Red Bull King of the Air 2023 Riders

Mon 16th Oct, 2023 @ 3:00 pm

Kitesurfing News
Red Bull King of the Air 2023 Riders

It’s almost time for the epic showdown that is Red Bull King of the Air 2023! Follow us for the latest event updates and weather forecasts to find out who will take the crown!

Red Bull King of the Air 2023 weather window spans from November 25 to December 10, requiring wind speeds of 25 knots or higher as well as a decent swell to kickstart the action. Stay tuned here and to the Red Bull social channels for updates on the event and the latest weather forecasts.
The 2023 fleet consists of the top three finishers from the 2022 competition, the champions of the Red Bull King of the Air Qualifier Series, and the victors of the Online Qualifier. This 18-rider lineup promises an electrifying mix of former champions, renowned big air competitors, and promising newcomers all vying for the throne. Our new King will be the one who combines height, power, extremity, technique, and innovation.
Kite Beach in Table View is renowned as the kitesurfing Mecca of Cape Town, offering fans a fantastic beachside vantage point to witness the excitement of the event.

“It’s an exciting time for the Big Air discipline,” said Sports Director Sergio Cantagalli. “It’s truly heartening to see this new generation of talented individuals dominate the sport.” Cantagalli added, “In essence, we can proudly declare that we’ve ushered in a new era of extreme kiteboarding, successfully injecting fresh vitality into the sport. Undoubtedly, a changing of the guard is evident in the discipline. A striking example is that out of the entire riders’ contingent, eight competitors are under 21 years old.”

Indeed, the average age across the entire fleet is 20, with the eldest being 35, the indomitable Aaron Hadlow, a two-time winner. Back to defend his title is Italian teenage sensation Lorenzo Casati. “Red Bull King of the Air is the event I’ve dreamed of since my childhood,” Casati commented. “Winning last year in my rookie year was truly special. All the riders were exceptionally skilled, and the competition reached an astonishing level,” he said before adding, “this further fuels my motivation to defend my title and secure my second crown. I’m back, more determined than ever, and fully prepared to give my absolute best. I can’t wait.”

Image credit: Paul Ganse | Red Bull Content Pool

Alongside Casati, Jamie Overbeek and Andrea Principi automatically qualified for the 2023 event thanks to their podium finish in 2022. Beto Gomez, who won the Argentina Kite Fest qualifier event held in March, and Liam Whaley, who placed highest among non-qualified riders at the Red Bull Megaloop event in Holland, earned their spots through the Red Bull King of The Air qualifier events. Joining them are a host of the world’s finest Big Air riders, selected through a rigorous video judging contest.

The panel of judges assessed the riders based on the same criteria they would use if the riders were performing live during the event. They selected the top video entries by applying the same criteria as they would if the riders were performing live during the event. For more information, please click here.