The global fencing spotlight turns to two continents this weekend, as the world’s elite epee and sabre fencers compete at the Epee Grand Prix in Doha, Qatar, and the Sabre World Cup in Salt Lake City, USA, with more than 800 athletes in action.
In women’s epee, Marie-Florence Candassamy of France arrives in Doha full of confidence after capturing gold at the Fujairah World Cup just two weeks ago. The French fencer will be aiming to confirm her form on the Grand Prix stage against a deep and highly competitive field.
On the men’s side, attention will focus on Italy’s Matteo Galassi, whose rapid rise has been one of the season’s early talking points. The 20-year-old claimed silver in Fujairah and has since climbed to seventh in the senior world rankings, using an unconventional and highly effective fencing style to unsettle more experienced opponents.
In sabre, the spotlight shifts to Salt Lake City, where two-time World Champion Misaki Emura of Japan will be chasing gold after finishing runner-up at the Tunis Grand Prix. The Japanese star faces stiff opposition from France’s Sébastien Patrice, who arrives with momentum after ending Krisztián Rabb’s two-event Grand Prix winning streak in Tunis and now targets back-to-back victories.
Adding further intrigue is the return of 2025 World Champion Sandro Bazadze of Georgia, who missed the Tunis event through illness. Bazadze made history last season by becoming Georgia’s first senior world champion in front of his home crowd in Tbilisi, and his blend of speed, power, and mental resilience makes him one of the most compelling athletes on the international circuit.
Event: FIE Grand Prix
Place: Doha, Qatar
Weapon: Epee
Gender: Women & Men
Date: 23-25 January 2026
Info: W Individual Epee, M Individual Epee
Event: FIE World Cup
Place: Salt Lake City, USA
Weapon: Sabre
Gender: Women & Men
Date: 22-25 January 2026
Info: W Individual Sabre, M Individual Sabre, W Team Sabre, M Team Sabre