At just 9 years old, Greyson Coles has already shown what it takes to become a World Champion.
After three years of perseverance and coming close as runner-up, Greyson’s determination finally paid off when he was crowned Petit Pois World Champion at the 53rd World Peashooting Championship.
Having attended the championship with his family for around six years, Greyson says he remembers trying peashooting for the first time because it looked like fun.
“It was good fun. I kept coming back because it was a good challenge.”
That challenge became even sweeter this year.
When asked how it felt to hear he had become World Champion, Greyson smiled:
“I felt amazing after three years of trying and coming runner-up. I was really trying to concentrate, even when there was an announcement to say I’d won the Guess the Name of the Teddy raffle—that was tricky!”
Unlike many sports, Greyson didn’t have a coach.
“No one really. I just figured it out myself by having a go and seeing what happened.”
It’s a reminder that practice, patience and believing in yourself can go a long way.
Although the Open Category allows competitors to customise their peashooters, Greyson is a fan of the traditional approach.
“I actually really like the traditional peashooter. It makes it feel more even between everyone. Some of the ones people make are very impressive though.”
His favourite moment of the day was simple.
“When the final score was read out. All my perseverance finally paid off.”
Despite competing on the World Championship stage, Greyson wasn’t particularly nervous before the final.
“No, not really. I did have to ask Mum and Dad to be quiet in case they put me off with their cheering!”
When asked about his toughest opponents, he picked the older competitors from Witchford Village College.
“Probably playing against the team from Witchford College because they were a lot older than us.”
Now that he’s added a World Championship title to his name, Greyson already has his sights set on the future.
“I’d like to win it again. I would love to win the Youth Championship.”
For any children thinking about entering next year’s championship, Greyson has some excellent advice.
“Don’t be scared, and try to ignore everyone around you. When it was my first time I felt nervous going up there, but after a few goes I felt fine and was looking forward to doing it again.”
Away from the competition, Greyson enjoyed everything the championship had to offer.
“I liked all the games and stalls around. It was entertaining watching the adults!”
If he could challenge anyone to a peashooting match?
“I would choose someone good, like a previous champion, because if you play against someone not so good you won’t get better.”
Back at school, Greyson’s success received a fantastic welcome.
“My friends cheered when I walked into the class. I was happy that my friends were proud of me.”
When asked what being Petit Pois World Champion means to him, his answer perfectly summed up his journey.
“That you should always try hard and keep going when you want to do something.”
As for where his trophy and certificate will be displayed?
“They will live on the windowsill, where everyone can see them.”
Congratulations once again to Greyson on becoming our 2026 Petit Pois World Champion. His story is a wonderful reminder that perseverance, practice and enjoying the challenge can lead to something truly special.
We can’t wait to see him back on the firing line next year as he begins his quest for the Youth World Championship.