From Japanese doubt to European triumph: the Grand Champion of the European Koi Show 2025
Under the dome of a threatening spring day, at the idyllic recreational park Het Hulsbeek in Oldenzaal, this year’s European Koi Show took place. An event that brings together the true passion for Nishikigoi: craftsmanship, dedication and aesthetics. But it was especially one fish that managed to attract all attention – an impressive Kohaku of 91 centimeters from the stables of the renowned breeder Matsue. This fish crowned itself Grand Champion, demonstrating a journey that began with doubt, but ended in absolute glory.
A gamble in Japan
The story of this impressive Kohaku begins not in a Dutch pond, but in the heart of Japan. Rob van der Hulst, title holder in Oldenzaal and seasoned hobbyist, traveled together with André de Groot to the land of the rising sun, now about four years ago, when André was not yet the current koi dealer of Interkoi Ameide, but like Rob a pure hobbyist. With a clear request in mind – two large Kohaku – they visited breeder Matsue. The breeder showed them a sansai (three-year-old koi) of just over 70 cm. Although the fish showed potential, there was still some uncertainty in the skin quality: some white scales spoke volumes.
But three days later, when Rob and André were already in Hiroshima, the unexpected phone call came
When the grower mentioned his price, a counter-offer from Rob followed that was actually a bit embarrassing. The deal seemed to come to nothing. But three days later, when Rob and André were already in Hiroshima, the unexpected phone call came. The breeder wanted to do it anyway for that price. The breeder suggested keeping the fish with him for another year. A proposal that proved brilliant in retrospect: the fish continued to develop, working off its imperfections and growing in strength and form.
A triumph of character and skill
Fast forward to 2024. The fish is playing at the European Koi Show 2024, after a silence of four to five years he appears again with only new fish! My preference was already for this Kohaku, but I agreed with the jury who put it in second place in favor of a Kohaku from Sakai Fish Farm. Some sloppiness caused the fish not to carry the allure to go for gold. The Koi, but of course especially Rob, must have taken this to heart and in one year the hobbyist has won no less than 5 eentimeters on the Koi that has now thus grown from 86 to 91 centimeters and a little connoisseur knows that at this size a few centimeters means a lot more volume.
Good for Grand Champion Oldenzaal 2025
The Kohaku is now seven years old and measures an impressive 91 cm. Not only the length has grown, also the overall presence of the fish has improved by leaps and bounds. Whereas last year the Supreme Champion – a Sakai Fish Farm Kohaku – finished just above this Matsue, this year the verdict has been reversed. The flaws that were the deciding factor in judging at the time have now completely disappeared. The Matsue Kohaku has not only grown, but has developed a robust volume and displays a torpedo-like shape that combines elegance and strength.
Last year’s Grand Champion – still a beautiful fish – did not diminish, but this Kohaku got SO much better.
Eye for detail, strength in simplicity
The patronage of the fish is classic: white and red in perfect harmony, as a Kohaku is meant to be. But it’s not just the pattern that sets this fish apart – it’s the look. The fish exudes tranquility, strength and balance, qualities that resonate with what the judges and the audience want to see. When I glanced into the show vessel, I knew immediately: this year’s Matsue moment has come. Last year’s Grand Champion – still a beautiful fish – didn’t diminish, but this Kohaku got SO much better.
Rob’s vision bears fruit
Rob is no stranger to Oldenzaal. He previously won Grand Champion titles in 2017 and 2019. Now he is making history by triumphing for the second year in a row. And that with a fish that began as a bold choice. He’s known for saying he won’t take fish to shows for less than size 8, but now he’s even putting down a “niner”: a fish that is among the absolute best in terms of length and volume. His 50-cubic-inch indoor pond seems to have been the ideal stage for this development.
What does the future hold?
A Kohaku of 91 cm at the age of seven… The question automatically arises: is the magic meter in? Although nothing is guaranteed in the world of Nishikigoi, the signs are hopeful. The structure of the fish, the skin quality, and the way the fish presents itself – all point to a growth potential that has not yet been exhausted.
In the interview below from last year, Rob tells the story of the Matsue Kohaku;
More than just a champion
This Grand Champion represents more than aesthetics and size. The story behind it – from doubt and bargaining to patience and trust – reflects what makes the Koi hobby so special. It is an interplay of knowledge, vision and passion. And exactly that makes it a story that belongs at KoiQuestion. A story that not only inspires, but also educates. Because as we at KoiQuestion believe: sharing knowledge is not something you do alone – it is a joint journey to the highest level of experience and understanding.
