Red Bull King of the Air 2024

Andrea Principi took to the skies with unparalleled skill, power, and trick innovation, successfully defending his Open Division title! Amidst Cape Town's famous winds and massive swells, Andrea demonstrated why he's at the top of his game. The crowd was on edge as he executed mind-blowing moves, including his signature Contra Loop Back Tornado Board Off. Andrea's blend of technical mastery and creative flair was a sight to behold, and we're beyond proud of his outstanding performance.

Andrea Principi said, "Winning King of the Air back-to-back feels amazing, I still can’t believe it. It’s been a dream come true since the day I started kiteboarding, with this event always being the ultimate goal. This year was a big fight with so many challenges along the way, so I’m beyond stoked to take the win and prove to myself that I have what it takes to stand on the top step of the most important event of the year!”

And like Andrea said, none of this would have been possible without the passionate support of his parents! What a legend.

Pippa van Iersel made history in the inaugural Women’s Division, securing an impressive 3rd place in the first-ever Women’s King of the Air! Pippa's skills were mesmerizing, and her determination showed every time she took to the water. We couldn't be prouder of her trailblazing achievement and the indelible mark she has made in this new chapter of kiteboarding.

Pippa van Iersel said, "I feel super good standing on the podium at the first-ever women's division event. It's really amazing to have the women on the same stage as the guys. This was such an insane event! But I also want to aim even higher, so I'm going to train as hard as I can to go even further next year.

Competing in front of these crowds is something I’ve never experienced before. I’ve been watching King of the Air for 10 years in a row, and now, standing here by myself, performing in front of this crowd—it’s just surreal.”

Edgar Ulrich had a strong Round 2 heat, and in a high-scoring matchup in the quarters, he was narrowly edged out by just one point, ending his charge.

"I put together what in my mind was a strong heat, a lot of power and variety of tricks as the judges requested in the riders' meeting, so it was a big shock to go out in a heat I thought I had comfortably passed," he said.

Nathan Texier, in his first King of the Air, ended his campaign in Round 2. "I lost my heat, unfortunately. I managed to land good tricks but not enough to pass into the next round. It was such an amazing experience to be in my first King of the Air," he shared.

Nathan Texier, in his first King of the Air, ended his campaign in Round 2. "I lost my heat, unfortunately. I managed to land good tricks but not enough to pass into the next round. It was such an amazing experience to be in my first King of the Air," he shared.

The event wrapped up in dramatic fashion during the final hours of its weather window, taking full advantage of the Cape Doctor's powerful gusts, in near darkness. With shortened heats and a dynamic schedule, the competition was fierce and fast-paced, pushing riders to showcase their very best.

Thank you to our teams, riders, parents, and every fan who continues to support our athletes, the sport, and Duotone. We're grateful for an amazing competition and look forward to sharing more exhilarating moments with you! Still full of adrenaline.

Until next time, loop it high and hard!

Photos: RedBull Content Pool and @gregorygerhardt