Player Spotlight: Anthony Barela – From Prodigy to Powerhouse

🚀 Anthony Barela's Record-Breaking -16 Round

Witness every shot from Barela's historic 1106-rated round at the 2024 Texas State Disc Golf Championships.

If you’ve watched a Disc Golf Pro Tour event in the last few years, chances are you’ve seen Anthony Barela throwing absolute missiles down the fairway. With one of the smoothest and most powerful backhands in the game, “AB” has grown from a young phenom into a full-fledged contender — and in 2024, he finally turned his potential into podiums.

At just 24 years old, Barela is entering his prime, and the rest of the MPO field is officially on notice.

A Young Phenom with Something to Prove

Born on January 4, 2000, in Mesa, Arizona, Anthony Barela grew up in a family that loved sports — but disc golf quickly stole his attention. He picked up his first disc at age 6, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already dominating local events.

In 2015, at just 15 years old, Barela became the youngest winner in history of the United States Amateur Disc Golf Championship, a record that still stands. That victory didn't just make waves — it lit the fuse for one of the sport’s most anticipated careers.

Early Pro Years and A-Tier Success

AB turned professional in 2016 and began learning the ropes of the elite circuit. While it took a few years to find his footing, Barela never stopped developing his skills — or fine-tuning the form that would eventually become one of the most emulated in the game.

In 2019, he picked up his first A-Tier victory at the Shelly Sharpe Memorial, the same course he had grown up playing as a junior. That win marked the beginning of his slow but steady rise through the rankings — always in the mix, always dangerous.

👜 Inside Anthony Barela's Bag: 2024 Edition

Discover the discs that power Barela's game in this comprehensive in-the-bag video.

2024: The Breakthrough Year

The long-awaited breakout arrived in early 2024 when Barela won the DGPT Chess.com Invitational, a massive Elite Series event packed with the sport’s best. Barela’s calm composure, powerful drives, and confident putting came together at just the right time, earning him his first Disc Golf Pro Tour title and a long-overdue moment in the spotlight.

That win launched him into the top 10 in the world rankings and erased any doubt about his ability to close out big events. Since then, he’s followed it with consistent top finishes and one of the highest fairway hit percentages on tour.

🎯 Top 5 Shots: Anthony Barela's Unstoppable Season

Relive the most impressive moments from Barela's standout performances during the 2024 season.

Signature Style: Smooth Power and Silent Confidence

Anthony Barela’s form is widely praised for its balance between fluid mechanics and explosive power. His backhand can reach well over 600 feet with control, but it’s his ability to dial it down and shape precise shots that separates him from mere power throwers.

Despite his quiet demeanor, Barela plays with intensity. He rarely shows emotion on the course but plays with a focused edge that has earned him respect across the sport.

Looking Ahead

With a new level of confidence and a major title under his belt, Anthony Barela is no longer just a player with potential — he’s a legitimate title threat at every event. As he continues to refine his game and stack wins, his place in disc golf’s elite is no longer a question of “if” — it’s just a matter of how far he’ll go.

At Skyzer Disc Golf, we’re watching AB’s rise with excitement — because the kid who threw bombs at 15 is now a man chasing world titles.