#5. First non-Japanese holder of the IWGP title.
![<p>](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/06/3de6e-1529735329-800.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/06/3de6e-1529735329-800.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/06/3de6e-1529735329-800.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/06/3de6e-1529735329-800.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/06/3de6e-1529735329-800.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/06/3de6e-1529735329-800.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/06/3de6e-1529735329-800.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/06/3de6e-1529735329-800.jpg 1920w)
While many credit Hulk Hogan as the first westerner to hold the IWGP title, the truth is his was more or less a 'pride belt' that was not meant to be defended as a regular championship. Big Van Vader is the man who is properly credited as the first non Japanese man to hold the IWGP heavyweight championship. Vader won a tournament for the vacant belt, beating legends like Masahiro Chono along the way.
Edited by Shiven Sachdeva