Ryan Villiers Clinches Victory at 2025 Chainsaw Carving Contest

UPDATE: Ryan Villiers has emerged victorious at the 2025 World Class Chainsaw Carving event in Hope, British Columbia, held on August 17. The competition attracted a large crowd that witnessed the extraordinary talent of twelve skilled carvers in Memorial Park.

For four days, from August 14 to August 17, chainsaws roared as carvers created stunning wooden sculptures. Villiers, a familiar name in Hope, took home the top honor in the Pro-Carver class with his breathtaking carving of a blue whale ejecting a boat and a Sasquatch from its blowhole. This marks Villiers’ second win at the Hope competition, having previously triumphed in 2023.

The event showcased impressive artistry, with second place awarded to Mark Colp for his carving of British Columbia animals, which also won the People’s Choice award. Chris Foltz secured third place with a carving representing a Canadian superhero, Wolverine.

During the closing auction on Sunday, Colp’s piece fetched a remarkable $5,500, becoming the most expensive item sold at the event. Villiers’ carving followed closely at $4,500, while Brigette Lochhead‘s salmon sculpture sold for $4,000. The total earnings from the auction reached an impressive $23,000.

In addition to the art, attendees enjoyed local delicacies from food vendors, including bannock, hotdogs, burgers, and poutine at the Chamber Market in the Park.

During the closing remarks, Teresa Williams, Co-Chair of Hope Communities in Bloom, expressed gratitude to volunteers who worked tirelessly since August 12 to prepare for the event. Mayor Victor Smith emceed the event and praised the camaraderie among the carvers, stating,

“There is no good guy or bad guy. All the carvers get along. It’s like a brotherhood or sisterhood.”

The District of Hope decided to retain four large carvings for permanent display throughout the community. These include works by local artists such as Hannu Yliruusi, whose sea turtle carving will enhance community spaces, and Porter Foltz, whose dachshund sculpture will be located at the Hope dog park.

As the event concludes, the community reflects on the inspiring artistry and the vibrant spirit of collaboration that defines the chainsaw carving competition. Stay tuned for more developments and highlights from this captivating event in Hope!