The 31st season of the 2024 World Fireknife Championship culminated with outstanding performances over the course of three nights.

Competitors showcased their skills in the Junior, Intermediate, Women's, and Men's divisions. The first round was held on 1 May with 8 and 9 May being the final rounds. 

The three nights of competition featured a beat produced by the well-known La'ie Drummer's Core. Creasepaul "Fune" Tofa made his emcee debut with co-emcee John Milford.

The Polynesian Cultural Center initiated the World Fireknife Championship in 1993 as a platform to preserve this great Samoan heritage and inspire subsequent generations to carry on this incredible blend of creativity, acrobatics, skill, and daring. The Samoan ailao, a warrior knife dance typically done before a battle with the nifo oti, or "tooth of death," is the origin of fireknife dancing.

Tagaloataoa Delsa Moe, Vice President of Cultural Presentation, indicated in an exclusive interview with Samoa Observer that they eagerly anticipate the forthcoming World Fireknife Championship, which honours Samoa's unique cultural heritage and features the privilege of outstanding competitors around the world.

"This year marks the thirty-first anniversary of the World Fireknife Championship. When we initially launched this platform, it was only open to residents of Lai'e alongside other parts of Hawaii, but it has evolved in popularity over time, gaining not only attention for sports but also for its origins and history," she said.

When asked how the platform helps perpetuates Samoan culture, Tagaloataoa said that each of the competitors have not only learned about the history of the ailao afi but have also assimilated the culture, especially among non-Samoans, thus promoting the Faasamoa through and through.

"Another aspect that I am amused by is the sense of brotherhood the competitors shares with each other which greatly contributed in promoting the real essence of the 'Faasamoa' and 'Fealofani'  or helping one another," Tagaloataoa added.

Manasseh Tuliloa of La'ie is the Junior Division (ages 6–11) World Fireknife Championship winner. Haukea Moua of Punaauia, Tahiti won the Intermediate Division (ages 12–17) award.

The 46 competitors exquisitely demonstrated how this enduring Samoan custom endures. Their strength was displayed as they spun, flung and swung fireknives during their elaborately choreographed routines, providing an amazing display for all in attendance.

In the Junior Division, 15 contestants showed abilities well beyond their years, and in the Intermediate Division, 31 contenders demonstrated that some of them may likely graduate to the elite men's and women's divisions in subsequent years.

In addition, this year's competition was exceptional since Japanese contestants participated for the first time since the pandemic's start.

Fumiyah Matsushima

Fumiya Matsushima, a native of Fukishma, Japan,  stated in an interview with this publication that he was competing for the second time and has an intuition to take home the trophy in the coming year.

"I was drawn to the ailao afi since I was a kid and I've been dancing for 23 years now and I believe it's a remarkable part of the Samoan heritage that I am grateful to have come across and learned of," he said.

In a poignant interview, Tafili Viceson Galea'i stipulated that his victory is a tribute to his grandfather, Tafili Galeai. 

The 25-year-old continued by saying that perseverance and hard work are the keys to becoming a champion, and he demonstrated such in this year's contest.

When asked how he connected and feels towards his heritage given that he has never been to Samoa and lacks proficiency in the language, he stated "Even though I don't speak the language, I have an immense sense of pride and respect for my people and way of life. This is one of the utmost aspects my papa imparted."

"Prayer and believe in yourself that you can do better than how you were yesterday is the mana that echoes in my mind and heart which keeps me going."

In the course of his performance, he had remarkable control over his movements and lobbed his knife skyward, leaving the audience in awe as he kept up his rapid pace.

Furthermore, Jacktai Laban, a Samoan native, went above and beyond to compete in the competition although he had to make expenditures for his accommodation and stay without any sponsors or assistance, he did it out of love and an obligation to represent his people and culture.

Laban, who took part in the competition for the second time, pointed out, "Last time, I never made it past the top six. This time I was named in the top three and won third place. "This is a significant turning point in my career, and I am forever proud to be Samoan."

All the competitors received prize packages along with the top three in each division who were presented with special fireknife-designed trophies. In addition to Galeai winning the Men’s Division, Aliyah Galeai-Ava of La'ie, won the women’s division. 

Results: Junior Division (ages 6-11)

1ST Place: Manasseh Tuliloa, La'ie, HI

2ND Place: Mosese Volavola, La'ie, HI

3RD Place: Keanu Tap Toliniu, Seatle, WA

Results: Intermediate Division (ages 12-17)

1ST Place: Haukea Moua, Punaauia, Tahiti

2ND Place: Carmine Taetuna-Fautanu, Kealakekua, HI

3RD Place: Akilei Malo, Orlando, FL.