Top Ranked Gold
Andy Zheng Wins Cadet Épée Title
The top-ranked U17 épéeist added another victory to his career total, prevailing over 329 competitors in a massive Summer Nationals field.
USA Fencing · Sep 27, 2026 · 3 min read
Andy Zheng continues to cement his place as the nation's best U17 épée fencer with a major win at the Summer Nationals.
The épée is often called the game of patience, and nowhere is that more true than at the Summer Nationals and July Challenge. On June 30th, Andy Zheng demonstrated the perfect blend of patience and aggression, outlasting 328 other fencers to win the Cadet Men's Épée crown.
Zheng is no stranger to the winner's circle. A product of the Guanyi Fencing Academy, he has accumulated 31 career titles and 73 podium finishes since his start in 2019. This latest win at the Summer Nationals comes on the heels of a successful run that included a gold at the November NAC.
Currently, Zheng sits at the very top of the U17 national rankings, holding 3,685.8 points. He is also ranked No. 12 in the U20s and No. 26 in the senior category, proving that he is more than capable of competing against older, more experienced fencers. His A26 rating is well-earned.
For those new to the sport, épée is the only weapon where the entire body is a target and there is no right-of-way. It requires a different kind of focus, and Zheng’s tactical discipline was on full display in the final rounds of the tournament. He managed the distance and timing of his opponents with the confidence of a veteran.
With 146 results under his belt, Zheng is gaining the experience necessary to compete at the highest international levels. His performance in this 329-person field is a clear indicator that he is among the most elite young épéeists in the United States today.