Award Winners - The National Koi Show 2025
- World of Nishikigoi
- Jul 3
- 4 min read
The UK Show Season Kicks Off!
The wheels for the 45th National Koi Show were set in motion back in November 2024 by the show committee, with a clear goal in mind: to raise the bar once again and deliver a weekend to remember. From everything I could see, the team certainly didn’t disappoint.
There was an unmistakable buzz in the air this year, and the atmosphere was incredibly welcoming and friendly. People were genuinely excited to be there, socialising, enjoying the koi, and making the most of the weekend. I had the chance to chat with many of the trade stands, and there was a noticeable shift in the crowd. Younger hobbyists were in abundance, and they weren’t just browsing - they were serious about their koi, which bodes very well for the future of the hobby. Hopefully this continues throughout the year.
Saturday saw the show in full swing, drawing in a large crowd, although attendance dipped on Sunday. But these things are often out of our hands, and it didn’t detract from what was an excellent (albeit very hot!) weekend.
From a koi perspective, the show was impressive. A record-breaking 497 koi were entered this year, up by 100 from last year, which is a significant jump. Competition in the smaller categories was particularly fierce, with hobbyists showcasing some truly stunning specimens. While there were fewer larger koi on display - a trend we’re seeing more of in the UK lately - those that did make an appearance earned plenty of praise from attendees. The Grand Champion contenders and the impressive 1m-plus Mukashi Ogon owned by Carmen and Ian Jenkins turned heads, that's for sure!
A huge thank you to every exhibitor who took the time and effort to transport and showcase their beloved koi - you're the heart of the show, and it’s your passion that makes the event what it is! Plus, a massive congratulations to everyone involved with putting the show on. Rest easy until next year!
Without further ado, let's introduce...
The Major Awards for the 2025 BKKS National Koi Show.
Grand Champion
Owner: Luke Warren
Kohaku // 82cm // Dainichi // Select Nishikigoi
Reserve Grand Champion
Owner: Carl Morrison
Sanke // 81cm // Sakai Fish Farm // Queni Koi
Mature Champion
Owner: Chip Kawaksingh
Kohaku // 83cm // Sakai Co // Yume Koi Japan
Adult Champion
Owner: Geoff Robson
Sanke // 59cm // Marujyu // Perfect Aquatics
Geoff also won Best Newcomer & Best Overall Exhibitor - well done Geoff!
Young Champion
Owner: Stephen Wiles
Kohaku // 52cm // Maruhiro // Exclusively Koi
Baby Champion
Owner: Kierian & Laura Bird
Ginrin Shiro Utsuri // 35cm // Okawa // Queni Koi
Best Non-Go-Sanke
Owner: Luke Warren
Tancho Kohaku // 85cm // Matsue // Yume Koi Japan
Jumbo Champion
Owner: Carmen & Ian Jenkins
Mukashi Ogon // 103cm // Matsue // Yume Koi Japan
*Please note: this is a picture taken last year as I was unable to capture it.
Best Doitsu
Owner: Alan Reeves
Doitsu Showa // 55cm // Hiroi // Exclusively Koi
*Please note: this is a picture taken last year as I was unable to capture it.
'Special' Awards for the 2023 BKKS National Koi Show.
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)."
Winner
Owner: Chip Kawaksingh
Kohaku // 73cm // Matsue // Yume Koi Japan
Shinkokai Award - Honourable Mention (in no particular order)
Owner: Matthew Lawrie
Sanke // 45cm // Kondo // Sunny Bank Koi
Owner: Steve Lavers
Kohaku // 73cm // Matsue // Yume Koi Japan
*Please note: picture supplied by Steve due to vat spawning.
Owner: Carl Morrison
Sanke // 81cm // Sakai Fish Farm // Queni Koi
Other Special Awards
Show Chairman’s Miyabi Award
Owner: Paul Williams
Kohaku // 69cm // Matsue // Yume Koi Japan
Society Chairman’s Sakura Award
Owner: Tom Alderton
Benigoi // 74 // Sakai Fish Farm // Koi Water Barn
The Everyman Trophy
Owner: Matthew Lawrie
Sanke // 45cm // Kondo // Sunny Bank Koi
Best Tategoi
Owner: Glyn Marley
Sanke // 59cm // Tamaura // Queni Koi
*Please note: the picture was taken in April by Queni Koi due to vat spawning.
FD Food Friendship Award
Owner: Larry Gooch
Karashigoi // 77cm // Okawa // Ricky Stoddart
K.O.I Friendship Award
Owner: Luke Warren
Tancho Kohaku // 85cm // Matsue // Yume Koi Japan
Kiyomizu Friendship Award
Owner: William Morland
Ki Matsuba // 57cm // Ogata // Chris Masters
*Please note: picture supplied by William Morland due to vat spawning.
The Best in Class Awards for the 2025 BKKS National Koi Show.
The Dealer Show Awards for the 2025 BKKS National Koi Show.
Grand Champion
Owner: South West Koi
Showa // 72cm // Isa
Size Two Champion
Owner: Grey's Koi
Kohaku // 34cm // Tamaura
Size Three Champion
Owner: Koi Water Barn
Sanke // 45cm // Sakai Fish Farm
Size Four Champion
Owner: South West Koi
Sanke // Tamaura
Size Five Champion
Owner: Grey's Koi
Kohaku // 62cm // Sakai Co
Size Six Champion
Owner: Koi Water Barn
Sanke // 72cm // Sakai Fish Farm
Don't Forget
- We also produce the UK's Printed Koi Magazine
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 magazine, which is designed for koi lovers of all levels. If you’d like to support my efforts, consider subscribing. Once you get your hands on a copy, you’ll see just how passionate I am about koi and everything that comes with it - plus, subscription is only £20 per year!
If you would like to find out more regarding the BKKS or its National Koi Show:
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