#Japan #Prague #Japan Team #Yo-Yo Contest #World Yo-Yo

The Thrilling Highlights of the 2025 World Yo-Yo Contest

The much-anticipated World Yo-Yo Contest 2025 took place from August 7 to August 10 in the vibrant city of Prague, Czech Republic. This year's event, organized by the International Yo-Yo Federation (IYYF), marked a significant return after a hiatus since 2014. With over 287 contestants representing a record 40 countries and regions, the atmosphere was electric, attracting nearly 1,500 spectators eager to witness incredible performances.

Yo-yo competitions have grown increasingly popular worldwide, showcasing technical proficiency and creativity set to music. Contestants engage in freestyle routines evaluated by accomplished judges, and this year saw a remarkable level of talent, especially from Japanese players.

Japan's yo-yo team shone brightly, winning five out of six divisions, solidifying their reputation as powers in this thrilling sport. Let’s take a closer look at the winners from each category:

1A (One-Handed String Tricks)

• - Champion: Mir Kim (17, South Korea)
• - Runner-Up: Hunter Feuerstein (20, USA)
• - Third Place: Chandler Steele (27, USA)

Despite intense competition, Mir Kim from South Korea managed to clinch the title in the 1A division, showcasing technical finesse that wowed the judges.

2A (Two-Handed Looping)

• - Champion: Arata Imai (26, Osaka, Japan)
• - Runner-Up: Hajime Sakauchi (21, Tokyo, Japan)
• - Third Place: Yamato Fujiwara (22, Tokyo, Japan)

Japanese players swept the podium in 2A, with Arata Imai demonstrating exceptional control and creativity with his loops.

3A (Two-Handed String Tricks)

• - Champion: Hajime Miura (21, Tokyo, Japan)
• - Runner-Up: Tomoya Kurita (33, Chiba, Japan)
• - Third Place: Minato Furuta (29, Gifu, Japan)

Hajime Miura's remarkable routine in the 3A division left a lasting impression, securing him the championship title.

4A (Offstring)

• - Champion: Kaoru Nakamura (23, Kanagawa, Japan)
• - Runner-Up: Gunju Eom (18, South Korea)
• - Third Place: Bin Ge (30, China)

The 4A division saw Kaoru Nakamura fascinating the audience with his innovative offstring techniques.

5A (Counterweight)

• - Champion: Sora Ishikawa (30, Tokyo, Japan)
• - Runner-Up: Jihoo Lee (20, South Korea)
• - Third Place: Miggy Hizon (27, Philippines)

Sora Ishikawa took home the top honor in 5A, showcasing an impressive array of counterweight moves.

Art & Performance Division

• - Grand Champion: Rei Iwakura (39, Aichi, Japan)
• - Entertainment Award: Rei Iwakura (39, Aichi, Japan)
• - Artistic Award: Unbound (Czech)

In an exceptional display of artistry, Rei Iwakura not only won the Grand Champion title but also received recognition for both the Entertainment and Artistic categories, solidifying his status on the world stage.



The event's venue was lively and buzzing, with passionate attendees cheering on their favorite competitors, while dedicated local staff ensured everything ran smoothly.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Next year's World Yo-Yo Contest 2026 is set to be hosted at Akurei Himeji in Himeji, Japan, from August 13 to August 16. This event will further strengthen the cultural ties between Prague, with its historical castle, and Himeji Castle, which recently became a sister castle, marking a significant connection between the two cities.

For more information about the contest and results, you can visit the official website WYYC2025, and follow their updates on Instagram and Facebook.

The World Yo-Yo Contest not only serves as a fierce competition but also as a platform for creativity, cultural exchange, and the joy of sport, making it an exciting event for fans and participants alike. Don't miss the chance to witness the magic that unfolds in Himeji next year!