The A-pex in Appeltern

American winner

In a field of competitors that can safely be considered among the strongest this season, Rob van Hulst managed to retain his title. Or so it seemed. His Sakai Fish Farm Kohaku, which was crowned supreme champion in Oldenzaal last May, was crowned queen at the 34th edition of the “Biggest Koi Show on Earth.” But even though Rob van Hulst entered the fish from his own pond, he can no longer call himself the owner of this magnificent Kohaku. The rumor that had been circulating through the community turned out to be true. This and many other Koi that have won prizes at previous Koi shows have been purchased by Herbert Fritch, a fabulously wealthy American hobbyist.

Grand Champion A – Holland Koi Show 2026

Owner: Rob van Hulst Dealer: Interkoi Ameide

Maruten Kohaku

Pure white Shiroji with fukurin, crisp red lines, and a figure that commands awe. This 90+ cm Kohaku, along with two of its kind in the same tank, draws many visitors at the show to stop and marvel, eliciting plenty of “oohs” and “aahs.” This Koi is characterized by a strong Maruten set on a head with so much character that you spontaneously start coming up with names for this big guy. It is certainly not an everyday or traditional appearance. The sashi is fully developed on the Koi, and the pigmentation— driven by erythrophores and xanthopores —is evenly distributed from head to tail.

Contrary to what some might have expected, it was not hobbyist Rob van Hulst—once considered the favorite—who has now been given the role of Handler. Siebe van Tilburg, known from KoiWish BV, was responsible for brokering this and many other deals between the American Herbert Fritch and the hobbyists in question. There were also, aside from Rob’s—er, Herbert’s—collection, several Kohaku measuring 90+

Photo by: Tiebo Jacobs