Sensation in San Antonio
The U.S. team triumphs and Karen Miles makes history.
The 2026 World English Sporting Clays Championship at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio was not for the faint of heart. But in the end, the sun shone brightest over Texas for the hosts. The US team dominated the field and secured its place at the top of the world elite.
A Woman for the History Books
While the entire team shone, one shooter stole the show: Karen Miles. Miles not only secured the world championship title in the women’s singles once again, but also broke a historic barrier: she became the first woman ever to qualify for the prestigious Super Final. A spine-tingling moment for the sport, demonstrating that the bar for the competition has been raised significantly as of today.
There’s more to this success than just talent. Those who know her well are aware: When Karen steps onto the course, she brings a combination of iron discipline, unbridled passion, and a precision that is second to none. And yet, Karen was also able to enjoy the competition: “The layout had a lot to offer, and it was great fun to take on every single clay target. I’m very grateful that things went so well for me.”
Her husband, Gebben Miles, finished the 2026 World English Sporting Clays Championship as runner-up (vice world champion). He also qualified for the prestigious Super Final of the top six shooters and took second place there behind Braxton Oliver. Gebben: “It was an extraordinary feeling to shoot there, together with Karen!”
With the 2026 World English Sporting Clays Championship, both once again underscored their exceptional standing in the sport, having already celebrated a joint success at the Jack Link’s Cup.
With a total of 1,300 participants from 19 nations, the championship, organized in collaboration with the CPSA, was a true celebration of sportsmanship. San Antonio 2026 will be remembered as a year in which records were broken and a new era in sporting clays was ushered in. Congratulations to Karen and Gebben Miles!
Background:
The World English Sporting Clays Championship is regarded as one of the most significant international competitions in clay target shooting. It alternates annually between the United Kingdom and the United States, as it is jointly supported by the British Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) and the American National Sporting Clay Association (NSCA). While English Sporting has its roots in the UK, the United States is today considered one of the world’s strongest nations in this discipline. The change of venue bridges tradition and modern competitive culture and underscores the championship’s international status.
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