BALTIMORE, MD — The inaugural National Free Throw Championship debuted during Supernova 2026 at the Baltimore Convention Center, bringing an open-to-the-public basketball competition into the middle of the festival weekend.

Throughout Supernova, attendees had the chance to step to the line and qualify for the championship field. The open qualifying format made the event accessible to fans, competitors and casual attendees, and the competition was well attended throughout the weekend as participants tested their routine, focus and consistency under pressure.

The top qualifiers advanced into a Top 16 bracket using a head-to-head 1v1 format. Each matchup turned free throw shooting into a direct duel, with competitors moving through the bracket one round at a time toward the championship stage.

Katie Bena, who played on the women’s basketball team at Lycoming College and a native of Clarksville, Maryland, emerged as the inaugural champion. Bena separated herself early by hitting 151 consecutive foul shots during the qualifying round, then carried that same composure into the final rounds. She said making 1,000 shots per day is part of her normal practice routine.

The final four competitors advanced to the Supernova mainstage, where the championship conclusion was presented in front of the live festival crowd and livestreamed to more than 20,000 viewers. Under the lights, Bena kept her cool, took home the trophy and earned the majority of the event’s $10,000 prize pool.

The finals were hosted by Cam Spencer, NBA player, 2026 free throw leader and hometown Baltimore athlete. Spencer’s role connected the championship to the discipline and pressure of elite free throw shooting while giving the inaugural NFTC a recognizable basketball voice from the region. Asked his thoughts, Spencer said he loved the location: “I’ve never been to an event like this so I think they should definitely bring it back here in the future... Baltimore is obviously a sports town.”

By combining open qualifying, bracket competition, main stage presentation, a livestream audience and a standout champion performance, the National Free Throw Championship established itself as a new sports event and set a foundation for future editions.

About the National Free Throw Championship

The National Free Throw Championship is an open basketball competition built around pressure shooting, routine and consistency at the free throw line. The inaugural event took place during Supernova 2026 in Baltimore.

About Supernova

Supernova is a four-day gaming and entertainment festival featuring world-class esports competition, live music, interactive attractions, arcade and retro gaming, sports, costumes, vendors and family-friendly programming.