might hold the unique title of being the world's only software developer turned world-champion ice carver. A Carleton University alumnus who codes as a Senior Software Developer by day, Suguru has spent nearly his entire life immersed in the art of ice sculpting. His passion was sparked as a toddler watching his father, Ikuo Kanbayashi-one of the original ice sculptors at Ottawa's famed Winterlude festival. Suguru went on to forge a highly decorated competitive career of his own. Most notably, he captured a 1st Place World Championship title in the Single Block Category at the 2009 World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks, Alaska, alongside master sculptor Junichi Nakamura. For over two decades, Suguru has been a pillar of the Canadian ice art community, dedicating his time to leadership roles-including President, Vice-President, and Treasurer-for the Canadian Ice Carvers' Society (CICS). Recently, he stepped back from executive duties to focus on family and pass his craft down to the next generation. He launched Anyone Can Sculpt Ice, an Ottawa-based interactive workshop program designed to safely introduce adults and children alike to the magic of sculpting with ice.

is an accomplished Canadian ice sculptor and international competitor with decades ofexperience in the art of ice carving. A longtime Winterlude participant and frequent carvingpartner of Suguru Kanbayashi, Kevin is known for imaginative concepts, unconventional designs,and a distinctive creative approach to the medium. His international competition career includes multiple podium finishes at the International IceSculpture Festival in Poznań, Poland, including 2nd place in 2013 and 3rd place in 2011 and 2015. He has also represented Ontario at Canada's Winterlude National Ice CarvingChampionship and participated in numerous exhibitions and showcases, including representingCanada with Suguru at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Kevin was also runner up torepresent Canada at the 2026 Olympics in Italy.
Kevin continues to push the boundaries of ice sculpture, combining technical skill, creativity, andstorytelling to transform blocks of ice into temporary works of art.