October 14, 2025 - Arkansas - The World Massage Awards committee has officially announced the winners of the 2025 World Massage Championship Awards, following a comprehensive review by expert judges and a rigorous public voting process. The champion practitioners in each category will hold their titles through 2029, spotlighting excellence in massage therapy worldwide.
Professionals and institutions are now invited to propose new categories and submit nominations for the next edition, with the submission period closing in January 2029 and winners to be announced in September 2029.
2025 Award Winners by Category
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Swedish Massage: Erik Johansson (Sweden) was honored for his advanced knowledge, extensive educational work, and influential contributions to Swedish massage.
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Deep Tissue Massage: Alexandra Rossi (Canada) received recognition for over 30 years of outstanding professional achievement, educational work, and dedication to underprivileged communities.
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Sports Massage: Michael A. Yessis (Russia) earned his award based on his achievements with prestigious sports clubs and efforts promoting healthy lifestyles.
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Thai Massage: Nicha Phanich (Thailand) was recognized for over 50 years of work preserving and teaching this ancient technique, as well as instilling respect for tradition.
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Shiatsu Massage: Yuki Nakamura (Japan) was awarded for more than 30 years of expert practice and global educational influence.
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Tui Na Massage: Li Wei (China) distinguished himself by training international students and promoting Tui Na worldwide through hospital-based professional work.
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Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage: Kalea Kealoha (Hawaii, USA) was recognized for over 40 years of dedicated teaching in Hawaii, shaping hundreds of international practitioners.
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Ayurvedic Massage: Vikram Singh (India) received distinction through commitment to tradition and work supporting disadvantaged communities.
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Chiromassage: Jose Antonio Sanchez (Spain) was honored for global promotion and preservation of the technique, along with notable achievements as a writer and instructor.
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Russian Massage: Elena Smirnova (Russia) was recognized for methodological innovations and decades of international teaching.
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Chair Massage: Claire Dubois (France) earned distinction for her 40-year career and ongoing educational influence in retirement.
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Marina Baratashvili (Georgia) was recognized for her contributions to oncological care and international teaching, with her guidelines now referenced in medical manuals.
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Fascia Stretch Therapy: Tom Müller (Germany) was honored for his impact as a trainer and international conference speaker over four decades.
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Balinese Massage: Kadek Sari (Indonesia) received the award for preserving the cultural tradition and training leading professionals internationally.
Acknowledgements and Voting Results
The World Massage Championship Awards committee expresses sincere gratitude to all expert judges, participants, and voters who provided their input and demonstrated a strong commitment to professional standards. This year, a total of 3,697 valid votes were counted across all categories, with 273 votes deemed invalid due to incomplete documentation verifying prior discipline-specific training.
The organizing committee also appreciates the efforts of all candidates who participated but were not awarded this year, encouraging continued pursuit of excellence and participation in the next edition. New categories and nominations may be proposed for 2029.
Congratulations to all the winners for their dedication and outstanding contributions to the global massage therapy community!
Media Contact
Company Name: World Massage Awards WMA
Contact Person: Hannah Thompson Global PR & Events Coordinator
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: WWW.worldmassageawards.com
