Hong Kong-born Yo-Yo Champion Breaks Japan's Reign, Claims World Title
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago4 MIN
Summary
A Hong Kong yo-yo player has claimed the world championship title in the Two-Handed Spinning Freestyle category, breaking Japan's long-standing monopoly on the sport. Chan Jun-hei (陳俊熙), 36, won the gold medal at the World Championships on August 16, 2026, while his teammate Liu Wen-qi (廖文奇) took silver, marking the first time Hong Kong has dominated the podium in this prestigious competition .
Key Points
- Chan Jun-hei (陳俊熙), age 36, won the Two-Handed Spinning Freestyle world championship on August 16, 2026, defeating Japanese competitors who had dominated the event for years .
- His teammate Liu Wen-qi (廖文奇) secured second place, making Hong Kong the first country to claim both gold and silver in this category .
- Chan trained for approximately three hours daily after work for six months, with additional weekly strength and conditioning sessions .
- He was inspired by the 2002 Japanese anime "Hyper Speed Yo-Yo," which sparked his interest in the hobby at age 12 .
- In 2008, at age 18, Chan earned third place in the Asia-Pacific competition in Singapore, marking his first international achievement .
Why It Matters
This victory represents a significant breakthrough for Hong Kong's competitive yo-yo scene, demonstrating that local players can compete at the highest international levels against athletes from countries with much longer traditions in the sport. The achievement has already inspired young players in Hong Kong, with some setting their sights on the 2028 World Championships .
This victory represents a significant breakthrough for Hong Kong's competitive yo-yo scene, demonstrating that local players can compete at the highest international levels against athletes from countries with much longer traditions in the sport. The achievement has already inspired young players in Hong Kong, with some setting their sights on the 2028 World Championships .