{"id":72416,"date":"2026-07-11T15:05:48","date_gmt":"2026-07-11T13:05:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koiquestion.com\/major-awards-at-the-2026-european-koi-show-the-heroes-of-hulsbeek"},"modified":"2026-07-11T19:44:44","modified_gmt":"2026-07-11T17:44:44","slug":"major-awards-at-the-2026-european-koi-show-the-heroes-of-hulsbeek","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koiquestion.com\/en\/major-awards-at-the-2026-european-koi-show-the-heroes-of-hulsbeek","title":{"rendered":"Major Awards at the 2026 European Koi Show: The Heroes of Hulsbeek"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Heroes of Hulsbeek<\/h1>\n

An overview of the most important awards: the Major Awards at the European Koi Show 2026<\/h3>\n

They\u2019ve already been featured extensively on our Facebook page, but for the sake of contemporary historical record-keeping and documentation, the champions certainly can\u2019t be left out here either. Did you know that KoiQuestion<\/abbr> has the largest database of historical data, information, and photos in the world of Koi? On our website, you can easily find virtually all the winners of Elle Koi Shows held over the past 10\u201315 years in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Italy. Soon, we\u2019ll also make this conveniently accessible via a menu so you can easily look up, by show and by year, who won which prizes and when\u2014almost all accompanied by an original photo from KoiQuestion<\/abbr>. We\u2019re also proud that we\u2019re able to complete these lists with the help of our partners.<\/p>\n

So that\u2019s coming up, but for now, here are this year\u2019s winners from Oldenzaal. That was quite a stunning display of Koi art, after all.<\/p>\n

Grand Champion<\/abbr> A – European Koi Show 2026<\/h2>\n

Owner: Rob van Hulst Dealer: Interkoi Ameide<\/h4>\n
\"Grand
Grand Champion<\/abbr>, European Koi Show 2026 – Kohaku<\/abbr> owned by Rob van der Hulst<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Supreme Champion<\/abbr> two years ago, Grand last year, and defending champion this year. This Kohaku<\/abbr> is definitely no flash in the pan. Matsue is once again the top supplier of the best Koi at the show this year. Ron van der Hulst selected the Koi himself during a trip to Japan with his dealer, Interkoi Ameide. After an absence from Koi shows, the hobbyist has now won the grand prize in Oldenzaal for the third time in a row, and with this hat trick, he has proven himself unbeatable\u2014for now\u2014on the fields of the Hulsbeek.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________<\/span><\/h1>\n

Grand Champion<\/abbr> B – European Koi Show 2026<\/h2>\n

Owner: Interkoi Almeide | Breeder: Momotaro Koi Farm<\/abbr><\/h4>\n
\"Grand
Grand Champion<\/abbr> B at the 2026 European Koi Show – Yamabuki Ogon<\/abbr>, owned by Interkoi Ameide. Photo courtesy of Bas van Hulst.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just like last year, this Yamabuki reaffirms its title and quality. The fukurin<\/abbr> on this koi is truly unparalleled, and many visitors were unable to fully appreciate the true quality of this gold bar because there was a lot of spawning going on in the tank; the foam and heavy aeration made it impossible to experience the fish in all its harmonious beauty. The Yamabuki was bred by Momotaro Koi Farm<\/abbr><\/p>\n

________________________________________________<\/span><\/h1>\n

Supreme Champion<\/abbr> A – European Koi Show 2026<\/h2>\n

Owner: Rob van Hulst | Dealer: Interkoi Ameide | Breeder: Sakai Fish Farm<\/abbr><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/h1>\n

This fish really needs no introduction; still, I want to point out the beautifully defined bone structure on its head and the imposing presence this Koi exudes\u2014truly a showstopper for anyone passing by. An incredible Koi from Sakai Fish Farm<\/abbr>.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________<\/span><\/h1>\n

Jumbo Champion – European Koi Show 2026<\/h2>\n

Owner: Veldhoven Koi Farm<\/h4>\n
\"Jumbo
Jumbo Champion at the 2026 European Koi Show – Chagoi<\/abbr> owned by Veldhoven Koi Farm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Jumbo Champion, an impressive Kawari Muji from Veldhoven Koi Farm, proved that a jumbo isn\u2019t defined by length alone. Of course, a koi measuring well over ninety centimeters requires exceptional genetics, patience, and craftsmanship, but ultimately, true jumbo quality is about how that size is carried. This fish combined a powerful build with compelling proportions and a natural presence, ensuring that its imposing size never felt forced. It was a textbook example of how harmony can be maintained even at exceptional sizes.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________<\/span><\/h1>\n

Mature Champion – European Koi Show 2026<\/h2>\n

Owner: Aqua Hobby<\/h4>\n
\"Mature
Mature Champion, European Koi Show 2026 – Kohaku<\/abbr> owned by Raymond Woerts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Mature Champion, a Kohaku<\/abbr> by Raymond Woerts, made a particularly strong impression with its natural grace. Nothing about this koi screamed for attention; rather, it was its balanced physique, powerful shoulders, and serene demeanor that made it special. It was a fish that no longer relied on promise, but on proven quality\u2014a Kohaku<\/abbr> in which years of careful cultivation had become evident.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________<\/span><\/h1>\n

Adult Champion – European Koi Show 2026<\/h2>\n

Owner: Aqua Hobby<\/h4>\n
\"Adult
Adult Champion European Koi Show 2026 – owned by Aqua Hobby<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Koidealer Aquahobby<\/b><\/span> won the title Adult Champion<\/b><\/span> with a Kohaku<\/abbr> of exceptional quality, purchased during the Odokan Event<\/b><\/span> during the past harvest season. For this friendly Belgian dealer, whom I met last fall during my trip through Japan, this must be a source of great pride. Moreover, this is a koi to keep a close eye on in the coming years.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________<\/span><\/h1>\n

Young Champion – European Koi Show 2026<\/h2>\n

Owner\/Dealer: Interkoi Ameide<\/h4>\n
\"Young
Young Champion European Koi Show 2026 – Ai<\/abbr> Goromo, owned by Bokoi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Perhaps the most remarkable koi of the show, however, was the Ai<\/abbr> Goromo<\/b><\/span> from Bokoi<\/b><\/span>. As far as we know, it is unprecedented for a Ai<\/abbr> Goromo<\/b><\/span> has ever won a Major Award. Dealer Kai Bongaerts<\/b><\/span> was also named the Young Champion<\/b><\/span>title, along with the Junior Tategoi<\/abbr> Award<\/b><\/span> for a beautiful Goshiki<\/abbr><\/b><\/span>. It seems that they, too, are in serious contention for the top spot in the standings of the League of Rising Scales<\/b><\/span>.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________<\/span><\/h1>\n

Baby Champion<\/abbr> – European Koi Show 2026<\/h2>\n

Owner: Veldhoven Koi Farm<\/h4>\n
\"Baby
Baby Champion<\/abbr> at the 2026 European Koi Show – Kohaku<\/abbr> owned by Veldhoven Koi Farms<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Veldhoven Koi Farm<\/b> presented both the best large koi and the best smallest koi of the show, earning the titles Jumbo Champion<\/b><\/span> and Baby Champion<\/abbr><\/b><\/span> . A telling sign of the exceptionally high level of this show is that the elegant and powerful Grand Champion<\/abbr> Kohaku<\/abbr><\/b><\/span> from the Young Holland Koi Show 2026<\/b><\/span>, also entered by Rick Veldhoven<\/b><\/span>, didn\u2019t even manage to win a Major Award this time. Especially in the middle weight classes, both the quality and the number of top koi were unprecedentedly high. It\u2019s safe to say that this once again confirms that the quality of the Dutch koi scene continues to develop strongly.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________<\/span><\/h1>\n

Senior Tategoi<\/abbr> Champion – European Koi Show 2026<\/h2>\n

Owner\/Dealer: Intakoi Fuit<\/h4>\n
\"Senior
Senior Tategoi<\/abbr> European Koi Show 2026 – Showa<\/abbr> Sanshoku owned by Intakoi Fuit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Interkoi Group<\/b><\/span> managed to score a strategic victory. Interkoi Fuit<\/b><\/span> had deliberately set its sights on the Senior Tategoi<\/abbr> Award<\/b><\/span> and even predicted, before the jury\u2019s decision, that this award would go to them. That made dealer Wiechert Fuit<\/b><\/span> understandably very proud. For those who remember, Wiechert also won this award last year, and back then, too, he had predicted it in advance.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________<\/span><\/h1>\n

Junior Tategoi<\/abbr> Champion – European Koi Show 2026<\/h2>\n

Owner: Bokoi<\/h4>\n
\"Young
Young Tategoi<\/abbr> European Koi Show 2026 – Goshiki<\/abbr> owned by Bokoi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Young Tategoi<\/abbr>, a promising Goshiki<\/abbr> from Bokoi, demonstrated why this variety requires so much experience to judge properly. The refined skin quality, the bright base, and the subtle development of the beni<\/abbr> combined to create a koi that still has a long way to go. It was precisely that unfinished development that made him so interesting\u2014a fish in which the most beautiful chapters have likely yet to be written.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________<\/span><\/h1>\n

Most Unique<\/abbr> Champion – European Koi Show 2026<\/h2>\n

Owner: Koi Maas & Waal<\/h4>\n
<\/div>\n
\"Most
Most Unique<\/abbr> European Koi Show 2026 – Tancho<\/abbr> Kin<\/abbr> Showa<\/abbr> owned by Koi Maas en Waal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The latest Major Award<\/b><\/span> went to an impressive Tancho<\/abbr> Kin<\/abbr> Showa<\/abbr><\/b><\/span>. Not only is the metallic sheen exceptionally rare in this variety, but the combination of quality and size also makes this koi truly unique. For dealer Koi Maas en Waal<\/b><\/span> , this award is perhaps even more memorable than their now-iconic dog, which over the years has become almost as recognizable at the European Koi Show as the participants themselves.<\/p>\n

In the coming weeks, a comprehensive English-language show report will be published in the official ZNA magazines, providing a detailed look at the champions, the judging, and the developments during this edition. After publication, this report will also be made available via KoiQuestion<\/abbr>. <\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Heroes of Hulsbeek An overview of the most important awards: the Major Awards at the European Koi Show 2026 They\u2019ve already been featured extensively on our Facebook page, but for the sake of contemporary historical record-keeping and documentation, the champions certainly can\u2019t be left out here either. Did you know that KoiQuestion<\/abbr> has the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":72422,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"image","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6402],"tags":[8465,6454,6645],"series":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-72416","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-image","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-koi-show-news","8":"tag-hulsbeek","9":"tag-major-awards-en","10":"tag-oldenzaal-en","11":"post_format-post-format-image"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/koiquestion.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72416","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/koiquestion.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/koiquestion.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koiquestion.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koiquestion.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=72416"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/koiquestion.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72416\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":72431,"href":"https:\/\/koiquestion.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72416\/revisions\/72431"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koiquestion.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/72422"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/koiquestion.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=72416"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koiquestion.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=72416"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koiquestion.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=72416"},{"taxonomy":"series","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koiquestion.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/series?post=72416"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}