The 2025 AKA Warrior Cup, held at the downtown Chicago Hyatt Regency from January 17-18, will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most remarkable events in recent history. With record-breaking participation and an electrifying atmosphere, the tournament showcased the incredible talent and dedication of martial artists from around the world. From the youngest under-black-belt competitors to seasoned champions, the Warrior Cup delivered excitement, drama, and inspiration at every turn.
This year’s event was not only the largest in recent history but also one of the most efficiently run. The organizers managed to accommodate hundreds of competitors and spectators seamlessly across multiple divisions and rings. The Hyatt Regency’s spacious venue provided ample room for the action-packed schedule, which included forms, weapons, sparring, and demo team competitions. Feedback from participants and attendees highlighted how well the event flowed, with minimal delays and clear communication keeping everyone informed and engaged. As Team Infinity coach and world champion competitor Mike Welch remarked, “I was so impressed by how stacked the divisions were.” He noted that the event not only attracted a record number of participants but also featured incredible talent across all divisions, making it a true showcase of the best in the sport.
The open weight point sparring competitions were among the most thrilling highlights of the tournament. The men’s division featured intense battles showcasing incredible skill, speed, and strategy. In the end, Alex Mancillas of Texas, representing Team Paul Mitchell, emerged victorious after a series of challenging matches. The women’s division also impressed, with competitors delivering strong performances. Katarina Herman of Canada, also representing Team Paul Mitchell, claimed the top spot, solidifying her reputation as one of the sport’s brightest stars. Both champions displayed extraordinary determination and talent, making the open weight divisions a standout aspect of the event.
The event’s emphasis on inclusivity and progression was evident in the under-black-belt divisions. Eleven young competitors advanced to the finals to vie for mini-Warrior Cup titles, with six champions ultimately crowned. Among them, Pablo Linares shone brightly, winning two mini-Warrior Cups. Other winners included Blakely Johnson, Bear Rodriguez, Carleigh Jenkins, and Jayden Crawford. These young athletes showcased exceptional talent and promise, proving that the future of martial arts competition is in great hands.
For the black belt competitors, the coveted Warrior Cups were awarded to only six deserving champions. Judah Sagawa of California, representing Team Freestyle, delivered a stunning performance despite battling a cold, earning the Junior Weapons Warrior Cup. Esteban Tremblay of Canada secured his second Warrior Cup in three years, this time for Adult Weapons, completing his collection of titles in both forms and weapons. Meanwhile, Wassim Dridi of Canada celebrated his first Warrior Cup win for junior forms, an incredible achievement in his burgeoning career.
In sparring, Katarina Herman’s dominance continued as she claimed her third Warrior Cup in as many years for women’s sparring. Tyson Wray delivered a heroic performance to defeat two Warrior Cup incumbents—Richard Avery Plowden and Kevin Walker—and take the men’s sparring title. Meanwhile, Mason Stowell of Colorado added his third Warrior Cup to his impressive resume with a win in Adult Forms, calling the award the most prestigious of his career.
The demo team competition was another highlight, with Team Freestyle of California and Team Competitive Edge delivering show-stopping routines that earned them spots in the finals. Across the board, the performances in the finals were awe-inspiring and served as a testament to the skill, dedication, and passion of all involved. Every year, the AKA Warrior Cup sends out a survey to participants in order to gather feedback and make improvements. One area of critique in past years was the length of the finals. In response, the event organizers tightened up the finals show, and it ran efficiently in just 2 hours and 38 minutes, providing a seamless and engaging viewing experience.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and spectators underscores the hard work and meticulous planning by the organizers. For those who missed the action, the finals and other competition highlights are available on YouTube, offering a glimpse into the magic of the 2025 AKA Warrior Cup. This year’s event set a new standard for excellence in martial arts competition, leaving both participants and spectators eager for what’s to come in 2026.
