Egyptian fencer Mohamed El-Sayed has taken the number one spot in the world rankings for men’s épée.
The Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist earned the top rank after winning gold at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, where he also carried Egypt’s flag in the opening ceremony alongside swimmer Farida Osman.
El-Sayed achieved an undefeated group stage before advancing through the knockout rounds.
He beat Italy’s Filippo Armaleo 12–11, defeated Italian fencer Valerio Cuomo 15–6 in the quarterfinals, and won 15–10 against Portugal’s Miguel Frazão in the semifinals.
He secured the title by defeating his Egyptian teammate Youssef Shamel 14–11 in the final match, giving Egypt both the gold and silver medals.
