The wind has spoken and the wait is over. The world’s premier Big Air kiteboarding event has officially been given the green light; Red Bull King of the Air 2025 will launch at Kite Beach on Saturday, 22 November.
With a weather window stretching to 7 December, this year’s edition promises one of the most electrifying line-ups yet. Among the international heavyweights are two South Africans, who will take to the sky determined to make their mark on home turf in front of an electrified Cape Town crowd.
Reigning champ returns
Leading the charge is Andrea Principi (20, Italy), the back-to-back champion who dominated in 2023 and 2024. The Italian maestro cemented his status as the rider to beat by not only defending his title, but also winning the Porto Pollo qualifier in October 2025, despite competing with a broken board in the semi-finals.
Principi’s consistency and technical brilliance have set a new standard in Big Air kiteboarding. Joining him will be Lorenzo Casati (19, Italy), the 2022 champion and 2024 runner-up, who has proven himself one of the sport’s most explosive talents.
Casati dominated the Tarifa qualifier in June 2025, being the only rider to score more than 30 points in every heat and landing the highest-scoring trick of the entire event. Also returning to the battlefield is Luca Ceruti (22, South Africa), who made history in 2024 as the first South African to reach the podium with his third-place finish, a moment that electrified the home crowd.
Qualifier champs earn their golden tickets
“It’s been a year of powerful progression for the Red Bull King of the Air 2025,” Sergio Cantagalli, Red Bull King of the Air Sports Director, pointed out, “starting with the Qualifier Series, which has ignited the global kiteboarding scene through three high-energy stops: Tarifa (Spain), Cold Hawaii (Denmark) and Porto Pollo (Sardinia, Italy).
“Each event came with its own strong identity and extreme weather challenges, showcasing world-class performances and delivering a top-tier selection of riders ready for the grand finale in Cape Town. The 2025 qualifier series delivered dramatic performances across three continents, with several riders punching their tickets to Cape Town through jaw-dropping displays of aerial mastery.”
Charles Brodel (26, France) secured his spot by finishing second to Principi at the intense Porto Pollo qualifier in Sardinia, where Mediterranean winds and technical conditions separated contenders from pretenders.
The experienced Frenchman’s consistent performance under pressure earned him a well-deserved return to the main stage. Eliott Bouton (18, France) rounded the Porto Pollo podium out, taking third place, showcasing the fearless approach that has made him one of France’s most exciting young prospects. At just 18 Bouton represents the new wave of riders pushing boundaries with unprecedented aggression and innovation.
Youngest competitor makes history
Among the most remarkable qualifiers is Leonardo Casati (16, Italy), who becomes one of the youngest riders ever to compete at Red Bull King of the Air. The younger brother of two-time finalist Lorenzo Casati, he has been turning heads with his mature approach and technical skill that belies his age. The Casati brothers competing together adds a compelling family rivalry storyline to this year’s competition.
International flavour with global talent
The 2025 fleet represents nine nations, with particularly strong contingents from the Netherlands (five riders), Italy (four), France (three) and a powerful South African trio defending home turf. Notable returning competitors include:
- Giel Vlugt (30, Netherlands) – The veteran brings invaluable experience as the eldest competitor in the fleet.
- Stino Mul (23, Netherlands) – A consistent performer known for technical precision.
- Cohan van Dijk (23, Netherlands) – Part of the Dutch powerhouse contingent.
- Timo Boersema (23, Netherlands) – Another experienced campaigner from the Netherlands.
American power returns
Two of the most exciting riders from the United States return to Cape Town:
- Zac Adams (17, USA) – The teenage sensation who won the Mystic Most Extreme Move award in 2024 with his highly innovative kite loop rotational board flip. At just 17 Adams continues to push what’s possible with fearless creativity and
- Parker Sage (20, USA) – Bringing American Big Air style back to the competition.
Fresh faces and rising stars
The 2025 line-up features several exciting additions:
- Baptiste Jacquemain (19, France) – Young French talent making his King of the Air debut.
- Jeremy Burlando (20, Spain) – Representing Spanish kiteboarding with local qualifier experience.
- Josh Gillitt (20, South Africa) – Another local hopeful looking to follow in Ceruti’s footsteps.
- Jason van der Spuy (24, South Africa) – Adding depth to the South African contingent.
- Shahar Tsabary (17, Portugal) – One of the youngest competitors bringing fresh energy.
- Kimo Verkerk (NED) – Another Dutch youngster following the legacy.
A new era
“A new generation of international kiteboarders is rising fast,” said Cantagalli, “young, fearless and determined to make their mark in the King of the Air universe.
“Their relentless drive is pushing the boundaries of the sport, fuelling a technical and creative evolution that’s taking kiteboarding to the very edge of what’s possible. The youth movement is undeniable: 11 of the 18 riders are aged 20 or younger, with four teenagers in the mix. Yet they’ll compete alongside experienced campaigners who bring tactical awareness and years of big-air expertise.”
Women division returns with stacked lineup
For the second time in event history, Red Bull King of the Air will host a dedicated Women’s Division, spotlighting the incredible progression and talent in women’s Big Air kiteboarding.
Leading the charge is Francesca Maini (23, United Kingdom), the reigning women’s champion, back to defend her title with unmatched style and composure.
Joining her in Cape Town are some of the sport’s most exciting female athletes:
- Mikaili Sol (20, Brazil) – A multi-time freestyle world champion making her Big Air mark.
- Nathalie Lambrecht (27, Sweden) – Known for her aggressive boosts and fearless trick selection.
- Pippa van Iersel (26, Netherlands) – One of the most experienced Big Air competitors in the fleet.
- Svenja Zoé Peters (22, Germany) – Bringing explosive energy and rising star potential.
- Zara Hoogenraad (32, Netherlands) – A consistent performer with podium potential.
With the women’s field more stacked than ever the 2025 edition promises groundbreaking performances and unforgettable showdowns on the Cape Town stage.
