With special thanks to Rhyannon Karney and Lukas Nemitsas, who shared their unforgettable experiences from the 2025 European Fencing Championships in Genoa with The Sword, July 2025.
From Rhyannon Karney:
As someone who came into fencing a little later than most, attending the 2025 European Fencing Championships in Genova, Italy, was nothing short of incredible. When a friend suggested we make the trip, I thought why not? It was the perfect combination of a sunny Italian holiday and the chance to witness the sport I’ve spent the past three years falling in love with, played at the highest level.
I was curious about everything: What would the atmosphere be like? How would it feel to watch world-class fencing in person instead of on a screen? The answer: absolutely electric.
Day One: Men’s Épée & Women’s Sabre
The first day we arrived, we were lucky enough to catch the Men’s Épée and Women’s Sabre events. I couldn’t help but fangirl a little; seeing fencers I’d only ever followed online up close was surreal. The atmosphere in the venue was buzzing, especially when Italian athletes took to the piste. But one match in particular stood out: Santarelli vs. Como. The crowd fell into a tense silence. You could feel the weight of that match in the air, two hometown heroes going head-to-head, and no one in the crowd dared cheer for just one.
As for women’s Sabre, I was fortunate enough to have a friend there who was a Sabreur herself. She helped me understand the weapon’s intricacies, from tactical tempo to the role of distance, making the experience even more engaging. She was even happy to see her coach from back home that was there as one of her nation’s national Sabre coaches. During the finals the stadium was more packed than expected and so many of the athletes were just wondering around!
Day Two: Women’s Épée & Men’s Foil
As an épée fencer myself, I was most excited for day two, which featured Women’s Épée and Men’s Foil. Watching the top female epeeists compete was both inspiring and educational. From their footwork to their patience and precision, I picked up several new ideas to bring back to my own fencing practice. It was really cool to see how much work these women put into this sport and somehow make it look so easy. Seeing some of the fencers that I look up to in person was truly priceless.
The standout bout for me was another Italian face-off: Fiamingo vs. Santuccio. The Italian style is one I find so beautiful and to have to go against your own teammate does have advantages but at the same time must be hard emotionally. Especially when you’re on home soil. The room was once again silent. It was a masterclass in focus and sportsmanship.
Day Three: Women’s Foil and Men’s Sabre Team Events
Our final day at the event was all about team matches for Women’s Foil and Men’s Sabre. One of the most exciting moments was the France vs. Italy bout in Women’s Foil. The Italian crowd brought an energy unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, but the French supporters were just as passionate. With two historically dominant teams going head-to-head in a tight direct elimination match, the atmosphere was explosive.
While I had been most excited to watch Hungary in the Men’s Sabre gold medal match, it was the bronze match of France vs. Italy that turned out to be the most entertaining. The clash of styles, both aggressive and tactical, made for a thrilling display of strategy, speed, and team dynamics.
Final Reflections
Being at the European Championships deepened my appreciation for the sport in ways I hadn’t expected. Watching fencing at this level is so technical, passionate, and diverse and gave me a new lens through which to view my own training. It was also a rare opportunity to see how an international competition of this size is run, which was fascinating as someone who’s organized a British ranking event for the past few years.
Most of all, it reminded me of what makes fencing so special: the community, the history, the individuality of each fencer’s style, and the shared love of the game. I left Genoa with a heart full of memories, a notebook full of observations, and a renewed motivation to continue growing in this sport. For any fencer, I can’t recommend the experience enough. Seeing our sport up close, at this level, is something truly unforgettable.
From Lukas Nemitsas:
Let’s go! Allez allez allez! Forza forzaaa! Passionate cheers echoed through the sports hall in Genoa, as fencers went mask to mask to claim the title of European Champion. Maybe it was all the wires running through swords, spools and score boxes, but the atmosphere was electric. The moment we reached the top of the escalators, our jaws dropped as my friends and I came to the realization that we were going to watch professional fencing, in its birth-country! So, we quickly found a seat and took in all the passion, tension and joy, as our three-day unforgettable experience began…
Men’s Epee and Women’s Sabre
Sunday morning started as usual, with a church Liturgy. Just a short walk from where we were staying was the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas and the Annunciation. A beautiful refuge, hidden amongst the classical Italian apartments, contains a small but diverse and welcoming community. After the Liturgy, I was invited to stay for coffee where I got to meet the priest and the members of the church. Once I had gotten my spiritual and physical fuel, I regrouped with my friends, and we took a 15-minute sunny walk to the Padiglione Jean Nouvel.
Upon arrival we were all starstruck. Seeing these fencing legends in person was surreal. Every touch was followed by energetic shouts from fencers and cheers from the crowd. One of the loudest supporters was the Greek delegation as they cheered on their sabreuses, who were fencing simultaneously on adjacent pistes. However, nothing could drown out the thunderous roar of the Italian supporters as they cheered for Team Italy.
The day finished with history being made, in both the men’s and women’s categories, as Roman Svichkar and Sarah Noutcha each won their first gold medal. After a thrilling first day, we ended the evening with delicious pizza and gelato.
Men’s Foil and Women’s Epee
Of course, it wouldn’t be a holiday without a trip to the beach. So, Monday morning, we took the train to a small beach in Sturla. Having received our daily dose of vitamin D, we made our way to the venue, and as a foilist myself I couldn’t contain my excitement!
From the moment we reached the hall my eyes were locked on the pistes. Initially, we went to watch Alex Tofalides who courageously represented Cyprus. Although I was saddened to see him leave in the Table of 32, I was proud that he represented my country with such passion.
With two Italians, a Frenchman and a Spaniard in the semifinals, it was a showdown between the most influential countries in fencing. Lots of parries, tricky calls, and great comebacks made the semis and the finals very entertaining. Although the women’s bouts started off slow, by the end we were on the edges of our seats as all three bouts ended with a one point difference. That evening, we digested the experience alongside exquisite seafood pasta and, of course, more gelato.
Men’s Sabre and Women’s Foil Teams
As we entered the venue on our third day, we didn’t want to accept that it was our last. We were in awe of the lighting speed of the sabreurs and the tactical precision of the foilists as each team fought to get to the final.
We took our seats and marvelled as the Spanish foilists battled for bronze and held our breaths as Teams Italy and France went into a priority minute during the gold medal bout. The sabre matches were just as thrilling! Although Team France did not manage to take home bronze, their bout was filled with energy and passion as they fought for every touch. In the final, Team Italy bravely faced Team Hungary where we witnessed the legend himself, Aron Szilagyi, fence alongside his team and claim the gold medal.
As we left, we were still in a state of shock from the realization that we got to attend the 2025 European Championships. As we explored the beautiful city of Genova, we ended the night with the only appropriate late-night snack, gelato.
Looking back, sharing this unforgettable experience with great friends is a true blessing. Their humour and company made the trip ten times better. Overall, the fencing was spectacular, the city was beautiful, and the gelato was delicious. So, I recommend to everyone, if you have the chance, take the time to go watch fencing and discover a new city, culture and food. ⚔️