Koki Kano victory made history by becoming Japan’s first epee world champion. He defeated Hungary’s Gergely Siklosi 10-9 in a thrilling overtime final at the 2025 Fencing World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia. This Koki Kano victory builds on his Olympic gold win in Paris last year, where he led Japan to its first individual fencing gold.
In the world championship final, Kano adopted a more aggressive strategy than in their previous Olympic encounter. He scored the decisive point with a thrust to Siklosi’s chest, securing the win. Earlier in the tournament, Kano overcame strong competition from fellow Japanese fencers Akira Komata and Masaru Yamada in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. Despite the pressure of facing a formidable opponent like Siklosi, Kano’s confidence and preparation were key to his victory.
Kano expressed his joy after the match, saying, “I’m happy to have got another ‘first-ever’ title for the country.” He also emphasized his ongoing motivation: “I always feel my efforts have paid off whenever I compete and win tournaments in the sport I love. I want to win even more medals.”
In the women’s sabre event, two-time reigning champion Misaki Emura of Japan was eliminated in the third round, highlighting the competitive nature of the championships.
The Koki Kano victory marks a significant milestone for Japanese fencing. It highlights Japan’s growing prominence on the global stage and inspires future athletes in the sport. Kano’s success is expected to boost interest in fencing across Japan and encourage greater support for the sport.
