Germany | May 24 – 31, 2026 |
| ISSF Junior World Championship | Suhl, Germany | June 16 – 26, 2026 |
| ISSF World Cup R/P/S | Hangzhou, China | July 20 – 29, 2026 |
| 16th Asian Championship | Shymkent, Kazakhstan | August 16 – 30, 2026 |
Key Takeaway: If you're a high-performance shooter, the Munich World Cup in May is traditionally one of the biggest and most prestigious 10m Air Rifle events outside of a World Championship.
National & Regional Matches (USA Focus)
For U.S.-based competitors, these domestic events are crucial for national rankings, team selection, and high-level experience.
| Event | Organization | Location(s) | Tentative Dates |
| Winter Air Gun (WAG) Championships | USA Shooting / CMP | Colorado Springs, CO & Camp Perry, OH | December 11 – 14, 2025 |
| National Matches Air Gun Events | CMP | Camp Perry, OH (Gary Anderson Center) | July 14 – August 5, 2026 |
| NRA World Shooting Championship | NRA | Camp Atterbury, IN | September 30 – Oct 4, 2026 |
Why it Matters: The Winter Air Gun (WAG) Championships in December serve as a major benchmark, drawing top talent to two concurrent venues. It is a must-attend event for anyone serious about making national teams or setting competitive goals for the new year.
The Collegiate Schedule (NCAA Rifle)
The NCAA Rifle season is incredibly competitive, featuring both 10m Air Rifle and Smallbore events. The regular season runs through the fall and winter, culminating in championships in early spring.
| Event | Level | Host/Location | Tentative Dates |
| MAC Championship | Conference | MIT, Cambridge, MA | February 28 – March 1, 2026 |
| NCAA Rifle Championships | National | Hosted by Ohio State | March 13 – 14, 2026 |
| Various Dual Meets | NCAA Regular Season | Across the US (See team schedules) | Oct 2025 – Feb 2026 |
The Goal: The ultimate prize is the NCAA Rifle Championship in March. Following the intense dual-meet schedule, this event brings together the top collegiate athletes in the country to crown a team champion in both disciplines.
Your Competitive Action Plan
This calendar is more than just a list of dates—it’s a road map for your training.
Set Your A-Game Event: Pick your main focus (e.g., WAG in December or an ISSF World Cup) and structure your training cycle around peaking for that competition.
Use Monthly Matches for Practice: Don't overlook the regularly scheduled CMP Monthly Matches (at Camp Perry, Anniston, and Talladega). These offer a low-stakes environment to test gear, try new techniques, and practice your routine under match pressure.
Watch the Finals: Even if you can't attend, following the Finals for the ISSF and NCAA events (often streamed online) is invaluable for observing elite technique and strategy under pressure.
Ready to start planning? Which of these major tournaments is on your 2026 bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
Disclaimer: All dates are tentative and based on published schedules from the respective governing bodies as of October 2025. Always check the official ISSF, USA Shooting, or CMP websites for the final, confirmed schedules before making travel arrangements.
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