Top 10 players to watch at BWF World Championships 2025

Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn will look to defend his title at BWF World Championships 2025.

The BWF World Championships 2025 will return to Paris from August 25 to 31, bringing the world’s best shuttlers together for one of badminton’s most prestigious titles. Coming just a year after the Paris Olympics, this edition promises intense action.

In the last edition, in Copenhagen, the tournament crowned some unforgettable champions: Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand) clinched gold in men’s singles, while An Se-young (South Korea) dominated the women’s singles field.

In doubles, Kang Min-hyuk and Seo Seung-jae (South Korea) captured the men’s doubles crown, Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan (China) continued their dominance in women’s doubles, and Seo Seung-jae paired with Chae Yoo-jung to take the mixed doubles title.

Notably, two-time world champion Viktor Axelsen will not participate as he continues to prioritize recovery. However, fans have a reason to cheer as Lee Zii Jia makes his much-awaited return to the World Championships, adding extra excitement to the men’s singles draw.

That said, here’s a look at the top 10 players to watch at the BWF World Championships 2025:

Top players to watch at BWF World Championships 2025

10. Alex Lanier (France) – Men’s Singles

Alex Lanier is a French talent making waves. He is one of the fastest-rising stars in world badminton. His speed and improved consistency have caught the attention of badminton fans worldwide.

At just 20 years old, Alex represents the future of French badminton and could cause major upsets in Jakarta. He was a gold medalist in the 2025 European Championships.

Also Read: BWF World Championships 2025: Updated schedule, fixtures, results, live streaming details

9. Christo Popov (France) – Men’s Singles

Another French shuttler who has been enjoying a breakthrough season in 2025. Popov’s dangerous attacking game and strong performances across Europe have marked him as one of the tour’s rising stars. He reached the finals of the Swiss Open 2025, losing to China’s Weng Hong Yang in the final.

8. Lakshya Sen (India) – Men’s Singles

Paris Olympics semi-finalist faces the ultimate test with a first-round clash against World No. 1 Shi Yu Qi. Sen’s mental strength and ability to perform under pressure were evident during his Olympic run and his 2021 World Championships bronze medal.

If Lakshya Sen can overcome this opening hurdle, his draw could open up significantly.

Also Read: Lakshya Sen’s projected path to BWF World Championships 2025 final

7. Chen Yufei (China) – Women’s Singles

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion and former World No. 1 brings invaluable experience to Jakarta. Currently ranked World No. 4, Chen Yufei has been consistently reaching the business end of tournaments in 2025. That being said, Chen remains a top challenger for the title at the BWF World Championships 2025.

6. Wang Zhi Yi (China) – Women’s Singles

Currently ranked World No. 2, Wang Zhiyi has been in stellar form throughout 2025. She won the Malaysia Masters and reached multiple finals. Her recent battles with top players have shown she can compete with anyone and has the game to challenge An Se Young’s dominance.

5. Anders Antonsen (Denmark) – Men’s Singles

With Viktor Axelsen’s absent, the World No. 2 Dane becomes Denmark’s main hope for men’s singles glory. Antonsen has been Shi Yu Qi’s biggest challenger throughout 2025. His all-round game and big-match temperament make him a genuine BWF World Championships 2025 title contender.

4. Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand) – Men’s Singles

The defending World Champion and current World No. 3 carries the pressure of defending his title. Kunlavut’s defensive solidity, combined with explosive attacking shots, makes him extremely dangerous. His quarter-final victory over Shi Yu Qi at the Paris Olympics demonstrated his ability to handle the biggest moments and biggest names.

3. Lee Zii Jia (Malaysia) – Men’s Singles

The Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist returns from a four-month injury layoff with everything to prove. When fully fit, Lee’s explosive attacking game can trouble any opponent, as evidenced by his 2021 All England Championship victory.

His comeback story and unpredictable style make him one of the most intriguing players to watch in Jakarta.

Also Read: ⁠Lee Zii Jia’s projected path to BWF World Championships 2025 final

2. An Se Young (South Korea) – Women’s Singles

World No. 1 in women’s singles and Paris 2024 Olympic champion is in devastating form. An Se Young has claimed multiple Super 1000 titles this year and appears virtually unstoppable when she finds her rhythm. This makes her the clear favourite for the women’s title.

1. Shi Yu Qi (China) – Men’s Singles

The current World No. 1 and top seed enters Jakarta in exceptional form. Shi Yuqi has been dominant throughout 2025, recently winning the All England Open and multiple World Tour titles. His consistency and attacking prowess make him the overwhelming favorite. However, he faces a massive first-round test against India’s Lakshya Sen, which could set the tone for his entire campaign.

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