The 2025 Volkswagen Amarok King of the Whip delivered a spectacular night of high-energy Freestyle Motocross (FMX) action, drawing thousands of fans to a sold-out Montecasino in Johannesburg. With elite riders from across the world and South Africa competing for glory, the event once again showcased why it is considered one of the most exciting FMX contests globally.
Presented by LW Mag in association with Monster Energy, Yamaha, Garmin, Motul, GoPro, Fox Racing, PlayTSOGO and Estrella Cerveza, this year’s edition raised the bar with world-class performances, unforgettable tricks, and electrifying battles for a share of the R250 000 prize purse.
International Talent and Local Heroes Raise the Stakes
This year’s lineup featured 21 South African riders and nine international stars, including:
- Wyatt Fontenot (USA)
- Pat Bowden (Australia)
- Julien Vanstippen (Belgium)
- Genki “Wanky” Watanabe (Japan)
- Vicki Golden (USA)
- Ry Hazell (Australia)
- Marc Pinyol (Spain)
- Julien Mannon (France)
- Stav Orland (Uganda)
Event organiser Ryan van der Spuy expressed pride in the competition’s growth, stating that King of the Whip has become one of the world’s premier FMX events, thanks to the talent, commitment, and spirit of the riders.
Best Whip: Intense Battles From Qualifiers to Finals
The day kicked off with the Best Whip contest, where amplitude, style, and technical variation determined which riders advanced through four hard-fought qualifying rounds.
After multiple elimination phases, the top eight riders reached the Final — a showdown filled with massive whips, unique variations, and a crowd fully locked into the action.
Before the main event, the audience enjoyed Monster Energy’s Rig Riot, a first-of-its-kind laser and light show that illuminated Montecasino with breathtaking visuals.
Wyatt Fontenot Crowned 2025 King of the Whip
The Final brought the heat as reigning champion Julien Vanstippen, along with Wyatt Fontenot, Ry Hazell, Vicki Golden, Genki Watanabe, Stav Orland, Ryan Adler, and Trent Valsecchi went all-out.
With each jump, the whips got bigger, bolder, and more explosive. Ultimately, Wyatt Fontenot rose above his competitors to claim the 2025 King of the Whip title, dethroning Vanstippen.
Fontenot praised the riders and South African fans, calling the crowd the “sickest” he’d ever experienced and promising to return.
Best Trick Competitions: Pat Bowden Remains Untouchable
FMX fans were treated to spectacular displays in both the Right-Side-Up and Upside-Down Best Trick categories — each rider receiving three attempts to execute their most impressive moves.
Right-Side-Up Results
- 1st – Pat Bowden with a powerful Christ Air Stage Dive (No-Hander Lander)
- 2nd – Genki Watanabe with his brand-new Octopus trick
- 3rd – Julien Vanstippen with an Airplane-Seat Grab combo
Upside-Down Results
- 1st – Pat Bowden with an eye-catching Rowedova Backflip to One-Hander Lander
- 2nd – Marc Pinyol with his signature California Roll Body Varial
- 3rd – Julien Vanstippen with a committed Backflip Tsunami
Bowden, who had recently recovered from a serious injury, said his return meant more than the trophies — praising the event as world-class and applauding the atmosphere and hospitality.
The Ricky Raaff Award: Ryan Adler’s Heart and Determination Shine Through
South Africa’s Ryan Adler delivered one of the day’s most inspiring performances, fighting his way through qualifiers and into the Final. Despite a hard crash on his opening Final jump and damage to his bike, Adler returned to give it everything he had.
His courage and passion earned him the newly introduced Ricky Raaff Award, honouring the legacy of the late FMX rider Ricky Raaff.
King of the Whip 2025 Final Results
Best Whip
- Wyatt Fontenot – R60 000
- Julien Vanstippen – R40 000
- Ry Hazell – R20 000
- Stav Orland – R15 000
- Vicki Golden – R10 000
- Genki Watanabe
- Trent Valsecchi
- Ryan Adler
Best Trick Upside Down
- Pat Bowden – R28 500
- Marc Pinyol – R18 000
- Julien Vanstippen – R14 000
Best Trick Right Side Up
- Pat Bowden – R18 500
- Genki Watanabe – R13 000
- Julien Vanstippen – R8 500
Ricky Raaff Award
- Ryan Adler
A Night to Remember
Volkswagen Amarok King of the Whip 2025 brought together world-class athletes, epic trick battles, and a crowd that elevated the event to unforgettable heights. With each edition getting bigger and better, fans can be certain that the future of FMX in South Africa is brighter than ever.
#KingoftheWhip
Photo’s By Eric Palmer & Grant Mclachlane