Award Winners - The National Koi Show 2026
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
The UK Show Season Gets Underway!
The 46th National Koi Show marked the beginning of another UK show season, but this year's event presented challenges unlike anything we've seen in recent years. While last year's show was remembered for the heat, 2026 took things to another level, with exceptionally high temperatures dominating the build-up and the show weekend itself.
For the volunteers responsible for constructing the show throughout the build week, the conditions were relentless. Working long days in extreme heat to prepare the venue and water systems was no small task, and their efforts deserve enormous credit. Without the dedication of the show committee and volunteers, events of this scale simply wouldn't happen.
The weather inevitably created additional challenges for exhibitors, too. Transporting koi always requires careful planning, but moving prized pets during such hot periods brings additional risks. Some exhibitors understandably chose not to attend for multiple reasons, while those who did took every possible precaution to ensure their koi travelled safely.
With welfare very much at the forefront of the organisers' minds, the decision was taken to reduce the number of points allocated to each show vat this year, controlling the number of koi exhibitors could bring. As a result, 407 koi were entered (fewer than in previous years), allowing lighter stocking densities and helping maintain the best possible water quality throughout the weekend. It was a sensible decision that reflected the conditions everyone was working under.
Friday's benching team worked tirelessly to process every entry despite the temperatures, and spirits remained remarkably high throughout the day. By Saturday morning, however, Mother Nature had introduced another obstacle. The combination of warm water, transportation and a new environment triggered spawning in a significant number of the vats - I think more vats had spawned than hadn't!
That immediately created another demanding task for the water team. Eggs had to be removed continuously, additional water changes carried out and ammonia carefully managed using binders. It was constant work throughout the weekend, but from everything I observed, the teams did an excellent job under exceptionally difficult circumstances.
Unfortunately, heavily spawned vats don't just affect water management; they also affect the visitor experience. Many of the koi became difficult to view through the cloudy water, making it harder for attendees to fully appreciate some of the outstanding koi on display. It was one of the most competitive National Shows in terms of koi quality for some time, so the lack of visibility was a shame.
As the show's photographer, it presented obvious challenges. Thankfully, a handful of champion koi were moved into spare vats with the exhibitors' permission, allowing them to be photographed, but several award-winning fish simply couldn't be captured. Where this was the case, I've noted it alongside the results below.
The weekend raises an interesting discussion for the hobby going forward. If periods of extreme summer heat continue to become the norm, it isn't just exhibitors who face increasing challenges transporting their fish. Visitors naturally want to see the koi clearly, photographers and YouTubers want to document the event, and it also prompts wider questions about judging clearly and fairly when water clarity is compromised by widespread spawning. This isn't intended as criticism of this year's judging team or organisers, but it does perhaps open the conversation about whether the timing of the National Show remains best suited to today's increasingly unpredictable summer weather. It will undoubtedly be something worth considering in the years ahead.
Despite those challenges, the atmosphere around the showground remained exactly what we've come to expect from The National. Attendance felt a little quieter than in previous years, although with temperatures reaching uncomfortable levels, that's hardly surprising and certainly not something any organising committee can control.
Overall, I came away feeling The National had once again been a very well-run event. The extraordinarily difficult circumstances only made me respect the show team and volunteers even more, because keeping koi happy in those conditions takes knowledge and experience you can’t buy. Everyone involved deserves tremendous credit for ensuring the welfare of the fish remained the priority throughout. Here's hoping for slightly kinder weather as the rest of the UK show season unfolds.
Introducing...
The Major Awards for The National Koi Show 2026.
Grand Champion
Owner: Chip Kawalsingh
Sanke // 82cm // Taniguchi // Yume Koi Japan
Reserve Grand Champion
Owner: Carmen & Ian Jenkins
Sanke // 79cm // Okawa // Yume Koi Japan
Mature Champion
Owner: Steven Williams
Kohaku // 76cm // Marudo // Holmeswood Koi
Steven also won Best Overall Exhibitor
Adult Champion
Owner: Emma-Jayne & Phil David
Sanke // 65cm // Tamaura // Gatwick Koi
Young Champion
Owner: Steve Lavers
Ginrin Kohaku // 53cm // Ogata // Queni Koi
Junior Champion
Owner: Phil Norton
Goshiki // 44cm // Aoki // Taffaguchi Koi
Non-Go-Sanke Champion
Owner: John Downey
Ginrin Kohaku // 80cm // Momotaro // Absolute Koi
*Please note: this is a picture taken last year as I was unable to capture it.
Jumbo Champion
Owner: Carmen & Ian Jenkins
Yamabuki Ogon // 98cm // Izumiya // Koi Tours
Best Doitsu
Owner: Emma-Jayne & Phil David
Shusui // 59cm // Marusei // Gatwick Koi
'Special' Awards for The National Koi Show 2026.
Shinkokai Award
"Awarded on quality alone, regardless of size or variety, the chosen koi will represent what is believed to be competitive at a Japanese level. Awarded by UK Shinkokai members; Mike Hughes (Shosha Koi), Darren Gray (Absolute Koi), Dave Tilbury (Coastal Koi), Steve Field (Avenue Fisheries), Chris Giles (Selective Koi Sales) & Tony Pitham (Koi Water Barn). This year joined by Kotaro Sakai (Sakai Fish Farm) and Yusuke Ogata (Ogata Koi Farm).
Winner
Owner: Andrew Corrie
Kohaku // 74cm // Matsue // Prestige Koi
Andrew also won Best Newcomer
*Please note: this is a picture taken last year as I was unable to capture it.
Shinkokai Award - Honourable Mention (in no particular order)
Owner: Steve Lavers
Kohaku // 74cm // Matsue // Yume Koi Japan
Owner: Dave Horton
Kujaku // 80m // Omosako // Shosha Koi
Owner: Carmen & Ian Jenkins
Sanke // 79cm // Okawa // Yume Koi Japan
Other Special Awards
Best Tategoi & The Everyman Trophy
Owner: Mark Bottomer
Shiro Utsuri // 62cm // Ogata // Shosha Koi
*Please note: this is a picture taken last year as I was unable to capture it.
Other Special Awards
- not captured due to water conditions.
Chairman’s Miyabi Award
Kohaku (size 6) - Neil Henchmen
Chairman’s Sakura Award
Goshiki (size 6) - Luke Warren
FD Food Friendship Award
Ginrin Kohaku (size 3) - Geoff Robson
The Best in Class Awards for The National Koi Show 2026.
*Please play the video. Note: some koi were not captured due to water conditions.
Best In Class Awards - Listed
Kohaku - Size 7 - Steven Williams
Sanke - Size 6 - Stuart Maclellan
Showa - Size 7 - Carmen & Ian Jenkins
Utsurimono - Shiro Utsuri - Size 6 - Steven Williams
Bekko - Size 2 - Kevin Wynne
Koromo - Goshiki - Size 5 - Ian Oliver
Asagi / Shusui - Shusui - Size 5 - Helen & Graham Ozzard
Kawarimono - Ochiba - Size 7 Steven Williams
Hikari Muji - Gin Matsuba - Size 4 - Andrew Corrie
Hikari Moyo - Kujaku - Size 7 - Dave Horton
Hikari Utsuri - Kin Showa - Size 3 - Vincent Goodall
Kin Ginrin - Ginrin Kohaku - Size 4 - Steve Lavers
Tancho - Size 4 - Kevin Wring
- We also produce a premium printed koi magazine exploring the art, craft, and culture of nishikigoi.
I’m fortunate to travel across the UK (and beyond) to capture the best moments at koi shows, highlight the winners, and spread the love for this amazing hobby. All of this work is made possible by my printed magazine, which is designed for koi lovers of all levels. Check out the link below.
If you would like to find out more regarding the National Koi Show:
Brilliant! Congratulations to all of the winners! Well done!