Red Bull King of the Air Sees Elite Kiteboarders Take to the Skies

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.

Here’s everything kiteboarders and their fans need to know.

All About the Red Bull King of the Air Kiteboarding Contest

Red Bull King of the Air first took place in Hawaii in the early 2000s, before moving to Cape Town and the windy sanctuary of Kite Beach in 2013. It is the biggest annual event in all of Big-Air kiteboarding, with riders pushing the limits of height, variety, style, execution, and trick difficulty to earn the ultimate crown.

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.

The full lineup for 2026 is yet to be announced, as the all-important Taiwan Qualifier is happening from 21 to 26 October.

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.