South Africa’s biggest freestyle motocross showdown returns to Montecasino today, 7 November, bringing international FMX stars, local heroes and a sold-out crowd together for the Ducati King of the Whip 2026.
The ramps are ready, the riders have arrived, and Johannesburg is about to become the centre of the freestyle motocross universe. Ducati King of the Whip 2026 is taking over Montecasino today, bringing together an international collection of motocross and freestyle motocross talent for one of the most anticipated events on South Africa‘s action sports calendar.
And this year’s rider list is seriously stacked.
Representing six countries, the 2026 competition features 30 headline competitors, with 12 international riders joining 18 South African riders. The field includes 11 motocross competitors and 19 freestyle motocross specialists, setting up a serious contest across the Best Whip and Best Trick disciplines.
With tickets officially sold out, the stage is set for a massive night.
South Africa Meets the World’s FMX Elite
One of the biggest talking points surrounding this year’s competition is the international calibre of riders heading to Johannesburg.
Among the standout names is Japanese FMX legend Taka Higashino, who has described his participation as a dream come true. Competing in both Best Whip and Best Trick, Higashino is particularly excited about finally experiencing King of the Whip firsthand.
Spain’s Edgar Torronteras also returns with unfinished business. Having previously finished second, he is arriving with one objective: taking home the throne.
“Last time I was there, I walked away in my second place, but this time I want to win and take home the throne,” .
Torronteras said
Another major international attraction is American rider Wyatt Fontenot, who returns looking to defend his title. Following a third-place finish in Sacramento and a victory at X Games New Orleans, Fontenot arrives in South Africa with serious momentum.
The international line-up also includes Tom Parsons, who previously finished second at King of the Whip and is returning for another shot at victory.
Meanwhile, Belgium’s Julien Vanstippen arrives after claiming gold and bronze medals at this year’s X Games, with his sights firmly set on reclaiming his crown.
Other international names adding serious depth to the competition include Genki Watanabe, Marc Pinyol, Guillem Navas, Christian Dresser, Tyler Bereman and Rusty Cobb, among others.
Local Riders Have More Than Just a Supporting Role
While international names naturally attract attention, the South African contingent is an important part of what makes King of the Whip special.
Local riders will be looking to defend home territory against some of the world’s best, with the likes of Blake Mitrosparas, Chad Bouwer, Craig Emmerick, Dallan Goldman, Dalton Venter, Damien Venter, Doug Willis, Eon Deysel, Geoffrey de Sousa, Johan Vogelesang, Jordan Venter, Mark-Anthony Filip, Michael Oyston, Ryan Adler, Ryan Boggett and Thor Johnson representing the local scene.
The Jungle Rush FMX team has also been encouraging fans to get behind South Africa‘s riders.
Dallan Goldman, Eon Deysel and Michael Oyston have all called on local supporters to fill Montecasino and show their support for the homegrown motocross and FMX community.
Their message is straightforward: international talent might be arriving with enormous reputations, but South Africa has riders capable of delivering their own moments of madness.
And with this many competitors sharing the same ramps, the local-versus-international dynamic adds another layer to an already unpredictable competition.
Best Whip, Best Trick and Everything In Between
The competition will revolve around two major disciplines.
Best Whip challenges riders to throw their motorcycles sideways in the air, demonstrating control, style, timing and commitment. It is one of freestyle motocross’s most recognisable spectacles, with riders judged on the execution and overall impact of their whips.
Best Trick, meanwhile, shifts the focus towards technical ability and aerial progression.
The programme includes separate right-side-up and upside-down Best Trick contests, giving competitors opportunities to showcase their creativity and technical skill.
With riders such as Higashino, Torronteras, Pinyol and Bereman in the field, the Best Trick competition could become one of the night’s biggest highlights.
Pinyol has already teased something new for this year’s event, promising to bring a trick that South African fans have not seen from him before.
Today’s Event Schedule: What Fans Can Expect
The action begins well before the main competition, with VIP ticket holders receiving early access and an opportunity to meet the riders.
7 November 2026 – Montecasino, Johannesburg
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 13:00 | VIP doors open |
| 13:00 | VIP rider meet and greet |
| 14:30 | General doors open |
| 14:30 | Pit walk |
| 16:00 | Rider introductions |
| 16:10 | Best Whip – Qualifying Round 1 |
| 16:30 | Best Whip – Qualifying Round 2 |
| 17:00 | Best Whip – Qualifying Round 3 |
| 17:30 | Best Whip – Qualifying Round 4 |
| 18:00 | Freestyle Motocross Show |
| 18:30 | Best Whip – Semi-finals |
| 19:00 | Monster Energy Rig Riot |
| 19:30 | Best Trick – Right Side Up |
| 20:00 | Best Trick – Upside Down |
| 20:30 | Best Whip – Finals |
| 21:00 | Crowning of the King |
| 22:00 | Doors close |
Event times are subject to change.
The Crown Is Up for Grabs
Beyond the tricks, the international names and the competition format, King of the Whip represents something important for South African action sports.
It gives local riders an opportunity to compete alongside international stars, exposes fans to world-class freestyle motocross and puts Johannesburg on the map as a destination for major action sports entertainment.
For returning competitors, there are unfinished rivalries to settle. For newcomers, there is an opportunity to make a name for themselves. And for the South African contingent, there is the added motivation of performing in front of a home crowd.
With the tickets sold out, the fans have already made their decision.
Now it is time for the riders to deliver.
Ducati King of the Whip 2026 takes place today, 7 November, at Montecasino in Johannesburg. One crown, an international field and a whole lot of horsepower. Let the battle begin.
