iQFOiL U23 World Championships: Grae Morris and Stella Bilger win the U23 titles

On the final day, the World Championship course in Portugal presented itself with a new challenge: a north-westerly wind, significantly further to the left than on the previous days, fundamentally changed the tactical possibilities. Laylines and decisions when tacking became more complex, and the athletes who could read the angles best gained decisive advantages. The warm but unstable wind pulsated in strength and changed direction, making it difficult for the riders to find a consistent rhythm. The water surface remained slightly choppy but generally flat - ideal conditions for precise pumping and accurate board control.

Surprise coup for Stella Bilger, bad luck for Mina Mobekk

The U23 women's Medal Series began with the quarter-finals, in which Estonia's Emma Millend and the Czech Republic's Nela Sadílková came out on top. However, the picture changed dramatically in the semi-finals: a fall by Millend opened the door for Stella Bilger from New Zealand and Maya Gysler from Norway, who qualified for the final. It was there that the first surprise of the day occurred: Mina Mobekk from Norway, the leader of the Opening Series, was beaten by her New Zealand rival Aimee Bright, making a Super Final necessary.

In this decisive race, the tension rose for eight gripping minutes before Stella Bilger from New Zealand triumphed and secured the world championship crown. "I just won the U23 iQFOiL World Championship, I don't know how... I got a nice left turn of the wind and didn't crash, so I'm stoked, it's my first title!" enthused Bilger after her win. Aimee Bright from New Zealand took second place, while Mina Mobekk from Norway had to make do with bronze.

Sophia Meyer narrowly misses the final

Sophia Meyer had already narrowly missed out on the Medal Series the day before, finishing in ninth place. The Berlin native, who was consistently in sixth place for a long time, dropped out of the top eight and thus missed out on a place in the final series. "The fifth day was really tough for me. I couldn't keep up my good performance and dropped back from sixth to ninth place," she wrote on Instagram. "No medal races for me. Of course I was very disappointed at first, but looking back on the week, I really shouldn't be so hard on myself."

Of course I was very disappointed at first, but when I look back on the week, I really shouldn't be so hard on myself." (Sophia Meyer)

Emma Schleicher, the second German starter, finished the World Championships in 35th place, while Max Körner was the best German in the men's event in 28th place, Jakob Ditzen was 38th, Lenny Friemel was 49th and Bastian Weber was 94th.

Grae Morris stumbles and only wins the title in the Super Final

In the men's top group, Italian Federico Pilloni secured victory in the quarter-finals, while Frenchman Émile Roullet finished second despite an early start and a five-second penalty. The semi-final brought further drama: Great Britain's Duncan Monaghan, third in the overall standings, saw his medal hopes fade when he lost control at high speed. This paved the way for Spaniard Nacho Baltasar Summers and Pilloni, who made it through to the final.

The first final brought another twist as overall leader Grae Morris from Australia dropped back to fourth place, giving Nacho the win and momentum going into the Super Final. But when everything was on the line, Grae Morris made no mistake: with a perfect start, he prevailed and secured the world title. Nacho Baltasar Summers from Spain followed in second place, Leonardo Tomasini from Italy came third and Federico Pilloni from Italy finished the championship in fourth place.

"It didn't work out on the first attempt, but in the second race I had a bit more luck on my side and was able to use my speed to my advantage... and I'm pretty happy, I've had such a good week and I love this place, it's been great!" commented Grae Morris on his success.

Results iQFOiL U23 World Championship 2025

Ladies

1. Stella Bilger
2. Aimee Bright
3. Mina Mobekk

Gents

1. Grae Morris
2. Nacho Baltasar Summers
3. Leonardo Tomasini
4. Federico Pilloni