In the heart of South Moravia, the historic city of Znojmo played host to the world’s top sport shooters as it welcomed the 2025 IPSC PCC / Mini Rifle World Shoot.

Text: Markéta Samková
Photos: Photos: Dušan Nechvátal

One of the most significant sport shooting events of the year has officially come to a close – the 2025 IPSC PCC/
Mini Rifle World Shoot. This year, the Czech Republic had the distinct honor of hosting this prestigious competition in its Inaugural edition, providing shooters from across the globe with a top-tier experience set against the picturesque backdrop of South Moravia.

Notably, a major highlight of this event was that it marked the first-ever World Championship to combine both PCC (Pistol Caliber Carbine) and Mini Rifle disciplines into a single match, making it a truly historic occasion.

It’s also important to mention that such a large-scale match returned to the Czech Republic after more than two decades—the last time being the 2004 European Handgun Championship, making this year’s event even more special. Nearly 1,100 dedicated shooters representing over 50 regions participated in the competition, each bringing
their skills and passion for the sport. The event was made possible by an organizing team of nearly 200 individuals, including Range Officers (ROs), who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Throughout the competition, thousands of rounds were fired, and competitors, staff, and volunteers walked hundreds—if not thousands—of kilometers during stage briefings, resets, and transitions. The atmosphere on the ranges was filled with countless smiles, friendly greetings, and handshakes, reflecting the camaraderie and sportsmanship that define the shooting sports community.

A unique and challenging aspect of this championship was its format: the match was held simultaneously at two separate ranges located approximately 15 kilometers apart. Competitors were required to shoot stages at both locations, adding a logistical and strategic element to the event. Unlike traditional matches that might be split by firearm type, this event saw both PCC and Mini Rifle squads rotating through both ranges, with each stage carefully adapted to suit each specific discipline contested.

The festivities began with a vibrant opening ceremony on Sunday, May 18, 2025, in the historic center of Znojmo.
True to local tradition, the ceremony featured drummers, trumpeters, participants in historical costumes, and even knights. The highlight was a knightly duel, which was made even more memorable by being started with a timer beep and concluded with ceremonial gunfire—officially signaling the start of the championship.

For perspective, while competitors were only required to be on the range for their scheduled shifts, ROs started
their days at 5:00 a.m. for breakfast, were on the range by 6:10 a.m., and often didn’t return to their hotels until around 7:00 p.m. Their unwavering dedication is truly inspiring, and I deeply appreciate their efforts. The statistics team also deserves significant recognition; they frequently stayed at the range almost until nightfall, meticulously checking, correcting, and fine-tuning everything to ensure the smooth running of each day. These individuals are truly among the best in the business.

Thanks are also due to the organizing team, range owners, and the city of Znojmo. Many of these people were involved in preparations long before the event began—some for weeks, others for months, and a few for nearly two years. Their commitment and hard work were vital to the event’s success. Of course, we cannot forget to thank the competitors themselves, who created an unforgettable atmosphere filled with sportsmanship, respect, and camaraderie.

Special recognition goes to Regional Director and Match Director Martin Novotný, whose passion and leadership were instrumental in bringing this event to life. Also deserving of thanks are Range Master Gábor Sötét from Hungary and Deputy Range Masters Roman Šedý from the Czech Republic and Mark Weisinger from Denmark. Thank you, gentlemen, for your outstanding contributions.