Yusuf Dikec Exclusive: Viral Turkish shooter reflects on meteoric rise to stardom

The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi was buzzing with excitement during the ISSF World Cup 2024, and much of that energy centred around one man — Yusuf Dikec. The Turkish marksman, famous for his unconventional style and relaxed demeanour, was a major draw for fans and fellow athletes alike. Dikec failed to qualify for the final in the 10m air pistol event on October 15, but his performance mattered little for those who queued up to catch a glimpse of him.
Dikec’s rise to global fame started during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where his unorthodox stance and minimalistic gear turned heads. Competing in the mixed team 10m air pistol event, he secured a historic silver medal for Turkey—the country’s first-ever Olympic medal in shooting. But it wasn’t just his performance that stole the spotlight; it was his casual approach. While most elite shooters are decked out in high-tech gear with custom lenses, visors, and elaborate ear protection, Dikec stood out for keeping things simple. He wore standard glasses, and yellow earplugs, and, in a style that has since gone viral, often kept one hand casually tucked in his pocket—looking more like a relaxed spectator than an Olympic marksman.
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When asked about his now-iconic shooting pose, Dikec’s response was as cool as his demeanour. “I started shooting and continued to shoot in this position only,” he told India Today, almost shrugging off the fame that’s come with it.
“But after the medal in the Olympics, I have gained popularity. But I have been shooting in this position.”
For Dikec, his minimal gear and style aren’t just for show—they’re part of his strategy to stay relaxed under pressure. “The idea is to be relaxed,” he emphasised.
It’s that effortless style that has turned Dikec into a viral sensation, with athletes from football to basketball imitating his stance in their own celebrations.
“Football, basketball, several athletes have done it very good,” he said when asked who had nailed the best imitation of his pose post-Olympics.
This move—often likened to that of a hitman or a casual observer—has now become more than just a quirky shooting technique. It has morphed into a symbol of confidence and coolness, widely adopted across the sports world.
Dikec’s journey to the top wasn’t an overnight sensation, though. Born in 1973 in Turkey, his love for shooting developed early. He made his Olympic debut back in 2008 and has spent years honing his craft to become one of the most respected shooters in the sport. Despite his years of experience, it was only recently that his laid-back style catapulted him into the limelight.
Even his coach, Erdinc Bilgili, admitted that the fame surrounding Dikec’s style has been somewhat surprising. The Turkish shooter is planning to trademark his now-famous stance after reports that others have tried to profit from it without his permission. The viral pose isn’t just a way for Dikec to shoot—it’s now his brand.
While Dikec didn’t make the finals in New Delhi this time, his presence alone made a mark on the event. Fans and competitors alike were in awe, not just of his shooting prowess, but of the cool, effortless way he commands attention on the range. Dikec has become more than an athlete—he’s a phenomenon, bridging the gap between competitive shooting and pop culture.