Lorenzo Casati Wins Second Title in Historic Red Bull King of the Air Family Final
The 2025 Red Bull King of the Air produced a fairytale ending at Kite Beach, Bloubergstrand, as Italian brothers Lorenzo and Leonardo Casati made history by going head-to-head in the most unforgettable family final the event has ever witnessed. In a competition defined by youth, progression, and legacy, the Open Division final marked the first time two siblings battled for kiteboarding’s most prestigious crown—cementing a watershed moment in Big Air history.
A Family Affair for the Ages
The 15-minute, three-rider final delivered relentless action, but it was 20-year-old Lorenzo Casati who emerged victorious with 34.02 points, securing his second King of the Air title. His 16-year-old brother Leonardo was close behind with 31.12—an extraordinary achievement considering it was his debut at the event. Dutch powerhouse Cohan Van Dijk completed the podium with 27.18.
Leonardo’s performance was remarkable for more than just his podium finish. At 16 years, 5 months, and 16 days old, he became the youngest finalist in King of the Air history, breaking Jamie Overbeek’s 2022 record. Throughout much of the heat, the younger Casati appeared poised to take the crown, pushing Lorenzo with composed, high-scoring tricks well beyond his years.
But Lorenzo showed the calm and precision of a seasoned champion. A critical kiteloop-boardloop combination, followed by a massive late-heat move at the 17:39 mark, shifted momentum in his favour. He reinforced his lead with additional tricks right at the buzzer, securing the family’s most emotional sporting moment yet.
“It’s the best to share it with my brother and father—a dream come true to win the three biggest competitions in the year. I’m even more motivated to push with my brother in the water. I have to thank my dad—without him I wouldn’t be here today—and thanks to my sponsors and the public here.”
Lorenzo said in an emotional post-heat interview
As the brothers embraced on the sand, their father looked on as a dream years in the making came full circle—a deeply personal victory for a family that has dedicated everything to the sport.
Women’s Division: Lambrecht Triumphs in a Nail-Biter
While the Open Division told a story of family legacy, the Women’s final showcased precision, intensity, and a margin of victory so narrow it left fans holding their breath. Sweden’s Nathalie Lambrecht edged out the Netherlands’ Zara Hoogenraad by just 0.55 points—26.92 to 26.37—in one of the tightest Women’s finals in the event’s history. Slovenia’s Lana Herman, the injury replacement who won hearts with her courage and persistence, claimed third with 23.73.
Herman’s unlikely journey—from alternate to podium finisher—became one of the standout stories of the competition.
Hoogenraad, competing in her second consecutive final, pushed Lambrecht to deliver her very best. But Lambrecht’s consistency and technical execution, highlighted by a standout 7.52-point KiteLoop Board Off, ultimately secured her the title.
“This is amazing. Thanks to my coach, my sponsors… I’m still trying to take this all in.”
Lambrecht said after the win
Real-Time Impression Score: A New Era of Transparency
The 2025 edition introduced a breakthrough improvement in fan engagement: a revamped live Impression Score. This new system allowed viewers—both onsite and online—to see real-time feedback on riders’ style, execution, and trick variety, adding transparency and excitement to the judging process. The innovation was widely praised, enhancing the audience experience and deepening understanding of what makes each trick world-class.
A Contest for the Ages
From defending champion Andrea Principi’s surprise exit in Round 3 to Leonardo Casati’s record-setting debut, the 2025 Red Bull King of the Air delivered everything fans expect from a world-class Big Air showdown. Weather delays and abandoned heats only added to the tension, but when conditions aligned, they produced stories that will be remembered for years.
Above all, this was the event where the Casati brothers didn’t just compete—they elevated each other and the sport itself.
“Unpredictable, but that’s Red Bull King of the Air.”
As Sports Director Sergio Cantagalli said at the start:
In the end, one image captured the heart of the event: two brothers, one trophy, and a father’s dream realized on the shores of Cape Town.
FINAL RESULTS
Open Division
- Lorenzo Casati (Italy) – 34.02 pts
- Leonardo Casati (Italy) – 31.12 pts
- Cohan Van Dijk (Netherlands) – 27.18 pts
Women’s Division
- Nathalie Lambrecht (Sweden) – 26.92 pts
- Zara Hoogenraad (Netherlands) – 26.37 pts
- Lana Herman (Slovenia) – 23.73 pts