St Neot decider: teenage duo topple champions for world Smite title

A single shot needed to land, and only one of four players on that patch of grass had to have the nerve to throw it. When the World Smite Doubles final at St Neot’s Doorstep Green went to a decider, it was sixteen-year-old Carne Michell who delivered, with a two-time former World Singles Champion waiting just feet away and a real chance the whole thing could have swung the other way.

Teenagers take the doubles crown

Carne Michell, sixteen, from St Erme, and 17-year-old Joseph Nicholson, from Tresillian, were crowned the 2026 World Smite Doubles Champions after beating 2022 champions Andrew Nicholson and his son Isaac, a former two-time World Smite Singles Champion, in a tense best-of-three final on Bank Holiday Monday, 31 August.

With the match tied at a set apiece, either team could have taken it. Carne held his nerve to land the winning shot, with Isaac waiting in the wings and a real chance to win had he missed. Joseph’s father and brother were beaten in the process, sealing a first world title for the teenage pair.

📷2026 Smite World Singles Champion Jack Shephard (right) receives his medal and prize, alongside runner-up Andrew Nicholson. Credit: Steven Michell

Jack Shephard makes it back to back

Jack Shephard retained his Smite Singles World Championship title with a 2-0 win over Andrew Nicholson, a repeat of last year’s final. The scoreline flattered the winner. Andrew missed chances to win both sets and turn the match his way, and it was Jack’s defensive play that kept denying him the opening.

The defending champion held his nerve to land the title-winning shot with Andrew just one successful shot away from levelling the match, securing back to back World Championship titles in dramatic fashion.

📷Carne Michell hits the winning shot to seal the 2026 World Smite Doubles Championship. Credit: Steven Michell

A village green tradition that’s outgrown the village green

The traditional Cornish outdoor throwing game of Smite has grown steadily since the first World Championships were held in St Neot in 2005. Organised by the game’s creators, Roger and Sue Daniel, that first event drew just a few dozen friends onto the village green.

This year’s Championships attracted 48 doubles pairings and 40 singles hopefuls, a long way from those early beginnings.

Where to catch it next

The Cornish Smite Championships return to Tresillian Playing Field near Truro (TR2 4AY) on 19 September at 2pm, with a doubles-only competition open to all. Entry is £5 per team.

📷From left to right: 2026 World Smite Doubles Championship runners-up Andrew Nicholson and Isaac Nicholson, and champions Joseph Nicholson and Carne Michell. Credit: Steven Michell