Event information
Red Bull's annual King of the Air competition is back for 2026, bringing the world's top kiteboard riders to Cape Town to wow the crowds, push the boundaries, and compete against one another. After a weekend of nail-biting action, only one can be crowned this year's true King of the Air.
Last year, returning women's champion Francesca Maini joined Italy's Andrea Principi and several South African participants for a remarkable tournament, with the youngest-ever King of the Air, Lorenzo Casati, ultimately taking the crown for the second time. The event was full of narratives and surprises, with Casati almost being outdone by his younger brother, Leonardo, until Lorenzo's experience proved decisive in the final rounds.
With harsher winds making bigger air and more dazzling tricks, King of the Air dates are decided within a two-week window (21 November - 6 December) so organisers can pick dates with optimal swell and wind conditions. Interested parties should watch the website for rider announcements, results, and the final dates for the event.