Principi’s standout tricks included a contra loop back tornado board-off that scored 7.18, a stylish doobie loop board-off earning 6.76 points, and a technical contra loop double front roll rodeo for 6.47 points.

The combination of height, precision, and innovation cemented his king status.

With just three hours left of the Red Bull King of the Air 2024 weather window in Cape Town, Italian Andrea Principi successfully defended his open division title. British kiteboarder Francesca Maini claimed victory in the inaugural women’s division.

„Once may be luck, but this feels incredible. To be honest, I’m not the real winner here – my family and my sponsors are the true champions,“ said Principi.

„They make all of this possible, and I owe this victory to them.“

In close second was Principi’s compatriot Lorenzo Casati, with South African Luca Ceruti rounding out the podium and wowing the fans to become the first-ever local rider to finish in the top three.

FIRST EVER WOMAN KING OF THE AIR

THIS SPORT IS EVOLVING!

The Women’s Debut

The groundbreaking women’s division also delivered dramatic action, with Briton Maini etching her name into history as the first female winner of the event, thanks to a series of high-scoring maneuvers that showcased her precision and technical mastery.

Her top tricks included a kite loop board-off, and another highlight was a big boogie loop that was backed up with a cleanly executed contra loop front roll to wrap up her impressive inaugural victory.

„It means so much. I was dreaming about this moment. It is amazing. To my family and everyone who supports me – thank you for making this possible,“ expressed Maini.

Event director Sergio Cantagalli was biting his nails to get this year’s edition in the books, but in the end, he was also ecstatic.

„This was kiteboarding at its most raw and authentic. Holding out for the perfect moment allowed us to witness a truly unforgettable finale.“

„Andrea and Francesca proved themselves as champions in every sense, and I couldn’t be prouder of how this year’s event unfolded under such challenging conditions.“

The most extreme move of the day was won by American teenage sensation Zac Adams for his highly innovative kite loop rotational board flip performed in Round 1.

The 2025 edition will see three European qualifiers before the Cape Town world final unfolds again.