Benelli congratulates Pro Staff shooter Heather Eckhardt on helping Team USA capture gold in the Ladies Modified division at the 2026 IPSC Shotgun World Shoot in Corinth, Greece.
Held September 21 through October 4, the IPSC Shotgun World Shoot brought together more than 900 competitors from around the world for one of the most demanding events in practical shotgun competition. Competitors faced challenging stages designed to test speed, accuracy, movement, firearm handling and strategy at the highest level of international competition.
Eckhardt earned her place on Team USA Ladies Modified through the U.S. qualification process, earning the opportunity to represent the United States alongside three other elite female competitors.
In the Modified division, competitors are permitted to configure their semi-automatic shotguns with performance-enhancing equipment, including red-dot optics and muzzle devices. The division places a premium on speed, precision and the ability to perform under pressure.
Eckhardt and her Team USA teammates delivered when it mattered most, defeating every other national team competing in the division to claim the Ladies Modified World Championship. Team Philippines earned silver, while Team Poland captured bronze. Greece finished fourth, followed by Great Britain in fifth.
For Eckhardt, standing atop the podium in Greece was the culmination of years of dedication and preparation, and a moment she says she will never forget. "Winning gold on Team USA in Ladies Modified at the IPSC Shotgun World Shoot is one of the proudest moments of my shooting career. To represent my beloved country on the world stage, alongside an incredible team of women, and come home as World Champions is something I'll always carry with me. I'm extremely grateful to Benelli for their continued support and for building the M2 Speed, a shotgun I can trust when it matters most. This medal represents a lot of work, a lot of support, and a pretty incredible journey."
Eckhardt's success is another example of the performance-driven relationship between Benelli and the shooters who put its firearms to the test at the highest levels of competition. Her championship-winning setup centered around the Benelli M2 Speed, a shotgun engineered for fast, reliable performance when fractions of a second matter.
"More than anything, I hope this inspires more women of all ages to get out there and shoot. You can do it!" Eckhardt added.
Benelli has a long history of developing shotguns for shooters who demand speed, reliability and confidence from their equipment. The M2 Speed builds on the proven Inertia Driven® system, delivering fast cycling and dependable operation while incorporating features designed specifically for the demands of competitive shooting.
For Benelli, Eckhardt's World Championship performance represents more than a podium finish. It is a testament to the preparation, determination and trust required to compete, and win, at the highest level of the sport.
In Greece, Team USA proved they were the best in the world. And with Heather Eckhardt and the Benelli M2 Speed leading the way, the Ladies Modified World Championship is coming home to the United States.
For more information on Benelli USA's full line of premium shotguns and centerfire hunting rifles, visit BenelliUSA.com.
About Benelli: Benelli, headquartered in Accokeek, Maryland, offers the largest selection of semi-automatic shotguns in the world, as well as a variety of rifles. Since the company's inception, Benelli has led the world in innovative firearm technology, including the ground-breaking Benelli Inertia Driven system, Advanced Impact barrel technology, effective recoil-reduction systems, and the BE.S.T. anti-corrosion coatings. Because of this commitment to innovation, Benelli is recognized as the world's leading manufacturer of premium firearms for competitive shooters, hunters, and defense professionals.