
Top 10 Best Fencers in the World 2025
By ICON TEAM | Published on Apr 28, 2025

List Of Top 10 Best Fencers in the World 2025:
The sport of fencing, also known as "physical chess," requires accuracy, dexterity, and strategic acumen. By 2025, the world's fencing scene is flourishing with outstanding talent, and competitors are demonstrating proficiency with the foil, épée, and sabre, the three Olympic weapons. The elite of the sport is clearly depicted by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) rankings, recent results in major contests such as the Olympics and World Championships, and individual honors. The top ten fencers in the world for 2025 are examined in this article, along with their accomplishments, personal styles, and contributions to the sport.
1. Eli Dershwitz (USA):
In 2025, 29-year-old American sabre fencer Eli Dershwitz is ranked first because to his explosive style and steady domination. After his triumph in Milan in 2023, Dershwitz became the second American to win an individual World Championship. He is well-known for his quick reflexes and aggressive style, and at the age of 14, he became the youngest fencer in the United States to win a Senior National Championship. He solidified his position as a top contender with his 2023 World Championship victory and impressive performances at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he just missed winning gold. Dershwitz is a tough opponent because of his capacity to control the tempo of fights and his mental toughness. He is now positioned as a favorite for potential Olympic gold after honing his talents while working with other elite fencers in Connecticut.
2. Yannick Borel (France):
Renowned for his strength, accuracy, and tactical sense, French épéeist Yannick Borel continues to be a dominant force in fencing. Borel, a three-time European champion and two-time World Champion, has unparalleled control over a match's tempo. His repeated podium finishes in FIE World Cup tournaments and his performances at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he won a team gold, highlight his elite position. When under pressure, Borel can outmaneuver opponents thanks to his physical presence and strategic approach. He is still a strong force in men's épée at the age of 36, motivating younger fencers in France and abroad with his experience and poise.
3. Inna Deriglazova (Russia):
One of the most accomplished female fencers in history is Inna Deriglazova, a Russian foil fencer. She stands out for her technical talent and tactical genius, having won five World Championship crowns and two Olympic gold medals. Deriglazova has remained at the top of women's foil thanks to her ability to outmaneuver opponents with deft movement and lightning-fast assaults. She proved she was still at the top of her game at the age of 35 with her 2024 Olympic performance, where she took home a silver medal. Deriglazova is a role model for aspiring fencers due to her consistency and versatility, and her impact even extends to mentoring younger athletes in Russia.
4. Áron Szilágy (Hungary):
Hungarian swordsman As the only male fencer to win three successive individual Olympic gold medals (2012, 2016, 2020), Áron Szilágyi is a living legend. Szilágyi is 35 years old, and his technical proficiency and composure under duress are still unmatched. His collection of major titles was completed by his victory at the 2022 World Championship in Cairo, and his 2024 performances demonstrated that he is still a strong competitor. Szilágyi is a consistent favorite because of his skill at reading opponents and his sophisticated yet aggressive style. His reputation as one of the best saber fencers of all time is assured as he gets ready for his sixth Olympics.
5. Sofia Velikaya (Russia):
Due to her aggressive approach and powerful assaults, Russian sabre fencer Sofia Velikaya continues to dominate women's saber. Velikaya, a four-time World Champion and two-time Olympic winner, is a dangerous opponent due to her ability to manage the tempo of fights. At 39, her steady FIE World Cup performances and 2024 Olympic medal maintain her in the top tier. Velikaya stands out because to her physicality, mental toughness, and strategic adaptability. Her legacy in Russian fencing is cemented by her accomplishments as a competitor and coach.
6. Ziad Elsissy (Egypt):
Ziad Elsissy, who is 26 years old, is the first Egyptian fencer to ever rank #1 in the world in sabre. His quick ascent, which included winning the Seoul Grand Prix and taking home a bronze at the 2023 World Championships, demonstrates his talent and commitment. Elsissy trains with Eli Dershwitz in Connecticut, and his athleticism and technical accuracy have made him a world-class athlete. His unwavering work ethic is motivated by his goal of becoming the first Egyptian to win an Olympic sabre medal. A new generation of fencers is inspired by Elsissy's rise, which signifies Africa's increasing influence in fencing.
7. Sang-uk Oh (South Korea):
Sabre fencer from South Korea Sang-uk At 27, Oh, often known as "Monster," is a powerful force. Oh, who is 6'3", is a strong candidate due to his physical attributes and technical proficiency. He has won gold in every major competition but the Olympics, and his performance in the 2024 Paris Games, where he won a silver team medal, demonstrated his potential. Oh is a vital member of South Korea's strong sabre team because of his ability to blend strength and skill. His career will revolve around his quest for an individual Olympic gold in 2028.
8. Katrina Lehis (Estonia):
With winning gold in the 2020 Olympic women's team épée and bronze in the individual épée, Estonian épéeist Katrina Lehis has cemented her status as one of the greatest in the world. Lehis, who is thirty, has an advantage in timing and distance management due to her height and strategic approach. Since beginning fencing at the age of ten, she has grown, as seen by her 2024 European Championship gold and steady FIE ranks. Lehis's accomplishments have improved Estonia's fencing reputation, and her commitment to coaching up-and-coming players guarantees her influence will continue.
9. Alessio Foconi (Italy):
Alessio Foconi, a 35-year-old Italian foil fencer who is renowned for his quickness and agility, is still a rising talent. His technical skill is demonstrated by his gold at the 2018 World Championship and his impressive accomplishments at the 2024 Olympics, where he won a team bronze. Foconi is a dangerous competitor because of his ability to control the tempo of fights and take advantage of his opponents' mistakes. He remains among the best because of his dynamic style and contributions to Italy's legendary fencing heritage.
10. Olga Kharlan (Ukraine):
The sabre fencer from Ukraine Olga Kharlan completes the list with her tenacity and outstanding career. Kharlan has won numerous Olympic medals and world championships thanks to her aggressive yet accurate approach. Her continuing skill is demonstrated by her continuous FIE World Cup performances at the age of 34 and her bronze medal from the 2024 Olympic team. Kharlan's status as a competitor and a leader is further enhanced by her support of Ukrainian athletes in the face of persistent difficulties.
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