Michael Edwards Crowned World Cornish Wrestling Champion

A new champion at Castle an Dinas

Michael Edwards, 28, has been declared the new heavyweight Cornish wrestling champion of the world after a hard-fought competition at Castle an Dinas, near St Columb Major.

The local athlete, supported by the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF), is a gold medal-winning judoka who has recently turned his focus to Cornish wrestling.

A centuries-old Cornish tradition

The ancient sport is played between two wrestlers wearing jackets fitted with four pins on the back. The aim is to throw the opponent so that as many of those pins as possible hit the ground. Refereed by sticklers, a ‘Back’ is achieved when all four pins make contact. If no Back is awarded, the winner is determined by points within the time limit.

Michael’s path to victory

“The first fight was a tough 10-minute bout against the former light-heavyweight champion via points,” said Michael. “My next bout was against another judoka from Bournemouth who I beat by scoring a Back.

“I fought a much larger European wrestling champion from Scotland in the final. After two very tough ten-minute rounds, a split decision amongst the sticklers declared me as the winner.

“I’m very grateful to GSF for the support they provide with my training – enabling me to access any Better facility throughout the UK free of charge. That’s a huge help.”

Recognising Cornish sporting excellence

Operating under the Better brand, GLL is the not-for-profit social enterprise that runs nine leisure centres in Cornwall on behalf of the council. In 2025, 144 Cornwall-based athletes representing 23 sports received GSF support worth £92,150.

“To be crowned Cornish wrestling’s heavyweight champion of the world is fantastic,” said Karen Edmond, GLL Community Sports Manager. “Many congratulations to Michael on his truly amazing win.”

Future opportunities for athletes

Online applications for 2026 GSF awards open on 20th December 2025 and close on 20th February 2026. More information is available at www.gllsportfoundation.org/how-to-apply