iQFOiL Games Lanzarote: Johan Søe in "Beast Mode", Emma Wilson unchallenged

In a way, the iQFOil Games on Lanzarote marked a new start for all iQ riders. The event in the Marina Rubicon was the first competition in the new Olympic cycle, which will culminate in the Games in Los Angeles. Two key innovations also had to pass their baptism of fire: The new sails and the new mode for the controversial Medal Races.

iQFoil: Towards the 2028 Olympics with new sails and a new mode

Emma Wilson dominates the women

At the Olympic Games in Marseille, Emma Wilson from Great Britain was still the tragic figure of the Medal Races: after leading the heats, her nerves failed her in the final and she slipped to third place due to a single botched race. On Lanzarote, she was once again the measure of all things and led the field before the last day; in accordance with the new rules, she went into the Medal Races with a victory as a "cushion". But that wasn't necessary this time, Wilson led the final from start to finish, proving her consistency and ability in difficult conditions. Shahar Tibi from Israel came second, followed by Britain's Islay Watson in third place. "It's been an incredible week here in Lanzarote," said Wilson after the race. "The Medal Series was very exhausting. I've never done well in the Medal Series before, but the new format has somehow made me less stressed. I'm thrilled to start the season with a win. I'm not normally a strong wind guy, but the new sail is definitely a good change!"

Theresa Steinlein also made it into the Medal Series and finished in a strong seventh place. With one win and two second places in the heats, she showed that she is one of the top athletes. Sophia Meyer finished the iQFOiL Games in 18th place, while Alica Stuhlemmer came 32nd.

"The Beast" Johan Søe wins thanks to new mode

In the men's event, all eyes were on Johan Søe: The Dane has recently been almost unbeatable in the PWA and is initially focussing on the iQFOil in 2025 in order to win the title at the World Championships in his home town of Aarhus. How strong is Søe on the slower iQ material, how well does he cope with the new Patrik equipment? The taciturn "Beast" provided the answer with several victories and a commanding lead in the heats, which took him straight into the grand final. There, the new rules came into their own: Søe crashed on the first beat, Renna secured his first victory. In the past, the Dane would have slipped to third place, but now he had the chance to defend his victory. In the decisive second race, Søe kept his cool and took the lead at the windward mark, which he kept until the finish. Modena finished second in the last race, Renna third and Badloe fourth, as he crashed on the way this time.

"This whole week has been very good for me," commented Søe. "And the grand final was also a success. The first race was bad for me as I crashed in a gybe shortly after the start, luckily without any damage to my equipment. I was able to finish the race and win the following one. It's great to start the year with a win!"

The German starters Lenny Friemel and Max Körner finished the iQFOil Games as a double pack in 48th and 49th place.

Results iQFoil Games Lanzarote 2025

Gents

1. Johan Søe
2. Nicolò Renna
3. Manolo Modena
4. Kiran Badloe
5. Nicolas Goyard
6. Nacho Baltasar
7. Mestre Adrien
8. Rytis Jasunias

Ladies

1. Emma Wilson
2. Shahar Tibi
3. Islay Watson
4. Anastasia Valkevich
5. Marta Maggetti
6. Palma Cargo
7. Theresa Steinlein
8. Sara Wennekes

All results can be found here at a glance