Hong Kong Yo-Yo Brand Gains Global Recognition After Local Players Claim World Titles
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong yo-yo players Chen Junxi and Liao Wenqi have claimed first and second place respectively in the 2A Division at the World Yoyo Contest 2026, bringing glory to the local brand C3yoyodesign which manufactured their competition yo-yos. The brand, founded in 2009 by three local enthusiasts, has grown from creating imperfect prototypes to becoming a globally recognized manufacturer with half its sales coming from Japan. The founders believe the recent championship win could spark renewed interest among young people, though they acknowledge challenges in marketing and finding suitable competition venues in Hong Kong.
Key Points
- Hong Kong yo-yo players Chen Junxi and Liao Wenqi secured gold and silver in the 2A Division at the World Yoyo Contest 2026
- The local brand C3yoyodesign was founded in 2009 by three founders: Walter Wong, Ron Chan, and A-Fan, who initially had no experience in designing or manufacturing yo-yos
- Their first prototype was described as "scrap iron" due to its unbalanced center of gravity, but after over a year of research, they produced their first competition-ready yo-yo in 2010 with a five-figure investment
- The brand achieved international breakthrough after sponsoring Japanese player Shion Araya, who won the 1A Division at the 2016 World Yoyo Contest, leading to a surge in sales
- Currently, 50% of C3yoyodesign's sales come from Japan, driven by Japanese influencers and former world champions Shinya Kido and Rei Iwakura who serve as brand ambassadors
Why It Matters
The success of Hong Kong's C3yoyodesign demonstrates how local craftsmanship can achieve world-class status in niche markets. Following the recent world championship wins and a 20% year-over-year increase in local sales after last year's victory, the brand sees potential for yo-yo culture to experience a resurgence similar to the Beyblade phenomenon. However, the founders emphasize that the lack of celebrity endorsement and difficulty securing suitable competition venues in Hong Kong remain significant obstacles to attracting younger audiences to the sport .
The success of Hong Kong's C3yoyodesign demonstrates how local craftsmanship can achieve world-class status in niche markets. Following the recent world championship wins and a 20% year-over-year increase in local sales after last year's victory, the brand sees potential for yo-yo culture to experience a resurgence similar to the Beyblade phenomenon. However, the founders emphasize that the lack of celebrity endorsement and difficulty securing suitable competition venues in Hong Kong remain significant obstacles to attracting younger audiences to the sport .