After a pleasant finish at the hotel with volunteers and judges, bed beckoned. A first impression.
Cooperation between Koi2000 and Belgian Koi Society
This is the second time that Koi2000 and the Belgian Koi Society have co-hosted a show. That already picked up well last year and clearly continues the line. The best compliment the organization can receive is the field of participants. The caliber of Koi deployed in the larger sizes is unusually good. A few years ago in Oldenzaal there was a field of participants stronger than this, but since then I did not see a better line-up in the Benelux in the last five years than here in Affligem.
Participants and surprises
The Koi as predicted in the speculation article were all there, as well as more. From the hobbyists’ corner, there were a few more surprises. Names like Wim de Wit, of whom I will most certainly try to take a picture today, at least of his Sanke that was admired by many. He had brought a truly magnificent vessel of Koi to behold.
Battle for the highest honor
The battle for top honors was certainly there. After talking with one of the judges, it appeared that there was some division, but in the end the Kohaku Miss Dynamite was a convincing winner. Miss Magnum, that other descendant of the same Sakai bloodline, had to settle for second place, the supreme champion. This is where most of the discussion between hobbyists arose. The aforementioned Sanke of Wim de Wit, the meter-long Kohaku of Johan Leurs and several other great beauties such as the Kohaku of Patrick Makkes had share in the discussion of who should have taken second place.
Last year’s winner and future shows
Last year’s winner remains a majestic fish and of course, with his 10 GC titles, still enjoys all the praise and honor even in a dull robe. While the four-step Kohaku was certainly not in bad shape, it was noticeable that the now 12-year-old Koi is past its ultimate luster. I had expected Filip to bring another Kohaku, but also heard the sounds that it was a tactical move to save this one for another Koi Show. Nevertheless, Supreme Champion is another firm prize at Poppe’s show.
See also: Major Awards ZNA Belgium 2023
Interviews and insights from the judges
I have not yet been able, due to the many interviews and photos, to make an able comparison between these and the other contenders, but have spoken to the judges. Both an interview with Ruud Besems and Ronald Stam and with some of the international judges such as Bernie Woolands brought forth that the jury report obviously works differently and is more of a measurement than an opinion. Today at 1 p.m., the judges will give a seminar where they will explain more about their choices.
The atmosphere and activities at the show
The atmosphere is excellent. Friendly, welcoming, inspiring. There is also much to be found in the areas of filtration, technology and landscaping. MPF, the guys from MAKoi, have a very nice underwater trickle on display and Air Aqua is also there with new products. Also nice is that you can have a pasta in the afternoon and not just fries, which by the way tasted great according to my sons. The attendance numbers were still a bit disappointing yesterday, although it was by no means a dull crowd, but a field of players like this deserves a good crowd. It is now almost 9:30 in the morning and in half an hour the doors will open again. We are enjoying ourselves immensely. For Aaron and Jeffrey, it was the first day at a Koi Show and they only got more excited! I would say, get in the car; it’s worth it. The sun is shining, it’s a beautiful day in Affligem.
