Samdan edges Xenos in the race

Rabat, Morocco – June 1, 2025 — In a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 Karate 1 Premier League season, Turkey's Eray Şamdan clinched the coveted Grand Winner title in the Men's -60kg category, edging out Greece’s Stefanos Xenos in one of the closest title races in recent memory.

 

The final stop of the league in Rabat brought high stakes and heightened emotions. Şamdan, entering the event just behind Xenos in the standings, delivered a solid performance to secure the bronze medal and earn 510 points. Xenos, meanwhile, surged to gold, earning 990 points. The results meant both athletes finished the season tied at 2640 points.

 

Ranking by points before Rabat

• 1- Eray Şamdan (TUR) - 2130p
• 3- Christos Stefanos Xenos (GRE) - 1650p

 

Karate 1 Premier League ranking points

• 1st place is winning 990 points
• 2nd place is winning 750 points
• 3rd place is winning 510 points

 

With both competitors locked in points, the World Karate Federation’s tie-breaking rule came into play: the Grand Winner title would go to the athlete with the highest number of Premier League gold medals during the season.

 

That rule turned the tide in Şamdan’s favor. The Turkish star had captured two gold medals and one bronze over the course of the 2025 season, while Xenos had claimed one gold and two silvers. The higher number of golds gave Şamdan the edge—and the Grand Winner crown.

“It’s an unbelievable moment,” Şamdan said after the event. “To finish the season like this, in such a tight race, shows the level of competition and how much this title means. I’m proud of how I fought and stayed focused until the end.”

 

The 2025 season saw fierce rivalries and world-class karate on display across all Premier League stops, but the duel between Şamdan and Xenos will be remembered as a season-defining battle.

 

With the Grand Winner title, Şamdan solidifies his place among the elite in world karate, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying 2026 campaign.