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Joseph Cadousteau, from Tahiti, won the World Fireknife Champion title for the second year in a row.
After taking home Tahiti’s first World Fireknife Championship title last year, Joseph Cadousteau reclaimed his title this year at the 21st annual championship held at the Polynesian Cultural Center Saturday night.
Last year, 33-year-old Cadousteau became the first competitor to hold both the Open Division and Group Division championship titles simultaneously.
“It is such an honor to be recognized as a World Fireknife Champion again and to have competed against the best fireknife dancers from around the world,” Cadousteau said in a news release. “The opportunity to compete for this title makes this competition the one that we, as fireknife dancers, look forward to every year.”
Cadousteau overcame four-time champion Mikaele Oloa, 23 of Waialua, and senior division first-timer Malo Matau, 18 of Laie, to take home the 2013 title.
Oloa won the “People’s Choice Award,” which allowed fans to vote online for their favorite of the three finalists.
Additional results:
>> Junior Pacific Division (Ages 6 to 11; 13 competitors):
First place: Dayton Daoang of Waipahu
Second place: Aaliyah Ava of Laie
Third place: Chandae Ava of Laie
>> Junior Pacific Division (Ages 12 to 17; 16 competitors):
First Place: Achilles Tafiti of Laie
Second Place: Hale Motuapuaka of Aiea
Third Place: Wallen Teo of Honolulu
>> Open Group Competition (Total of two groups of competitors):
First place: KJ Ahloy, Quest Ava, Malik Ava and Alex Galeai
Second place: Aaliyah Ava, Chandae Ava and Jeralee Galeai
