Nicolas Pierot has been crowned the French national ice sculpting champion after creating an impressive sculpture of Pegasus Seiya, a bronze knight from the popular manga series Saint Seiya (Knights of the Zodiac). The competition took place over the weekend at Place de la Victoire in Yssingeaux, where eight senior contestants transformed blocks of water ice into intricate manga-themed masterpieces.
The 30-something winner, originally from northern France but currently living in Shanghai, China, demonstrated exceptional skill in bringing the beloved anime character to life. Armed with chainsaws and various power tools, Pierot meticulously carved his tribute to one of the most iconic characters from the Saint Seiya universe, impressing judges with his attention to detail and artistic execution.
The competition featured fierce competition among talented sculptors from across France. Nicolas Barbet from Lisieux in Normandy secured second place with his interpretation of Phoenix, the legendary fire bird created by renowned manga artist Osamu Tezuka. Third place went to local artist Thibaut Boulleret from Yssingeaux, who crafted "The Temptation of the Shinigami," showcasing the diverse range of manga themes represented in the competition.
The 2025 French Ice Sculpting Championships required all participants to work within the imposed theme of manga characters, reflecting the growing influence of Japanese pop culture in France. Contestants started with identical blocks of water ice and had several hours to complete their creations using a comprehensive array of tools typically associated with construction work, including chainsaws and electric carving instruments.
Following the senior competition on Saturday, the championships continued on Sunday afternoon with the junior division. Eleven contestants under the age of 23 were scheduled to compete using the same manga theme, with a strict time limit of two and a half hours from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM to transform their ice blocks into artistic masterpieces.
The event was free and open to the public, allowing spectators to witness the fascinating process of ice sculpture creation firsthand. Visitors could observe the artists' techniques and watch as rough blocks of ice gradually transformed into detailed representations of beloved manga and anime characters, making it an educational and entertaining experience for attendees of all ages.
