As we continue exploring Olympic fencing disciplines, let’s turn our attention to Men’s Sabre. Sabre is the most dynamic and explosive of the three fencing weapons, with its slashing cuts and lightning-fast attacks making it a thrilling spectacle for viewers.

The Men’s Sabre Individual competition is scheduled for July 27, 2024, and the Team competition is scheduled for July 31, 2024, at the Paris Olympic Games. Let’s examine some of the top contenders and rising stars to watch. Each of these fencers has the potential to claim gold or a medal, and the competition promises to be fierce. These Olympic Games will undoubtedly create some history, just as we saw Áron Szilágyi of Hungary become the first fencer to win three consecutive individual Olympic gold medals in Tokyo.

Men’s Sabre Individual Event

Áron Szilágyi (Hungary) – World Rank: 4

In this installment of the series, I decided to start the Men’s Sabre with a Hungarian Aron Szhilagyi. At 33, Szilágyi is not just a top contender but a living legend in fencing. This right-handed Hungarian fencer has achieved what no other fencer in history has done with any weapon.

Key Achievements:

• Three-time consecutive Olympic Champion (2012 London, 2016 Rio, 2020 Tokyo)
• 2020 (2021) Olympic Team Bronze
• 2007 and 2014 World Championship Silver medalist
• Multiple World Cup and Grand Prix victories
• Multiple European Championship medals
• 5-time Olympian – 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024

Szilágyi’s Olympic record is unprecedented in fencing history. He is the only male fencer to win three consecutive Individual Olympic gold medals in any weapon. He joined another fencer to win 3 Olympic Individual Golds, legendary Valentina Vezzali from Italy. Szilágyi’s ability to consistently perform at the highest level, especially on the Olympic stage, is remarkable. He holds every possible title: Olympic, World, and European Champion. For many years, he chased his only missing title, Individual World Champion, winning everything else, and finally, his quest succeeded when, in 2022, he won the World Championship in Cairo.

As he approaches his fifth Olympic Games, Szilágyi can extend his historic run. Can he make it an unprecedented fourth consecutive Olympic gold? The pressure and expectations will be immense, but if anyone has proven they can handle Olympic pressure, it’s Szilágyi.

His presence in the competition elevates the entire field. Every bout against Szilágyi is a chance for other fencers to test themselves against one of the greatest Olympic fencers ever. For fans and newcomers to the sport alike, watching Szilágyi fence is watching history in motion.

Regardless of the outcome in Paris, Szilágyi’s legacy in Olympic fencing is secure. But knowing the competitive spirit that has driven him to these historic achievements, he’ll be aiming for nothing less than gold once again.

Ziad Elsissy (Egypt) – World Rank: 1

At 26, Elsissy made history by becoming the first Egyptian fencer to reach the world’s #1 ranking in sabre. Elsissy has recently been on a meteoric rise, consistently improving his performances over the past few seasons. His plan to train alongside reining World Champion Eli Derswitz in his club in Connecticut pays off.

Key Achievements:

– Gold medal at the 2024 Grand Prix in Seoul, Korea

– Bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships in Milan, Italy

– Two-time Zone (African) Champion (2014 Le Caire, 2023 Cairo)

– Two World Cup bronze medals (2022 Alger, 2024 Padua)

– Multiple African Championship medals

Elsissy’s rise to the top of the world rankings is a testament to his skill and dedication. His recent Grand Prix victory in Seoul and World Championship bronze show he can compete with the world’s best. He would aim to translate his world #1 ranking into Olympic success at his second Olympic Games. Could he make history again by becoming the first Egyptian to win an Olympic medal in sabre fencing, following in the footsteps of Alaaeldin Abouelkassem, who won silver in foil in 2012? 

Sandro Bazadze (Georgia) – World Rank: 2

At 30, Bazadze established himself as one of the dominant forces in men’s sabre with a commanding physical and mental presence on the strip (he stands at 1.93m, which is 6ft 4in). Bazadze has been in the top 16 of the world’s ranking for almost a decade, a remarkable achievement. This right-handed Georgian fencer has been on a meteoric rise since the pandemic, consistently performing at the highest level and earning medals.

Key Achievements:

– Silver medal at the 2023 World Championships – his highest achievement up to date

– Bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships

– Two-time European Champion (2022 and 2023)

– Three-time World Cup winner (2022 Georgia, 2022 Algeria, 2023)

– Multiple Grand Prix medals, including gold in 2023 Tunisia

– Two-time Olympian (2016, 2020)

Bazadze’s consistency at the highest level is remarkable, but he never earned an Olympic medal and stated this was his major goal. He is fencing only in the Individual event since the Georgia team couldn’t qualify for the Olympics (Europe is the hardest zone to qualify ffrom, as there are just too many exceptional teams). 

Eli Dershwitz (USA) – World Rank: 3

At 28, Dershwitz is the top-ranked American sabre fencer and has been a consistent force on the international circuit. He became the second man in US history to win the Individual World Championship, 10 years after the first American foilist, Miles Champley-Watson, made history in 2013. Dershwitz loves to break records – he became the youngest man to win the USA National Championship in Seniors at age 14, he was the first sabre fencer to win Junior World Championship in 2015 at age 15, he was the youngest fencer in everything he did – world rankings, 2016 Olympic fencing team – you name it. Now we will root for him to break another record – being the first American man to win Olympic Gold. He has all that is needed for that. 

Key Achievements:

– 2023 World Champion

– 2018 World Championship silver medalist

– Five-time individual Pan American champion

– Three-time World Cup winner (2017, 2018, 2019)

– Three-time Olympian (2016, 2020, 2024)

Dershwitz’s 2023 World Championship victory positions him as a top contender for the Olympic gold. He has all possible medals except the Olympics, and I hope he will pass on Bronze and Silver to win the Gold.

Oh Sang-uk (South Korea) – World Rank: 4

At 27, Oh is part of the formidable South Korean sabre team and has been a dominant force in recent years. This right-handed fencer has an impressive list of achievements.

Key Achievements:

– 2020 (2021) Olympic Team Gold

– 2019 Individual World Champion

– Three-time Team World Champion

– Multiple times Grand Prix and World Cups winner and medalist

– Two-time Individual Asian Champion (2019, 2024)

– Winner of Asian Games and Summer Universiade

Standing at 1.91m (6 ft 3 in), Oh brings both physical presence and technical skill to the piste. It’s not surprising that his nickname is “Monster”. His success at individual and team events makes him a serious contender for individual Olympic gold. He has every possible gold medal in any event, whether it is an individual or team, except for the Olympic gold. Paris Games is his chance to complete his impressive collection. Koreans have been among the world’s best sabre fencers in the last decade, featuring a continuous generational roster of sabre fencers who excel internationally. Sang-uk Oh is one of these exceptional fencers, and one can bet he will do it all to fill his medal gap with the Gold in Paris.

Luigi Samele (Italy) – World Rank: 7

At 36, Samele is one of the field’s most experienced and oldest fencers. This left-handed Italian has consistently performed at the highest level for years.

Key Achievements:

– Tokyo Olympics Silver (Individual) and Silver (Team)

– 2012 Olympic Bronze (Team)

– Three-time Team European Champion

– World Cup winner in 2014

– Multiple World Cup and Grand Prix medals

Samele’s Olympic pedigree is impressive, with medals from the 2012 London and 2020 Tokyo Games. His experience and ability to perform under pressure make him a serious contender. He approaches these Games in excellent form, and this season, he had several podium finishes, including the recent European Championship Bronze, his first individual Zonal medal. Samele is the spouse of another fencing legend, Ukrainian Olga Kharlan (I will cover her in the Women’s Sabre edition). Together, this fencing royal couple will seek success in these Games.

Gu Bon-gil (South Korea) – World Rank: 22

At 35, Gu is one of the field’s most experienced and decorated fencers. His list of medals is nothing less than impressive. He is the only fencer in these Games to win two Team Gold medals back-to-back and holds the most World Team Championship titles among all contenders. This right-handed Korean fencer has been a dominant force in sabre for over a decade.

Key Achievements:

• 2012 and 2020 (2021) Olympic Team Gold medalist
• Four-time Team World Champion
• 2014 and 2017 Individual World Championship silver medalist
• 2011 Individual World Championship bronze medalist
• Seven-time Individual Asian Champion
• Nine-time Team Asian Champion
• Seven-time Individual World Cup winner
• Four-time Olympian (2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)

Gu brings both physical presence and technical skill to the piste. Don’t let his current relatively low ranking compared to his opponent confuse you. His consistency at the highest level is remarkable, with multiple World Cup victories and a string of Asian Championship titles.

Gu’s experience in team events has been crucial to South Korea’s success, including two Olympic team gold medals. His achievements, including World Championship medals and numerous World Cup victories, make him a serious contender for individual Olympic success.

As he approaches his fourth Olympic Games, Gu brings experience and a proven track record of success in major competitions. While it is likely that in the Individual event, it will be more challenging for him to reach his desired result, it is evident that, as a team, the Koreans are unstoppable. Regardless of the outcome, Gu’s presence elevates the entire competition, and his bouts will be must-watch events for any fencing fan.

Luca Curatoli (Italy) – World Rank: 10

At 29, Curatoli is another key member of the strong Italian sabre team. This left-handed fencer has been a consistent performer at the highest level.

Key Achievements:

– 2020 (2021) Olympic Silver (Team)

– 2015 Team World Champion

– World Cup winner in 2019

– 2019 Bronze Medalist in World Championships

– 2022 and 2024 European Silver Medalist

Curatoli’s experience in team events and recent individual successes make him a dangerous opponent. 

Boladé Apithy (France) – World Rank: 12

At 38, Apithy is the oldest and one of the most experienced fencers in the field and a key member of the French sabre team. 

Key Achievements:

• Gold medalist in the 2023 World Cup (Madrid)
• Two-time Grand Prix winner (2019 Moscow, 2020 Montreal)
• Silver medalist at the 2011 and 2012 European Championships
• Bronze medalist at the 2023 European Championships
• Multiple World Cup medals (1 Gold, 2 Silver, 6 Bronze)
• Four-time Olympian (2012, 2016, 2020,2024)

Apithy’s longevity in the sport is impressive, and his recent results show he can still compete at the highest level. His gold medal at the 2023 Algeria World Cup at age 37 demonstrates that he’s still a force to be reckoned with.

As he approaches his fourth Olympic Games, Apithy brings a wealth of experience and a recent uptick in form. Could this be the Olympics, where he finally claims an individual medal? With the home crowd behind him in Paris and his wife, French Sabre fencer Manon Apithy-Brunet, competing at the Games too, Apithy will have extra motivation to perform at his best.

The prospect of competing in the Olympics on home soil is a rare and unique opportunity, and his decision to qualify for these games demands huge respect. For Apithy, these Games represent not just a chance for personal glory but an opportunity to inspire the next generation of French fencers. A strong performance in Paris would be a fitting capstone to his illustrious career. His experience and the motivation to fence in front of a home crowd, supported from the sidelines by his wife, could make him one of the surprise stories of the Olympic sabre competition.

Rising Star to Watch: Colin Heathcock (USA) – World Rank: 6

At just 18 and this year’s high school graduate, Heathcock represents the future of American sabre fencing. And what a fantastic future it is! This right-handed fencer has been making waves in both junior and senior competitions. This season, he finished in the top 8 position six times, won 2 competitions (Grand Prix and World Cup), and medaled in another 2 (Grand Prix and Satelite World Cup). This track record is awe-inspiring for such a young fencer, and it shows tremendous talent and potential for this young boy in particular and for the American future in general.

Key Achievements:

– 2024 World Cup winner in Padua, Italy

– 2024 Grand Prix Winner in Tunis, Tunisia

– Bronze Medal in the 2024 Grand Prix in Seoul, South Korea

– 2023 and 2022 Junior World Champion

Heathcock’s recent successes on the senior circuit, including World Cup and Grand Prix victories, show he can compete with the world’s best. He definitely can be the surprise package of the Olympic sabre competition.

These fencers represent the incredible depth and diversity of talent in men’s sabre fencing. The Olympic sabre competition promises to showcase varied styles and strategies from Olympic medalists to young prodigies, left-handers, and right-handers.

Remember, in sabre, the speed of the actions and the complexity of the right-of-way rules mean that a bout can turn on with a single touch. The unpredictable nature of this discipline, combined with the pressure of the Olympic stage, means that every bout has the potential for drama and upset.

Men’s Sabre Team Event

Eight nations will compete in the team event in Paris. Here’s a breakdown based on team performance in the 2023-2024 season for the qualified countries:

South Korea (World Rank: 1)

South Korea has been a dominant force in men’s sabre for years. They are the reigning Olympic champions from Tokyo 2020 and have consistently performed well in team events. Led by Oh Sang-uk and the experienced Gu Bon-gil, Korea enters the Olympics as one of the favorites for team gold. Since 2012, Koreans have been twice Olympic Champions, four times World Champions, two times Silver World medalists, and one-time Bronze medalists. Only twice (in 2015 and 2016) they missed the podium. Given their unbelievable track record in the last decade, wouldn’t you bet on them to win Gold?

USA (World Rank: 2)

The United States team has steadily risen, with consistent podium finishes in recent years. Led by world champion Eli Dershwitz and rising star Colin Heathcock, the USA will aim for their second Olympic medal in the men’s sabre team event. The first and only Olympic medal in Men’s Sabre was the historic Silver medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games when the Americans beat unbeatable Russians in the semi-final round. The mix of experience and young talent makes Americans a dangerous team for any opponent. They have shown they can deliver – just this season, the team occupied the top of the podium four times.

Hungary (World Rank: 3)

Hungary has a rich history in sabre fencing, including three consecutive individual gold medals from Áron Szilágyi. Historically, Hungary has been the most medaling team in the Olympic Games, and sabre fencing is the best Olympic discipline for the whole of Hungarian sport. Moreover, the Hungarian sabre achieved results that were on par with any other world sport in the history of the Olympic Games. That’s how good Hungarian fencing is! The team comes to the Games with two exceptional accomplishments – the 2023 World Championship and 2024 European titles. As for their leader, Szilagyi, Olympic Team Gold is the only missing Gold medal, and claiming the team Gold would be a historic achievement for this fencing legend.

France (World Rank: 4)

Before Koreans claimed gold in the last two Olympic Games, France had climbed the top twice – in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008. As the host nation, France will be looking to capitalize on its home advantage and return the gold, or at least any medal, as it hasn’t succeeded in doing so since 2008. Led by Boladé Apithy and rising star Maxime Pianfetti, the French team will strive to rise to the occasion. They have only medalled once this season, and I hope the home crowd support will be the extra boost they need to reach the podium.

Egypt (World Rank: 6)

Egypt has been making significant strides in men’s sabre, consistently finishing in the top 8 in World Cups this season. Led by the World #2 Elsissy, Egyptians recently took Silver in a World Cup. While they may not be favorites for gold, their recent performances, resulting in high ranking, show they can compete with the world’s best and have a strong showing.

Italy (World Rank: 8)

Italy, a traditional powerhouse in fencing, claimed silver in the team event at the Tokyo Olympics when the legendary Individual 2004 Olympic Champion Aldo Montano led their team. With experienced fencers like Luigi Samele and Luca Curatoli, Italy will be looking to go one better in Paris, but they would need to work hard. Their performance wasn’t their best this season, with only one podium finish, and they barely made it to the Olympic Qualifications. Good for them; the qualification was sealed a few months ago, at the beginning of April, and they qualified for the European slot. I hope their blend of experience and skill will create a strong team fencing to contend for the spot on the podium – both Samele and Curatoli were on the Olympic Podium in Tokyo, so they know what it means to deliver high results at the Olympics.

Iran(World Rank: 9)

Iran’s qualification for the Olympic team event marks a significant achievement for their fencing program. This will be their second appearance in the Olympic men’s sabre team event, showcasing the growth of fencing in the country and the region. 

Canada (World Rank: 10)

Canada rounds out the field, having secured their spot through consistent performances throughout the season. While they may be underdogs, the Olympic stage often produces unexpected performances.

The Men’s Sabre Team event promises to be highly competitive, with several teams capable of reaching the podium. The team competition format allows for dramatic turnarounds and unexpected results, making it one of the most exciting events in fencing. I predict that three teams, Korea, Hungary, and the USA, will reach the podium, but as history has proven many times, in the Olympic Games, any prediction is unthankful and dangerous. With the talent level across these eight teams, we can expect thrilling matches from the first round to the gold medal match.

Men’s Sabre Complete Roster

Men’s Sabre Team and Individual Event

Korea: Sanguk Oh, Bongil Gu, Sangwon Park, Gyueongdong Do (Team Alternate Only)

USA: Eli Dershwitz, Colin Heathcock, Mitchell Saron, Filip Dolegeiwicz (Team Alternate Only)

Hungary: Áron Szilágyi, Csanád Gémesi, András Szatmári, Krisztian Rabb (Team Alternate Only)

France: Boladé Apithy, Maxime Pianfetti, Sébastien Patrice, Jean-Philippe Patrice (Team Alternate Only)

Italy: Luigi Samele, Luca Curatoli, Michele Gallo, Pietro Torre (Team Alternate Only)

Iran: Ali Pakdaman , Mohammad Rahbari, Mohammad Fotouhi, Farzad Baher Arasbaran (Team Alternate Only)

Egypt: Ziad Elsissy, Mohamed Amer, Adham Moataz, Yassin Khodir (Team Alternate Only)

Canada: Shaul Gordon, François Cauchon, Fares Arfa, Olivier Desrosiers (Team Alternate Only)

Men’s Sabre Individual Event

Sandro Baladze (Georgia), Kento Yoshida (Japan), Yousef Al-Shamlan (Kuwait), Farès Ferjani (Tunisia), Pascual Maria di Tella (Argentina), Matyas Szabo (Germany), Shen Chenpeng (China), Evann Girault (Niger), Gibrán Zea (Mexico), Enver Yildirim (Turkey)

Summing it up, in Men’s Sabre, there are 34 fencers to compete in Individual events and 8 teams in Team events in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

To learn more about Olympic Fencing, read our comprehensive guide here. To expand your knowledge of key players in other disciplines, read our special editions on Men’s Epee, Women’s Epee, Men’s Foil, Women’s Foil, and Women’s Sabre.

Image: Serge Timacheff/FIE