Kunlavut Vitidsarn: Thailand’s silent assassin begins reign as badminton world No 1

Quiet and humble, Kunlavut Vitidsarn has never been one to boast – but his racquet has just made a statement now reverberating around the globe.

On June 3, the 24-year-old Thai shuttler rose to world No 1, becoming the first Thai to sit on the men’s singles throne — a groundbreaking achievement that secures his place in Thailand’s sporting history.

The latest milestone in his dazzling career follows major triumphs, including gold at the 2023 World Championships.

Four more titles this season propelled him to the top of the rankings and sent a clear message to the badminton world: this is my era – and I’m just getting started.

‘View’ that no one sees

For Kunlavut — or “View” as he's known in Thailand — this rise has nothing to do with luck. It’s the product of countless hours on court, of early mornings, endless drills, and a mindset grounded in discipline.

In a sport where flair often draws attention, Kunlavut’s brilliance lies in the invisible details: his court positioning, his anticipation, the way he turns defence into attack with surgical precision. It’s not flashy — it’s flawless.

And the proof? He’s the new world No.1.

The Thai maestro has swept a quartet of prestigious titles in 2025: the Indonesia Masters, the Badminton Asia Championships, the Thailand Open and, most recently, the Singapore Open.

He didn’t drop a single game all week in the Lion City, breezing past elite opponents with an icy calm that has become his trademark.

His sizzling form earned him US$176,250 (about 5.79 million baht) from those four events alone. However, a bigger prize is knowing that he can take on – and take down – any rival in the world.

After lifting the trophy in Singapore, Kunlavut stood quietly on the courtside, eyes glinting – not with arrogance, but with silent satisfaction.

“I was already happy about winning three championships this year, and this is my fourth final,” he said, before sharing his next ambitions.

Olympic ambitions

“I still have a lot to learn before the World Championships. But my bigger goal is to win the Olympic gold medal and the All England Open title.”

For many athletes, becoming world No.1 would be the finishing line. But for Kunlavut, it’s just a checkpoint. What sets him apart isn’t just talent — it’s how he treats every tournament as a learning opportunity, every victory as a stepping stone.

He plays not to prove others wrong but to prove himself right — that with enough preparation, clarity, and control, the world summit is within his reach.

Despite conquering those heights, Kunlavut remains grounded.

“Looking at all the players who’ve been here, let’s just say I’m proud of myself,” he conceded. “But of course, I’d like to continue to improve myself.”

That hunger for improvement has made him a nightmare to face on court. Rivals know his game is airtight — his defence is among the best in the sport. But what truly sets him apart is his ability to stay in the moment.

Pressure? Kunlavut thrives on it. “Being the No.1, there will be pressure but that’s good because it gives me added motivation to win the tournaments I enter,” he said.

Where some are crushed under the weight of expectation, he sees only opportunity.

And when he steps into a new arena, it’s no longer unfamiliar territory. “Nowadays, every tournament feels like home,” he explained. “That’s why I feel I can play a lot better.”

This mindset has helped him transform hostile crowds and foreign venues into extensions of his comfort zone. The bigger the stage, the more Kunlavut looks like he belongs.

This isn’t Thailand’s first time at badminton’s summit. Kunlavut is the sixth Thai shuttler to claim the No1 world ranking across all categories, following legends Sudket Prapakamol and Saralee Thungthongkam in mixed doubles (2003), Ratchanok Intanon in women’s singles (2016), and Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai in mixed doubles (2021).

But what makes his ascent so special is how different it feels — how mature, methodical, and measured this journey has been.

He'll never walk alone

Off court, Kunlavut’s calm demeanour gives way to a far more playful character. A diehard Liverpool fan, he often celebrates his wins with cheeky nods to football — striking victory poses made famous by the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and other footballing icons.

From power poses to goal celebration reenactments, his post-match antics bring a spark of personality to the badminton stage, proving that while he’s laser-focused when the shuttle’s in play, he never forgets to enjoy the moment when it’s over.

Fittingly, his ascent to world No 1 coincided with Liverpool reclaiming the Premier League title this year, making the triumph doubly sweet for the young Thai, who admits to drawing inspiration from the Reds' relentless drive and team spirit.

Now, with the World Championships looming in August and the 2028 LA Olympics on the horizon, he’s entering the next chapter of his career with a clear sense of purpose.

“I regard this as training before I go to the World Championships,” he said of his Singapore triumph. “I feel every tournament is a lesson that helps me to grow and play better.”

At just 24, Kunlavut has conquered the world, silenced doubters, and made a nation proud. As the badminton world looks on, one thing is clear: Kunlavut Vitidsarn’s reign is only beginning.