Preview Gran Canaria Windsurf World Cup 2025: No slalom this year, but a full programme of waves - who are the favourites?

Yes, it's that time of year again when the windsurfing world looks to Gran Canaria with anticipation. In just a few days, the PWA Wave World Cup 2025 starts in Pozo Izquierdo. From 5 to 13 July, the world's best wave surfers will be battling for important points for the world rankings in this damn windy, rocky bay. After the surprising victory of young local hero Marino Gil last year, this year's contest promises to be particularly exciting. Record winner Philip Köster wants to return to the top after his third place in 2024. World champion Marcilio Browne is travelling to the event with an impressive winning streak (first places in Japan, Chile and Hawaii) under his belt, while Ricardo Campello will be competing with his own brand of sails for the first time after taking parental leave. In the women's race, the possible return of Pozo queen Daida Moreno and the question of whether Lina Erpenstein will be fit again will create excitement.

There will be no slalom discipline at the Gran Canaria Windsurf World Cup this year due to a lack of funding from sponsors. Instead, only wave riding will be on the programme. After two years of slalom action off Pozo, the 2025 World Cup will once again be a wave-only event. Although Slalom X was originally planned for the beginning of the year, this discipline was unfortunately cancelled. The reason for this is the lack of sponsorship money, as confirmed by organiser Björn Dunkerbeck. He sees this as a wake-up call: "This is an appeal to all windsurfers who have influence in large companies. We need you to promote this beautiful water sport the way it deserves!"

Pozo - in a class of its own

Pozo on Gran Canaria is considered one of the most challenging spots on the tour. The extremely strong side-onshore wind in particular places the highest demands on the hardened athletes. You can look forward to a firework display of spectacular, high jumps such as double forwards, massive pushloop forwards as well as radical bottom turns and crazy tricks on the wave. To be at the top in Pozo, you need the complete package of control in strong winds, fat jumps and freestyle skills on the waves. "In Pozo you don't jump, you fly. Nowhere else in the world can you get so high in the air, ten, twelve, 15 metres," enthuses record-breaking world champion Björn Dunkerbeck, who has been organising the World Cup for a few years now. The characteristic images of the Pozo World Cup with towering jumps against a backdrop of house fronts and wind rotors have been etched deep into the collective windsurfing memory.

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Defending champions under pressure

Marino Gil goes into the race as the defending champion. The 21-year-old local hero surprisingly prevailed against the established competition last year. He thrilled spectators and judges alike with his aggressive style and spectacular jumps. But the pressure on the young Spaniard is now enormous. With a new sponsorship contract (JP/Neilpryde) and the role of favourite breathing down his neck, he has to prove that he can handle the role of favourite.

Köster is out for revenge

Last year's contest ended in disappointment for Philip Köster. The seven-time Pozo champion had to settle for third place. This year, the German-Spanish rider wants to strike back. Köster himself is keeping a low profile as usual, but his warm-up clips over the last few days speak volumes: huge pushloop forwards and backloop combinations on the wave indicate that the 31-year-old is in top form. Last year Köster was a little frustrated with the scoring - in the Losers Final he even went for a triple loop at the end. Perhaps to relieve frustration?

Browne wants to continue winning streak

Marcilio Browne is regarded as the hottest contender for victory. The reigning world champion is travelling with an impressive winning streak and his perfectly tuned equipment from Goya in his luggage. So far this season, the Brazilian has won every contest he has taken part in (Japan, Chile and Hawaii). But even for a seasoned veteran like Browne, Pozo always presents a special challenge with its special conditions.

Ricardo Campello back from parental leave with his own sailing brand

Ricardo Campello was one of the absolute world leaders in wave sailing for years. After a short break to become a father, the Venezuelan is now making an impressive comeback: "Together with a designer, I have developed a sail based on what I have always liked about my favourite sails over the years," explains Campello. The first prototype is manufactured in a new factory, which is producing a sophisticated windsurfing sail for the first time. Campello is initially focussing on a wave line, but would like to expand the range to include freeride and freestyle models in the future. A dedicated website for selling the sails is to follow shortly. His new signature sail, with which he will be competing, is called the "Monkey". Once Campello gets going, he is one of the absolute favourites with his stalled doubles, extreme push forwards and his wicked table tops on the lip.

Women's competition in upheaval

Daida Moreno's return could reshuffle the women's title race. The multiple world champion and pozo specialist is considering a comeback. But of course Sarah-Quita Offringa, last year's winner, would like to defend her title, but doesn't just have to keep an eye on the Moreno twins. Justyna Sniady put in a commanding performance in the training sessions, while young local hero Alexia Kiefer could benefit from her local knowledge. Whether runner-up Lina Erpenstein from Germany will be ready for the contest in Pozo after her foot injury in Chile is still up in the air.

Focus on up-and-coming talent

In addition to the established stars, the focus is also shifting to some up-and-coming talent. Liam Dunkerbeck could cause a furore in the men's event. The son of windsurfing legend Björn Dunkerbeck knows the conditions in Pozo like the back of his hand. With his new sponsor Duotone, plenty of motivation and lots of winter training, he is ready to climb to the top. Not to be overlooked is 18-year-old Carlos Kiefer, Alexia's brother, who has focussed more on riding waves this season in addition to his strong jumps and is therefore now starting with a solid overall package. Sol Degrieck is an insider tip in the women's event. The 15-year-old Belgian is training intensively in Pozo and could deliver a surprise or two.

Discussions about competition format

The competition format causes discussion in the run-up to the event. Last year, for example, a new structure prevented Marcilio Browne from advancing further through the second round, which was held no further than ninth place. It remains to be seen whether the PWA will return to the classic double elimination mode or stick with the modified system.