Top five title favourites in men's singles at BWF World Tour Finals 2025

Defending Champion Shi Yuqi will look to retain his title.

The badminton world’s attention turns to Hangzhou, China, as the BWF World Tour Finals 2025 will be held from December 17-21. This prestigious tournament features the top eight players of the season who have earned their spots through consistent performances throughout the year. With a prize pool of $3,000,000, the stakes are exceptionally high.

Earlier in November, two-time Olympic gold medallist Viktor Axelsen withdrew from the remainder of the 2025 BWF World Tour tournaments. The Danish champion announced on Friday via his official X account that he would focus on preparing for the 2026 season, leaving the field wide open for new challengers.

Also Read: Full list of players who have already qualified for BWF World Tour Finals 2025

With Axelsen out, the race for the men’s singles crown promises intense competition across two groups. Here’s a look at the top five players who are favourites to win the men’s singles title at BWF World Tour Finals 2025:

Title favourites at BWF World Tour Finals 2025

5. Christo Popov (France)

France’s rising star Christo Popov makes his BWF World Tour Finals debut after a breakthrough 2025 season. The 23-year-old reached his maiden Super 750 final on home soil at the French Open 2025, cementing his status as one of the sport’s most exciting talents.

Popov has proven he can compete with the world’s best, with notable semi-final appearances at the Singapore Open, Japan Open, and China Masters. His deceptive shot-making and aggressive style make him a dangerous dark horse in Group A.

While facing tough competition from Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Anders Antonsen, and Jonatan Christie, Popov’s fearless approach and ability to upset top seeds could spring surprises in Hangzhou.

4. Li Shifeng (China)

China’s Li Shifeng comes into the Finals with a point to prove after a mixed 2025 season. The 2023 All England champion won the Malaysia Masters and Hong Kong Open this year, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.

However, Li’s head-to-head record against top players cannot be ignored. He famously defeated Shi Yuqi in the 2023 All England Open final, proving he can beat the world’s best on the biggest stages.

Playing on home soil in Hangzhou and drawn in Group B alongside Shi, Li has the perfect opportunity to upset his compatriot and make a deep run.

Also Read: How do players qualify for BWF World Tour Finals?

3. Anders Antonsen (Denmark)

Denmark’s Anders Antonsen has had another exceptional season, winning the Indonesia Open and reaching finals at the Malaysia Open and Thailand Open. The former 2020 BWF World Tour Finals champion enters as a strong contender in Group A and carries Denmark’s hopes after Axelsen’s withdrawal.

This year, he has three runner-up finishes at Super 1000 events, alongside two semi-final appearances at the China Open and China Masters. His consistency throughout 2025 and experience of winning this tournament before making him a serious title contender who knows how to handle the pressure of the season finale.

Also Read: BWF World Tour Finals: Full list of title winners

2. Shi Yuqi (China)

Reigning World Champion Shi Yuqi has had a stellar 2025 season, winning three Super 1000 titles, including the Malaysia Open, All England Open, China Open, and a Super 750 Japan Open title. He also led China to victory at the Thomas Cup and Sudirman Cup, showcasing his ability to perform when it matters most.

A former champion in 2018 and playing on home soil in Hangzhou, Shi has the advantage of crowd support and familiar conditions. Drawn in Group B alongside compatriot Li Shifeng, Shi is the clear favourite to top his group.

Despite Li’s historic win over him at the 2023 All England final, Shi’s current form and consistency make him one of the top favourites to claim his second World Tour Finals title.

1. Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand)

Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn tops the list as the top seed after a historic 2025 season that saw him become Thailand’s first-ever World No. 1 in men’s singles. The former World Champion and Olympic silver medallist has proven his championship credentials throughout the year.

Vitidsarn won the Asian Championships, marking Thailand’s first men’s singles title in that event, along with the Singapore Open, Thailand Open, and Indonesia Masters. He reached the finals at the World Championships and has consistently delivered when the stakes are highest.

A finalist at the 2021 edition, Vitidsarn will look to use his experience and current form to claim his maiden World Tour Finals title.

Drawn in Group A alongside Antonsen, Christie, and Popov, he is the clear favourite to emerge from a competitive section. His mental strength and big-match temperament give him the edge as the player most likely to lift the trophy in Hangzhou.

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