Waialua resident Mikaele Oloa put on a display of speed, power, creativity and risk to win his fifth World Fireknife Championship on Saturday at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie.

In a routine based on ancient traditions of Samoan fireknife dancing, Oloa tossed his flaming knives high overhead, twirled two of them at a time in front of him and behind his back, juggled them and pushed himself 30 feet across the stage while arched back on his head and feet and twirling a fireknife in each hand, the center said in a news release.

“I just tried to stay savage with my routine, to be like a Samoan warrior,” said Oloa, who became the first-ever five-time champion. “It’s more and more of a blessing each time. I look forward to the competition each year and train year-round to get ready for it.”

Falaniko Penesa of Samoa came in second, with Matuni Vaiaoga of Orlando, Fla., finishing third.

The three-day event began Thursday and featured 18 competitors in the senior division. A sold-out crowd of 2,700 people watched the championship in the center’s Pacific Theater.

This was the 24th year the center held the contest, which was established to showcase Samoan tradition. Fireknife dancing draws its roots from the Samoan warrior’s knife dance, traditionally performed before battle with the “nifo oti,” or “tooth of death.”

Youth division contests were held Friday with results as follows:

>> Junior division (ages 6-11): First, Isaako Milford, 10, Laie; second, Mose Lilo, 8, Ewa Beach; third, Matagi Lilo, 10, Ewa Beach

>> Intermediate division (ages 12-17): First, Hale Motuapuaka, 16, Aiea; second, Jeralee Galeai, 15, Laie; third, Hunter Nery, 15, Waialua