Zack Sabre Jr. has made history by winning the NJPW G1 Climax 34 tournament, becoming the first British wrestler to achieve this prestigious honor.
The G1 Climax, a cornerstone of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), is one of the most grueling and revered tournaments in professional wrestling. Held annually, it spans an entire month, featuring a round-robin format where top wrestlers from around the world compete. The tournament’s history dates back to 1991, but its roots go even deeper, linked to previous NJPW tournaments dating back to the 1970s. The G1 Climax is seen as a rite of passage, with winners typically earning the right to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at NJPW’s biggest event of the year, WrestleKingdom, held every January 4th.
Zack Sabre Jr. faced Yota Tsuji in the G1 Climax 34 finals on August 18. Both men were on the cusp of making history—Tsuji aiming to become the first wrestler to win both the New Japan Cup and the G1 Climax in the same calendar year, and Sabre Jr. striving to become the first British wrestler to win NJPW’s premier tournament.
In a riveting 31-minute main event, Sabre Jr. emerged victorious, securing the win with a devastating arm and leg submission on Tsuji, a member of the faction Los Ingobernables de Japón. This victory not only marks Sabre Jr. as the first British wrestler to win the G1 Climax, but also solidifies his position as one of the top international stars in NJPW. Known for his unmatched technical prowess, Zack Sabre Jr. has been a staple of the global wrestling scene, particularly in NJPW, where he has been a prominent figure for years, winning numerous titles and accolades. His victory in the G1 Climax is the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, cementing his status as one of the top wrestlers in the world.
In a surprising move, Zack Sabre Jr. broke from tradition during his post-match announcement. Instead of challenging for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleKingdom on January 4, 2025, as is customary, Sabre Jr. declared that he would be challenging for the title at King of Pro Wrestling in October. This decision adds an extra layer of intrigue to his journey, as he aims to capitalize on his momentum sooner rather than later.
Zack Sabre Jr.’s historic win in the G1 Climax 34 is not only a personal milestone but also a landmark moment for British and international wrestling, further cementing NJPW’s status as a truly global wrestling promotion.
The G1 Climax has a rich history with many legendary wrestlers having won the tournament since its inception in 1991. Here are some notable previous winners:
- Masahiro Chono – The inaugural winner of the G1 Climax in 1991 and a five-time champion, Chono is synonymous with the tournament.
- Keiji Mutoh (The Great Muta) – A wrestling icon, Mutoh won the G1 Climax in 1995, further solidifying his legacy in NJPW.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi – Known as the “Ace” of NJPW, Tanahashi has won the G1 Climax three times (2007, 2015, 2018), making him one of the tournament’s most successful competitors.
- Kazuchika Okada – A modern-day legend, Okada has won the G1 Climax three times (2012, 2014, 2021), establishing himself as one of NJPW’s biggest stars.
- Kenny Omega – Omega became the first Canadian and non-Japanese wrestler to win the G1 Climax in 2016, marking a significant moment in the tournament’s history.
- Tetsuya Naito – A fan favorite, Naito has won the G1 Climax twice (2013, 2017), and his victories have played a key role in his rise to stardom.
- Shinsuke Nakamura – Before his departure to WWE, Nakamura was a major star in NJPW, winning the G1 Climax in 2011.
- Kota Ibushi – Known for his incredible in-ring ability, Ibushi won back-to-back G1 Climax tournaments in 2019 and 2020, becoming the first wrestler to do so in consecutive years.
