TEAM NEWS: BENJAMIN CASTENSKIOLD IS WORLD CHAMPION FOR THE SECOND CONS

Defending World Champion Benjamin Castenskiold secures back-to-back World Titles!

At just 15 years old, Benjamin Castenskiold claimed his second consecutive Surf-Freestyle World Title after the final stop of the GWA World Tour in Fuerteventura. An outstanding achievement that confirms his place among the very best riders in the sport.

Wing foiler: Benjamin, GONG team rider, carried by Malo and Francesco. Photo: GWA.

A championship campaign turned around in style

The season certainly didn't start according to plan. As the defending World Champion, Benjamin was caught out by the conditions in Leucate, finishing in an unusual ninth place. A disappointing start for the rider many had tipped as the favourite.

But champions always bounce back.

At the second stop in Tarifa, Benji responded in the best possible way, taking a commanding victory and putting himself right back in the title race.

The two Canary Islands events would ultimately decide the championship. Chris MacDonald took the win in Gran Canaria, tightening the overall standings even further. Heading into Fuerteventura, everything was still on the line. Tomas Acherer, winner in Leucate, arrived as the championship leader, while Benjamin, Chris MacDonald and Italy's Rocco Makana all remained in contention for the World Title.

Wing foiler: Benjamin, GONG team rider, riding the Hyperloop FSP Pro, Droid Aramid X, HM85 V3 mast, Ypra Freestyle V3 Atmo front wing, Micro V3 fuselage and Ypra Freestyle V3 Atmo stab. Photo: GWA.

A perfectly executed final

The tension reached its peak in the semifinals.

First Chris MacDonald, then Tomas Acherer, saw their title hopes disappear after missing their final trick attempts. Benjamin suddenly found himself in the perfect position. Only Rocco Makana could still deny him the championship.

The final quickly swung Benjamin's way. Rocco suffered a disastrous start to the heat, crashing on his first five attempts, while Benjamin built his score with patience and precision.

Calm and strategic throughout, he took the lead halfway through the heat before landing a flawless Palau Frontside 1080. The judges rewarded it with 9.40 points.

That score proved decisive. Nobody could answer.

Benjamin won the event and became Surf-Freestyle World Champion for the second consecutive year.

"I just got out of the water. I'm beyond stoked. I still can't believe it. I had an awesome heat. The wind was not that good but we still managed to make it work. It's my second world championship in a row... Wow. Onto the next one!" - Benjamin Castenskiold

Wing foiler: Benjamin, GONG team rider. Photo: GWA.

Sofia Ginzinger confirms her immense potential

Sofia Ginzinger delivered another outstanding performance, reaching her fourth consecutive final of the season.

At only 12 years old, she finishes the season ranked third in the world, an exceptional achievement that establishes her as one of the brightest young talents on the Tour. A GONG rider to watch very closely in the seasons ahead.

The Women's World Title went to Nia Suardiaz, who also claimed victory at the final event.

Congratulations to both riders. We already can't wait to see them back on Tour next season.

The level keeps reaching new heights

Congratulations to every competitor for their incredible commitment throughout the season. The level of riding has been nothing short of extraordinary. The tricks keep getting more technical and creative, constantly pushing the limits of the sport. Just a few years ago, this level of performance would have seemed unimaginable.

Next stop: Dakhla

The season now moves on to the wave event in Dakhla, where we'll also be cheering on Malo after his impressive Canary Islands campaign, highlighted by a perfect double backflip that earned a flawless 10-point score.

See you in October for the next chapter!

Wing foiler: Malo, GONG team rider, riding the Hyperloop FSP Pro, Droid Aramid X, HM85 V3 mast, Ypra Freestyle V3 Atmo front wing, Micro V3 fuselage and Ypra Freestyle V3 Atmo stab. Photo: GWA.