How to Qualify for Red Bull King of the Air

The Qualifying Series is giving more riders the opportunity to earn their place in Red Bull King of the Air.

Kitesurfer walking around his competition kite, making final preparations before his heat begins.

If you’re into kiteboarding extremes, Red Bull King of the Air needs no introduction. Since its start in 2000, the competition has grown into the sport's most prestigious event, attracting riders who push the limits with extreme stunts, wild loops, and massive jumps. Every year, the competition gets tougher as both riders and gear evolve. It's where the sport's progression is on full display, and many believe a King of the Air title holds more weight than a world championship. 

So, what does it take to qualify for this legendary event, and what’s the Qualifying Series? We’re diving into the details on how riders can earn their spot in the main event.

For the first time in the event's history, there's a Qualifying Series for Red Bull King of the Air, giving more riders the opportunity to earn their place in the competition.

Kitesurfer executing a big trick of a huge kicker in front of lions head.

The Qualifying Events 

1. What's a Qualifying Event?

For the first time in the event's history, there's a Qualifying Series for Red Bull King of the Air, allowing more riders to earn their place in the competition. Athletes can now earn a spot by invitation or through one of the three designated qualifying events, held at top kiteboarding locations worldwide. For example, the 2024 Qualifying Events are:

- Tarifa, Spain - Wind window from 10/09 - 30/09

- Vorupør “Cold Hawaii”, Denmark - Wind window from 13/09 - 6/10

- Dunkirk, France - Wind window from 7/10 - 27/10 

Each event will host 18 participants, with 14 selected from the online video contest that concluded on August 15th, and the remaining 4 chosen as wildcards. Competitors who win in these qualifiers are granted a spot at Red Bull King of the Air. All-in-all, that equals 12 riders from the global video competition, the winners of the three qualifying stages and the three finalists from Red Bull King of the Air 2023.

Man walking on the beach holding a huge flag supporting Team Mystic x Cohan van Dijk, while Cohan van Dijk is kitesurfing in the background.

2. The Judging Criteria

Throughout the year, various kiteboarding competitions are hosted by different organizations, each with its own judging style. Some favor riders who stay lower but pull off highly technical tricks with multiple rotations and a more controlled kite angle. Others prioritize height and radical kite angles over technical difficulty. These upcoming events will be the first to score tricks exactly like Red Bull King of the Air, giving riders a chance to test which moves score well and which styles the judges lean towards. It’s a great opportunity to train and get a feel for the scoring, but riders are also cautious not to reveal all their best tricks too soon. 

The qualifying events follow a knockout or point-based format, where riders compete in heats. Each heat features 4 riders, with the top two advancing to the next round. Only the best three tricks from each rider's performance will count towards their final score, with each attempt earning between 0 and 10 points. The competition is judged on several key criteria:

· Height + Extremity: The altitude of the jumps and the risk involved in the maneuver—both elements must come together.
· Variety: Having a diverse set of tricks within the best three is crucial. 

There's also a fourth score: Overall Impression, which factors in technical difficulty, style, execution, risk, creativity, and showmanship, with an emphasis on maintaining variety throughout the heat. 

The final score is the sum of four components: the three highest individual trick scores and the overall impression score, with each contributing equally. This means the final score is calculated by adding the three best trick scores (each weighted at 25%) and the impression score (also 25%), for a total of 100%. 

Judges are looking for riders who can bring all these elements together in a single heat. Height combined with technical difficulty, showing they can handle extreme conditions while executing complex tricks and staying in control throughout the performance.

Judges are looking for riders who can bring all these elements together in a single heat: height combined with technical difficulty, showing they can handle extreme conditions while executing complex tricks.

Judges closely watching the competition, analysing the riders

3. The Mystic Lineup

As official partners of the Red Bull King of the Air since 2015, we’re always stoked to watch the world’s top riders gather in Cape Town for this event, including our own team and gear. Mystic riders have claimed the top spot before—like Jesse Richman in 2020 and Marc Jacobs in 2021—creating unforgettable moments for us as a brand. 

In the upcoming Qualifying Series, Mystic riders Giel, Josue, Jett, and Cohan will be taking on both the Tarifa and Cold Hawaii events, while past King of the Air champion Marc Jacobs will focus on Cold Hawaii.

Marc Jacobs just finished his heat, looking very happy with his performance as the crowd cheers and celebrates for him.

Red Bull King of the Air 

1. What is Red Bull King of the Air?

Red Bull King of the Air kicked off in 2000 at Ho‘okipa Beach, Maui, a renowned windsurfing hotspot. After an eight-year break, the event made a comeback in 2013, finding a new home in Cape Town, South Africa where the powerful Cape Doctor winds create perfect conditions for the world’s best kiteboarders to perform. Since then, Red Bull King of the Air has become an annual spectacle, first held at Big Bay and later moved to Bloubergstrand in 2018. In 2020, the competition made history by opening the door for women to compete for the coveted title, allowing them to showcase their talent alongside the top male riders in the sport. 

Since its revival in 2013, the competition has witnessed some of the most mind-blowing feats in kiteboarding history. Past champions like Aaron Hadlow, Kevin Langeree, and Jesse Richman have pulled off legendary performances, with record-breaking jumps. 

Red Bull King of the Air isn’t just about the competition—it’s a full-blown celebration of kiteboarding culture. The atmosphere is electric, with fans from around the world coming together to witness the action. The event features music, food stalls, and activities, creating a festival-like vibe. The event brings significant value to Cape Town, drawing thousands of spectators and boosting the local economy. The event has become a key part of the city’s vibrant sports culture.

2. Competition Format 

Red Bull King of the Air 2024 is set to return to Bloubergstrand, Cape Town. The competition follows a knockout format, beginning with initial heats and moving through quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately the grand final. Riders compete in heats of three, and a first-place finish allows them to skip a round, while second and third place must compete in an extra heat to advance. 

As in the qualifiers, judges score riders based on height, variety, execution, and overall impression, but the stakes are higher in the main event. With the world watching, competitors push the limits of what’s possible, delivering their most daring performances.  

3. How to Qualify

There are three main paths to qualifying to compete in Red Bull King of the Air:

- Qualifying Events: As previously outlined, winners of the designated qualifying events earn automatic entry.

- Video Entries: Riders can submit a 60-second clip showcasing their top 5 tricks until September 30th. Judges evaluate these videos using the same criteria as live performances.

- Previous Winner: The reigning champion is automatically invited to defend his title. 2023’s champion was Andrea Principi.

Winning the Red Bull King of the Air is one of the most prestigious achievements in kiteboarding, and it comes with multiple rewards: cash prizes, sponsorship opportunities, and global recognition.

A big crowd gathered around the King of the Air podium, celebrating the victory of a kitesurfer.

Mystic Most Extreme Move Trophy, awarded to the rider who executed the most extreme move of the entire kitesurfing event.

4. What to Win

Winning the Red Bull King of the Air is one of the most prestigious achievements in kiteboarding, and it comes multiple rewards:

- Cash Prizes: Significant financial rewards for the top three spots.

Mystic Move of the Day: An award given to the rider who performs the most impressive and innovative trick of the day.

Sponsorship Opportunities: High placements can attract sponsorships from top brands, kiteboarding or other.

Global Recognition: The title of "King of the Air" secures a rider's legacy in the sport, catapulting their career to new heights.

5. Watch Red Bull King of the Air 2024

The Red Bull King of the Air 2024 promises to be another unforgettable event, showcasing the best in kiteboarding talent and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport. Whether you’re an aspiring competitor aiming to qualify or a fan eager to witness the action, Red Bull King of the Air is an event that should be on every rider’s radar. Stay tuned and get ready to witness the crowning of the next King of the Air.For those planning to watch the competition live:
· Location: Kite Beach, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town.
· Date: The wind window runs from November 23rd to December 8th, 2024.
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