Chile World Cup: Matanzas attracts wave elite, over 100 participants on the start list - the best pictures from the warm-up

As the first 5-star event of the year, the competition attracts the wave elite to the Chilean coast. The athletes will not only be fighting for victory, but also for important points in the overall standings. With new leaders in the wave rankings, the season opener promises top performances and thrilling heats. Bernd Roediger will start the race as the number one in the men's division, while Sarah-Quita Offringa wants to defend her world championship title in the women's division.
In total, there are over a hundred participants on the list across all divisions (men, women, masters, juniors).

The newly introduced "rolling rankings", which are calculated over a period of 18 months based on the four best results (men) or the three best results (women) of each rider, determine the seeding (= placement/starting position) at the events.

Roediger's rise and the battle for the top

Bernd Roediger's leap to the top of the "Rolling Rankings" marks an upheaval in the competition landscape. Known for his fluid, creative riding style, the Hawaiian now has to defend his position against some of the biggest names in the sport after his victories in Puerto Rico and Ho'okipa. Hot on his heels is reigning world champion Marcilio Browne, who is going for his fourth world title. Browne, who won the 4-star event in Japan last month, is travelling to Chile in top form.

The defending champion of the Chile event, Camille Juban from Guadeloupe, as well as Víctor Fernández from Spain and Morgan Noireaux from Hawaii are also among the favourites. All three reached the final in Chile last year, with Juban taking the win. With the rankings still in flux, the Chile World Cup will be a landmark event for the positioning of the riders in the 5-star season.

Offringa's dominance and strong challengers

Sarah-Quita Offringa has a perfect score of 30,000 points and victories in Hawaii, Gran Canaria and Sylt, making her the clear favourite in the women's category. Her versatility in all conditions makes her the clear favourite for the season opener in Matanzas.

But a number of up-and-coming challengers are closing in: Lina Erpenstein from Germany, last year's winner in Chile, and Alexia Kiefer Quintana from Gran Canaria have made significant progress in recent events and have shown the potential to shake up the rankings. Lina's consistent podium finishes and Alexia Kiefers explosive style make them serious threats to Offringa's dominance.

Chile as a touchstone for champions

As the first 5-star event of the season, the Chile World Cup 2025 marks a milestone for riders aiming for a strong start in the rankings. Matanzas, with its strong, consistent winds and powerful waves from the South Pacific, has been considered one of the most reliable down-the-line destinations on the tour for a few years now. The conditions in Matanzas demand precision, power and adaptability from the athletes. In addition to the main spot, other locations such as Topocalma and La Roca in the Navidad region attract top riders who want to test their limits. The lively and passionate windsurfing community in Chile also contributes to the unique atmosphere of the event.

Supporting programme and transmission

Fans can follow the competition live on the IWT YouTube channel. In addition, regular updates will be provided on the social media channels @world_wave_tour and @pwaworldtour. For all those who want to be there, the organiser promises an extensive supporting programme that will allow them to experience the fascination of windsurfing up close.