An Se-young Tops BWF Prize Money Leaders, Surfaces Axelsen
World No. 1 An Se-young stands on the precipice of badminton immortality. As she prepares for the final showdown against Wang Zhiyi at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2025 tomorrow, the South Korean phenom is not just playing for a trophy, but for a place in the record books that may stand for decades.
A Million Dollar Milestone
If An seizes victory in tomorrow’s final, she will become the first badminton player in history to earn over US$1 million in prize money in a single season.
Coming into the tournament with US$763,175 in earnings, the winner’s cheque of US$240,000 would vault her season total to over $1,003,000. She is already the highest-ever prize money winner in a single season, having comfortably outpaced her closest rival this year, Wang Zhiyi (US$505,465).
Top 5 All-Time Career Earners (Active & Retired):
- An Se-young: $2,329,466.25
- Viktor Axelsen: $2,284,569.50
- Tai Tzu-ying: $2,185,198.75
- Akane Yamaguchi: $2,154,610.62
- Lee Chong Wei: $1,814,407.50
Historic Sponsorship: The Yonex Deal
An’s financial dominance extends well beyond court winnings. Earlier this year, she signed a historic sponsorship deal with Yonex, reportedly worth 10 billion won (approx. US$7.2 million) over four years.
This agreement marks the most lucrative individual sponsorship in Korean badminton history. The deal is significant not just for its value, but for the precedent it sets regarding player autonomy:
- The Shoe Controversy Resolution: The partnership follows a highly public dispute between An and the Badminton Korea Association (BKA) regarding mandatory equipment. After suffering blisters and discomfort from mandated footwear during the Paris Olympics, An’s vocal criticism led to a policy shift.
- Custom Gear: As part of her new status, An has been granted the rare “exceptional freedom” to wear customized footwear that suits her physical needs, resolving the conflict that marred her Olympic triumph.
Chasing the “Unbeatable” Status
An’s dominance on the court this season has been statistically terrifying. She currently holds 10 titles this season (matching her 2023 haul). An 11th title tomorrow would see her tie Kento Momota’s legendary 2019 record for the most singles titles in a single season.
Furthermore, she is establishing a win rate that eclipses the sport’s greatest legends.
- Current Win Rate: 94.73% (72 wins, 4 losses)
- Potential Win Rate: 94.80% (if she wins the final)
Highest Single-Season Win Rates (Superseries/World Tour Era):
- An Se-young (2025): 94.73% (Potential 94.80%)
- Lin Dan (2011): 92.75%
- Lee Chong Wei (2010): 92.75%
- Li Xuerui (2012): 91.8%
- Kento Momota (2019): 91.78%
A Golden Era for Korea
An is not the only Korean chasing history in Hangzhou. Her compatriots, Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae, are also eyeing their 11th title of the season. A win would make them the most prolific doubles pair ever, surpassing the 10-title records held by legendary pairs such as Li Yongbo/Tian Bingyi and Ge Fei/Gu Jun.
All eyes now turn to the court tomorrow, where An Se-young has the chance to turn a historic season into a legendary one.
