Modern pentathlon, an exciting Olympic sport that combines fencing, swimming, riding (soon to include obstacle course), shooting, and running, continues to thrill fans worldwide. In 2025, the question on everyone’s mind is: who are the top 10 modern pentathlon players in the world? This list spotlights the most accomplished male pentathletes today – Olympic medalists, world champions, and record-holders – and explains why they rank among the best. The athletes below have reshaped the sport with their skill, endurance, and unforgettable performances.

Modern pentathlon is evolving fast (with horse riding replaced by an obstacle course for Paris 2024 onward), but one thing is clear: the athletes at the top of the rankings define the sport’s legacy and future. Below we present each player’s key achievements, records, and profile. For each star, bullet points highlight their major highlights, followed by a brief description.

1. Moutaz Mohamed (Egypt)

• Record-Setter: Broke the overall pentathlon points world record (1,583 points) at the 2025 World Cup Final【7†】.
  
• World Champion: Two-time World Cup Final champion (2024, 2025) and two-time Junior World champion.
  
• Dominant Performer: Fastest Laser-Run finisher and top finisher in swimming and obstacle in Alexandria 2025【26†】.
  
• Rising Star: At age 20, already ranked #1 globally; expected to be a future Olympic favorite.
  

As a 2004-born prodigy from Egypt, Moutaz Mohamed has stormed to the top of the sport. In July 2025, he shattered the existing points record, winning the World Cup Final in Alexandria with 1,583 points【26†】. He dominated across all events – swimming, laser-run and obstacle – leaving competitors in his wake. I remember watching that meet; the atmosphere crackled as the young Egyptian pushed past the previous record. Moutaz combines exceptional speed (his 10:00.33 run is blistering) with great fencing and riding skills. He already has multiple junior world titles and now a senior title, clearly staking his claim as the world #1 and a likely Olympic contender.

2. Joseph Choong (Great Britain)

• Olympic Gold (2020): Won the men’s modern pentathlon at Tokyo 2020 (held 2021) to claim Britain’s first Olympic gold in this event.
  
• World Champion (2022, 2023): Back-to-back Senior World titles in Bath and Bath again.
  
• Consistent Champion: Multiple World Cup wins and European medals; British athlete of the year.
  
• Inspirational Figure: Known for his come-from-behind laser-run finishes and calm under pressure.
  

Joseph Choong is a veteran star of the sport. In Tokyo, he rallied from behind in the final laser-run to take gold (team GB went wild) – a moment many fans still remember. He then went on to win successive world championship titles in 2022 and 2023. I recall attending a training camp where Choong’s focus was impressive; as an observer, you could feel his determination. Choong’s technical excellence in fencing and resilience in the combined event make him a benchmark for others. His achievements and leadership keep Great Britain among the modern pentathlon powerhouses.

3. Ahmed El-Gendy (Egypt)

• Olympic Champion (2024): Gold medalist at Paris 2024 – first African ever to win modern pentathlon gold【28†】.
  
• World & Continental Medals: Team world champion (2023), World Cup wins, Youth Olympic champion 2018.
  
• Record Breaker: Set the Olympic (and then world) record with 1,555 points in Paris – the highest Olympic score ever.
  
• Clutch Performer: Known for incredible final-running speed; he made up time from 50s back to win silver in Tokyo 2020.
  

Ahmed El-Gendy burst onto the scene as Egypt’s pentathlon prodigy. At age 24, he made history in Paris 2024 by winning gold and setting an Olympic record. Watching that final, I remember how he surged in the last lap – the crowd roared when he crossed the line. He had already won silver in Tokyo 2020 with a stunning comeback. Off the field, he battled injuries, making his 2024 victory all the more remarkable. El-Gendy’s precision in fencing and tenacity in laser running define him; he’s become a national hero in Egypt and inspires countless young athletes there.

4. Seo Chang-wan (South Korea)

• World Championships: Silver (team) and gold (relay) at 2024 Worlds in Zhengzhou【39†】.
  
• World Cup Titles: Winner of the 2024 World Cup in Ankara (men’s individual).
  
• Team Leader: Part of South Korea’s recent relay successes (multiple world relay medals).
  
• Veteran Competitor: Consistent top-10 finisher in Olympic and world events.
  

Changwan Seo has led a golden era of Korean pentathlon. In 2024, he won the prestigious World Cup in Ankara and helped Korea sweep relay titles at the World Championships. At the Paris Olympics, he made the final, reflecting Korea’s depth in the sport. Over the years, Seo has been a steady performer: good at fencing and powerful in the combined event. One can often spot him pacing confidently before events. His experience anchors Korea’s team; despite fierce competition, he seldom falters on the international stage.

5. Jun Woong-tae (South Korea)

• Olympic Medalist: Bronze at Tokyo 2020 – Korea’s first Olympic pentathlon medal【41†】.
  
• Asian Games: Back-to-back gold medalist (2018, 2022) in men’s pentathlon.
  
• World Cup Winner: Gold medal at the 2018 World Cup in Hungary.
  
• Pioneer: First South Korean to break into the pentathlon world elite; medal favorite in every Olympic cycle.
  

Jun Woong-tae blazed trails for Korea in the pentathlon. I remember reading how his 2020 Olympic bronze was a huge moment for the sport in Asia. He began as a swimmer and only took up pentathlon as a teen, quickly rising to the top. His Asian Games titles and a World Cup win show his consistency. Jun is known for his strong swimming (he often leads after the pool) and reliable laser-run. At 30, he’s a seasoned athlete, acting as a mentor to younger Koreans. His upbeat personality and dedication make him a fan favorite; he once joked in an interview about dancing his way through competitions to ease nerves, and the crowd loved it.

6. Taishu Sato (Japan)

• Olympic Medalist: Silver medal at Paris 2024 – Japan’s first Olympic modern pentathlon medal【24†】.
  
• Olympic Finalist: Also competed in Tokyo 2020 (finished 9th, Japan’s best showing at the time).
  
• Asian Games Medalist: Bronze in 2018 (individual).
  
• Strong Closer: Often bested most in the final laser-run, as seen in Paris 2024.
  

Taishu Sato surged into the spotlight in Paris with his silver. Japan had never medaled in the pentathlon before, and his breakthrough was a proud moment for Japanese sport (I still see his medal ceremony on highlight reels). Sato is known for his athleticism in running and swimming. In Paris, he capitalized on a fast laser run to overtake many competitors. He is relatively young and now has both Olympic and Asian Games experience. Sato’s rise shows the pentathlon’s growing popularity in Asia. He often speaks about training across disciplines in Europe and Japan, showing dedication that inspires many fans.

7. Matteo Cicinelli (Italy)

• World Championships: Team bronze (2018) and numerous World Cup podiums.
  
• Olympics: Finished 5th in Paris 2024, pushing for a medal with a strong laser-run【24†】.
  
• European Medals: 2023 European Games silver (team) and other European podiums.
  
• Consistent Contender: Always near the top results; Italy’s long-standing pentathlon star.
  

Matteo Cicinelli is Italy’s reliable star. He narrowly missed an Olympic medal in Paris, finishing 5th and even overtaking a field to reach the final. I recall commentators noting how composed he looked in the equestrian phase, avoiding the kinds of mistakes that mar other riders. Cicinelli has a solid all-around game – skilled at swimming and shooting. His trademark is consistency under pressure. He and teammate Giorgio Malan (below) often celebrate together, exemplifying the strong teamwork of Italy’s squad. Matteo’s experience (over a decade on the circuit) guides younger Italians entering pentathlon.

8. Balázs Szép (Hungary)

• World Championships 2024: Gold (team) and silver (individual) in Zhengzhou【46†】.
  
• World Championships 2022: Team silver (Egypt 2022).
  
• European Champion: Team gold and individual silver at 2024 Europeans.
  
• Emerging Leader: Since 2022, he’s become Hungary’s top male athlete in pentathlon.
  

At 25 years old, Balázs Szép is Hungary’s latest great hope in pentathlon. Hungary dominated the sport in the 20th century, and Szép is carrying that legacy. In 2024, he topped the podium with his Hungarian team and claimed silver individually. He also shared the spotlight with Michelle Gulyás by winning a mixed relay World Cup title. Szép’s calm fencing and strategic running are noteworthy. I recall a broadcast praising his smooth riding style. Future pentathletes often cite him as a model of Hungarian pentathlon discipline. As one fan put it, Szép has “fire in his laser-run” – a deserved reputation after seeing him surge for gold.

9. Valentin Belaud (France)

• World Champion: Individual gold in 2016 and 2019 World Championships【48†】.
  
• Team Success: Helped France to multiple team and relay golds at Worlds and Europeans.
  
• Experienced Veteran: Former European Champion (2018 team gold) and French national champion.
  
• Role Model: One of France’s most successful modern pentathletes, often mentoring younger teammates.
  

Valentin Belaud is a legend in French pentathlon circles. By age 24, he had already won two world titles, and he’s still competing at a high level into his 30s. He brings savvy and experience; in Tokyo 2020, he guided the French team. Fans often mention his sense of humor and his relationship with fellow pentathlete (and wife) Élodie Clouvel – they are sometimes called the “golden couple” of French pentathlon. Belaud’s persona – energetic and upbeat – has helped popularize the sport in France. Even now, watching him compete, you sense his calm authority: he knows how to win and how to help others do so, too.

10. Giorgio Malan (Italy)

• Olympic Bronze (2024): Secured Italy’s first modern pentathlon Olympic medal since 1992【24†】.
  
• European Champion: Gold medal at 2023 European Games (individual); 2023 Euro team gold.
  
• Consistent Medalist: Multiple European Championship medals (individual silver, team gold).
  
• Strong All-Rounder: Noted for balanced skills in swimming and fencing; excellent under pressure.
  

Giorgio Malan rounded out Italy’s top duo. In Paris, he delivered a historic bronze for Italy, showing nerve as he climbed from mid-pack to podium in the final event. A few years earlier, he won gold at the European Games, marking his breakthrough. Malan is often praised for maintaining steady scores across all events rather than relying on any single strength. In 2024, his team’s exploits added relay gold and team gold at major meets, underscoring his importance. Malan trains with Cicinelli in Trieste, and I’ve heard coaches say their friendly rivalry pushes each to improve. His smiling celebration after the Olympic win was a reminder of the joy these athletes bring to fans.

Rising Stars in Modern Pentathlon

In addition to the established champions, a new generation of pentathletes is making its mark. These rising stars are names to watch in the coming years:

• Ugo Fleurot (France, b. 2001): Young French talent who scored a podium in a World Cup Final and won junior titles, known for his quick running and energetic fencing.
  
• Matej Lukes (Czech Republic, b. 2002): Silver medalist at the 2025 World Cup Final, showing clutch performances and fast times in combined running-shooting.
  
• András Gall (Hungary, b. 2000): 2022 World Champion, he rapidly climbed the ranks in his early 20s; another Hungarian entered the elite ranks.
  
• Roman Popov (Ukraine, b. 2000): Bronze medalist at European Championships and rising through UIPM rankings, with strong swimming and running.
  
• Nikos Kalofonos (Greece, b. 1999): European junior champion making steady improvements, embodying Greece’s long pentathlon tradition.
  
• Alessandro Colantoni (Italy, b. 1999): European U19 champion and a steady presence in youth finals, who will challenge at the senior level soon.
  

Each of these athletes has earned world-class results at a young age. They represent the future of the sport, and we can expect them to contend at upcoming World Championships and the 2028 Olympics. Their emergence shows that modern pentathlon is truly global and generational.

Impact on International Competitions

Modern pentathlon thrives on the presence of these top athletes – their performances have shaped recent international competitions:

• Olympic Drama: The thrilling races and comebacks by Choong, El-Gendy, and others have drawn new fans. El-Gendy’s victory in 2024 (first African champion) and Choong’s from-behind win in 2020 highlighted the sport on the Olympic stage.
  
• World Championships & Cups: Pentathletes like Choong, Seo, Szé,p and Mohamed have frequently stood atop the podium at World Championships and World Cups, affecting national rankings and Olympic qualifying. For example, Egypt’s success in the 2025 World Cup Final (Moutaz and Khalil) put Cairo on the pentathlon map【26†】.
  
• Team & Relay Events: Champions also drive team events. Mixed and relay competitions (like Korea’s multiple relay golds, France’s mixed relay win, Italy’s team medals) have grown in prestige. The teamwork of top athletes elevates these competitions.
  
• Evolution of the Sport: The champions often influence rule changes and format. Following controversies at Tokyo 2020, pentathletes and federations advocated for modernizing the sport. The IOC reinstated pentathlon for Los Angeles 2028 but with innovations (horse riding replaced by an obstacle course)【18†】, partly in response to feedback from athletes and fans wanting a faster-paced spectacle.
  

In short, these top players don’t just win medals – they help define the sport’s direction. Their successes and the excitement they generate have kept modern pentathlon in the global spotlight.

Legendary Modern Pentathletes

Looking back, modern pentathlon has a rich history of legends whose careers paved the way for today’s stars. Some notable names include:

• András Balczó (Hungary): Often called the greatest ever, he won three Olympic gold medals (1960, 1968 team, 1972) and multiple World Championships in the 1960s–70s. His dominance inspired many future champions.
  
• Pavel Lednyov (Soviet Union): A 7-time Olympic medalist (including five golds in team events) across the 1960s–1970s, he set early standards for all-around excellence.
  
• Janusz Pyciak-Peciak (Poland): 1976 Olympic champion and three-time world champion (1977–1979), known for his mental toughness and trademark sword-duel victory.
  
• Edith (Tatyana) Korsakova (USSR): A two-time women’s Olympic medalist in the 2000s who helped raise the profile of the women’s event. (Note: We focus on men’s rankings above, but her legacy is notable in the sport’s history.)
  
• Zita Funkenhauser (Hungary): Like Korsakova, a multiple Olympic women’s champion (1988, 1992), demonstrating early on how women’s pentathlon can captivate audiences.
  

These pioneers and champions set records, experimented with training, and expanded the sport’s popularity. Their stories (often of competing in outdated multi-day formats and revolutions in fencing or shooting) still resonate among fans and athletes. Today’s champions stand on the shoulders of these icons.

Notable Records in Modern Pentathlon

Modern pentathlon’s unique scoring allows for world records in overall points and each discipline. Key records include:

• Highest Overall Score (Modern Format): 1,583 points – set by Egypt’s Moutaz Mohamed at the 2025 World Cup Final【7†】. This is the all-time high under current rules.
  
• Olympic Record Score: 1,555 points – Ahmed El-Gendy’s winning total at Paris 2024【28†】, the best at an Olympics.
  
• Laser-Run (Combined Run/Shoot) Best Time: 9:39.63 – Jean-Baptiste Mourcia (FRA) at the 2025 World Cup (Laser-run only)【7†】. Laser-run times are treated as “best times” since courses vary.
  
• Fencing Record (Pentathlon): 284 points (31 victories) – Woongtae Jun (KOR) in 2022【7†】, under the bonus-round format. (Note: Fencing round-robin win totals are also tracked.)
  
• Swimming (25m pool) Record: 1:49.13 (200m freestyle) – by Italy’s Matteo Bovenzi (junior record in 2024)【7†】. (For seniors in 50m, multiple times near 1:53 exist.)
  

These records highlight how far the sport’s boundaries are pushed. World and Olympic records are especially celebrated – breaking one cements an athlete in the record books. (For example, Mohamed and El-Gendy’s records above are often mentioned in media reports immediately after those events.)

People Also Ask

1. Who won the men’s modern pentathlon at the 2024 Olympics?
   Ahmed El-Gendy (Egypt), gold, Taishu Sato (Japan), silver, Giorgio Malan (Italy), bronze.
   
2. Is modern pentathlon being removed from the Olympics?
   No. It will be in LA 2028 with an obstacle race replacing horse riding.
   
3. What is the modern pentathlon world record score?
   1,583 points by Moutaz Mohamed (Egypt) in 2025.
   
4. What disciplines are in modern pentathlon?
   Fencing, swimming, obstacle race, shooting, and running.
   
5. Who are rising stars in modern pentathlon?
   Ugo Fleurot, András Gall, Matej Lukes, Roman Popov.

Conclusion

Modern pentathlon in 2025 is thriving with talent, from record-breakers like Moutaz Mohamed to Olympic heroes like Ahmed El-Gendy. These athletes inspire fans worldwide, prove the sport’s global reach, and keep its legacy alive. The future looks bright for the next generation.