World’s Elite Descend on Budapest for High-Stakes Men’s Epee Grand Prix
The international fencing circuit moves to the historic heart of the sport this weekend as the Westend Men’s Epee Grand Prix returns to Budapest. As the second event in the prestigious Grand Prix trilogy of the 2025-2026 season, Budapest offers fencers the chance to earn critical double-weighted ranking points in what has already become one of the most unpredictable and competitive seasons in recent memory.
With no single fencer dominating the podium this year, the spotlight falls on a mix of local legends, rising stars, and seasoned veterans who have consistently fought their way into the final stages of the season's opening five events.
Home Favourites and the Fight for Number One
All eyes will be on world number two Gergely Siklósi (HUN). The local hero and 2019 World Champion has remained a model of consistency, earning a bronze medal at the Doha Grand Prix in January and a podium finish in Vancouver to start the season. Siklósi will look to use the home-crowd advantage to leapfrog current world number one Mohamed Elsayed (EGY).
Elsayed, the 2024 Olympic bronze medallist, enters Budapest as the man to beat. His season has been spectacular, headlined by a gold medal at the Vancouver World Cup and back-to-back bronze medals in Heidenheim and Astana.
Fencers in Form: The Rise of Kurbanov and Tulen
Kazakhstan’s Ruslan Kurbanov arrives in Budapest as perhaps the most dangerous fencer in the field. Kurbanov has reached the final in the last two consecutive World Cups, taking gold in Heidenheim and silver in Astana. His surge has moved him to fourth in the world and established him as a major title contender.
Joining him in the "players to watch" category is Tristan Tulen (NED). The veteran Dutchman achieved a career-best result in January by capturing gold at the Doha Grand Prix. Having followed that up with a bronze in Heidenheim, where he once again defeated the reigning Olympic Champion Koki Kano, Tulen has proven he has the tactical depth to dismantle the world's top-ranked fencers.
The Italian Surge and Global Challengers
The Italian squad continues to display incredible depth. Young phenom Matteo Galassi (ITA), currently ranked fifth in the world, has already secured two podium finishes this season (Bronze in Vancouver, Silver in Fujairah). He is joined by teammate Davide Di Veroli (ITA), the world number nine, who recently took silver in Heidenheim.
Other key contenders to watch include:
- Roman Svichkar (UKR): Fresh off a gold-medal victory at the Astana World Cup in March.
- Conrad Kongstad (DEN): The surprise gold medallist from the Fujairah World Cup.
- Koki Kano (JPN): The reigning Olympic and World Champion is seeking his first individual podium of the season and remains the most technically formidable opponent in the draw.
The Road to the Finals
The Budapest Grand Prix serves as a critical barometer for the upcoming World Championships. With over 250 athletes expected to compete, the road to the Sunday finals will be a gruelling test of endurance and mental fortitude.
Action begins with the preliminary rounds on Friday, culminating in the T64 through to the Gold Medal match on Sunday.
Live Coverage: Watch all of the action from the round of 64 on FencingTV.
About the FIE: The International Fencing Federation (FIE) is the world governing body for the sport of fencing, recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).