One of the most exciting and individually demanding events in the sport, the men’s championship singles at the Head of the Charles is a race that many look forward to the most. With storied competitors from across the world, and young talent looking to fill up the pages in their own story, it’s a tough race to call. While over 20 men will compete for a Charles gold medal in the men’s championship single, only one will walk away with one of the most sought-after titles in rowing. Here’s who I think has the best shot at taking that crown.
Finn Hamill – Waikato Rowing Club
The reigning champion in this event, Finn Hamill, comes off of an incredible performance at Henley Royal Regatta, finishing second in The Diamond Challenge Sculls, defeating rowing legend Ollie Zeidler in one of the most exciting races in the event, whilst also taking home a win in The Double Sculls Challenge Cup. Not content with an incredible performance in London, he also competed for his national team, taking second in the double at the World Rowing Cup in Lucerne, third at Varese, and eighth at the World Rowing Championships. The New Zealander is arguably one of the most exciting young scullers in the world, with an incredible resume at only 23 years of age. Can he continue to add to his legacy on the Charles and continue to topple giants on the path to greatness?
Logan Ullrich – Varsity Boat Club
Fellow New Zealand national team member, Logan Ullrich, enters the Charles coming off an impressive summer of racing. Taking first in the men’s single sculls at World Rowing Cup Lucerne and ninth overall at the World Rowing Championships in the same event, it’s undeniable that Logan is a strong competitor for the top spot at the Charles. It’s tough to say who would have come out on top between the two Kiwis had they drawn each other at Henley Royal Regatta, and seeing them go head-to-head in Boston will be an exciting experience.
Martin Sinkovic – Veslački klub Mladost
What can be said about Martin Sinkovic that hasn’t already been said? A true icon of the sport for years, and he’s still seemingly got a lot left in the tank. Although he spent most of the summer in the coxless four and pair for international competition, there’s no doubt that grabbing hold of two oars won’t be a challenge for the veteran Croatian. The only question will be if the young legs of his competitors will be too much for someone who has spent the better part of two decades competing at the world stage.
Andrew LeRoux – Boston Rowing Federation
Finishing fifth last year, overperforming his bow number by two spots, Andrew LeRoux has only added to his racing pedigree since the 2024 Charles. He raced the double at the 2025 World Rowing Championship, finishing 13th, in his first appearance at a senior World Rowing Championship. Adding to that the fact that he’s been training on the Charles for years, his knowledge of the course will give him an additional leg up against more storied competitors who only see the course once a year.
Sorin Koszyk – California Rowing Club
Having finished fourth in the double at the 2024 Olympic Games, Sorin Koszyk enters the race in bow number 14, putting him in an admittedly unideal starting point right out of the gate. Competitors with an at-large bid will have to fight past more rowers and take sub-optimal lines and turns to move themselves into the top spots. That being said, we’ve seen people start further back and win the whole thing, and if there were to be a dark horse in this event to overperform their bow number, my money would be on Sorin. Will he win or even crack into the top five? I’m not sure, but don’t be surprised if you see him move past many other racers as he makes his case.
Prediction
Had Finn come into this event as a newcomer, with less experience and less high-profile racing experience, and started in the second half, behind scullers he was sure to pass, you might be able to get away with not predicting that he would win this event. But those are the exact conditions in which Hamill entered last year’s race, and he finished 21 seconds ahead of second place. Now, after making a name for himself on some of the biggest stages in rowing, he faces another tough challenge ahead of him. It’s hard for me to bet against one of the most exciting young names in rowing, though. While Martin Sinkovic and countryman Ullrich will undoubtedly make the young prospect work to add another Charles trophy to his case, Finn Hamill enters the Head of the Charles men’s championship Single as my favourite to win.
