Team USA's Eli Dershwitz is the Senior World Champion for Men's Saber

Milan, Italy (July 25, 2023) — Team USA’s Eli Dershwitz is the Senior World Champion in Men’s Saber.

For the first time in its more than 100-year history, the World Championship for Men’s Saber has been won by an American. 

Dershwitz, a veteran of the Harvard fencing team and a member of Tim Morehouse Fencing Club, defeated Sandro Bazadze or Georgia, the World No. 1 and reigning European champion.

In his semi-final bout, he faced World No. 2, three-time Olympic champion and reigning World Champion Aron Szilagyi of Hungary. This match was one of the ages. In it, Dershwitz was down 10-4 to Szilagyi before battling back to win, 15-13.

This win guarantees Dershwitz a slot for the Paris 2024 Olympics. This medal is Dershwitz’s second medal at the Senior World Championships. He won a silver in 2018 in Wuxi, China.

The other members of Team USA fared well. Mitchell Saron finished in 16th place, Colin Heathcock finished in 24th place and Andrew Doddo made it to 50th place.

Congratulations to Eli, his coaches, friends and family.