The Belgian Koi Society and Koi2000 kindly invited me overseas to capture the new-look Belgian ZNA Koi Show, and what a weekend it was. It was a huge show of 90 vats (yes, you heard that right), with 581 koi exhibited. The standard was high, the competition stiff, and my camera was smoking like a gun by the end of the weekend!
Here's a little video after my day exploring the Showground on Friday (benching day):
This show must have been a massive undertaking for the volunteer workforce and organisers, so hats off to them for pulling out all the stops and working tirelessly to make this show happen. These folks are unsung heroes and are all too easily forgotten in the celebration after the show closes. It seems wherever you go there are dedicated koi fanatics keen to give up their time to benefit the hobby. Respect. Also, one must acknowledge the efforts made by all the judges that travelled from many corners of the globe to make the show. They were out in force and it was fantastic to see.
There will be more koi from the show featured on my social feeds, plus an in-depth article with interviews from hobbyists and judges covering the weekend in the next volume of the magazine, but for now, some koi. Enjoy...
Presenting...
The Major Awards for The Belgian ZNA Koi Show - 2023
*Dealer and Breeder info to be added as it comes through to me
Grand Champion A
Owner: Filip Poppe & Els De Decker
Kohaku // 82cm // Sakai Fish Farm
Grand Champion B
Owner: Patrick Makkes
Yamabuki Ogon // 96.5cm // Izumiya // Nishikigoi Broker Amsterdam
Supreme Champion A
Owner: Hilde & Michel Raedemaeker
Gin Rin Showa // 85cm // Shinoda // Narita Koi Fram
Supreme Champion B
Handled by: Carpe Diem
Owner: Geert Schrijvers
Asagi // 88cm // Oyama
Mature Champion
Handled by: Kim's Koi
Owner: KOI - Lagos de Jardim
Shiro Utsuri // 82cm // Dainichi
Adult Champion
Owner: Filip Poppe & Els De Decker
Sanke // 69cm // Sakai Fish Farm
Young Champion
Owner: Kenneth Spissens
Gin Rin Kohaku // 49cm // Torazo // Kim's Koi
Baby Champion
Owner: Niwa Koi
Gin Rin Showa // 28cm // Shinoda
Tategoi Award
Owner: Dennis Smits
Showa // 67cm // Dainichi // The Koi Page
Most Unique
Owner: Patrick van Haesbroeck
Handlers/Owners: Koisuc6, DBG koi, & Arts&Ants
Gin Rin Kin Ki Showa // 27cm // Choguro
Jumbo Champion A
Owner: Pascal Vandercammen
Sanke // 83cm // Sakai Fish Farm // Filip's Koi en Vijvershop
Jumbo Champion B
Owner: Niwa Koi
Yamabuki Ogon // 90cm // Izumiya
BKKS Friendship Award
Owner: Patrick Makkes
Yamabuki Ogon // 96.5cm // Izumiya // Nishikigoi Broker Amsterdam
*there were several 'Friendship Awards' that I was unfortunately unable to photograph, due to the timing of the judging and other aspects of the event that needed shooting.
World of Nishikigoi produces a twice-yearly koi magazine of 132 pages. Purchase yours here:
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