James Lutz Shoots 719 to Break Ten-Year-Old Compound World Record

James "Jimmy" Lutz of the United States shot 719 out of a possible 720 in the compound men's 72-arrow qualification round at the 2026 Easton Foundations Gator Cup in Newberry, Florida, on 18 April 2026. The score beats the previous world record of 718, set by his compatriot Braden Gellenthien in July 2016.

The numbers

What a 719 means

Compound qualification is shot on an 80 cm face with a 10 ring 8 cm in diameter, from 50 metres. A 719 means 71 arrows in that 8 cm circle and one arrow in the 9 ring, which is only a few centimetres wider. The record had stood for almost ten years despite steady improvements in bows, arrows and release aids, which shows how close to the ceiling top compound archers already were.

Lutz's recent form

Lutz won the compound men's title at the 2024 Hyundai Archery World Cup Final in Tlaxcala and has been a regular on the United States team. He described himself as surprised and proud in USA Archery's report.

Why it matters

Records at this level are rare and, in a sport where the maximum is fixed, each one leaves less room above it. The 2026 season went on to produce further compound records in match play at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, including the first perfect 150 in a 15-arrow match by an under-18 woman.