The international season is warming up and with the kick-off of the national season already underway and the first World Cups later in the week, there’s some time to look ahead toward the road to the 2023 World Championships.
In this article, we’ll break down the major international events of the upcoming season. Where they are, when they are, and the selection criteria.
World Championships
Starting with the event everything is leading to: the 2023 World Championships. This season’s Championships take place in Milan, Italy starting July 22, 2023 and will include all 12 senior events.
Each country can send up to 4 fencers who will be selected at the conclusion of the national season or the regular international season (last World Cup or Grand Prix), depending on which event falls last. The international points earned for both individuals and teams based on final placement in this event are the highest of the competitions.
Grands Prix
The next major events to pay attention to as the season unfolds are the Grands Prix. There are 3 of these for each individual weapon category (no team events included). This season spreads those 18 total events into 8 competitions:
| Place | Dates | Weapon(s)* |
| Orléans, France | 12/8/22 – 12/10/22 | Sabre |
| Tunis, Tunisia | 1/13/23 – 1/15/23 | Sabre |
| Doha, Qatar | 1/27/23 – 1/29/23 | Epee |
| Turin, Italy | 2/10/23 – 2/12/23 | Foil |
| Budapest, Hungary | 3/10/23 – 3/12/23 | Epee |
| Seoul, Korea | 3/17/23 – 3/19/23 | Foil, Sabre |
| Cali, Colombia | 5/5/23 – 5/7/23 | Epee |
| Shanghai, China | 5/19/23 – 5/21/23 | Foil |
*Men’s and Women’s events
Each country can send up to 12 fencers per event, with exception to the host country which has 20 spots available. Final selections depend on each country following the registration window and are typically the top ranking fencers of those who do register. The international points earned for individuals based on final placement in this event are the second highest of the competitions.
World Cups
Making up the bulk of the regular season are the World Cups. There are 5 of these for each weapon category, individual and teams. The total of 60 events is spread over 25 competitions this season.
Each country can send up to 12 fencers per event, with exception to the host country which has 30 slots available. Selections are consistent with Grands Prix where each country has the final choice following registration. The international points earned based on final placement in this event are the third highest of the individual and team competitions.
Zone Championships
Capping off the major events are the Zone Championships. Each 4 zonal regions offer these following the selection of the national teams and contain all 12 events.
Each country can send 4 fencers to their zonal competition, the same as their selected competitors for the World Championship. The international points earned for final placement are the same breakdown as the Grands Prix for individuals and the second highest for team competitions.
The current cities are still to be determined and the events will likely be in June of 2023.
To see all upcoming international competitions and results: click here
