GWA Wingfoil Tour: Nia Suardiaz and Bastien Escofet are FreeFly World Champions

The battle for the 2025 Wingfoil World Championship title was decided in light wind conditions on Fahid Island in Abu Dhabi. The 18-year-old Spaniard Nia Suardiaz was able to defend her FreeFly Slalom World Champion title for the third time in a row, while the French veteran Bastien Escofet celebrated his first World Champion title. Both champions were pushed to their limits in their respective super finals. Escofet had to settle for second place in the Abu Dhabi World Cup after Italy's Alessandro Tomasi clinched overall victory in the event with two wins in the super final heats.

Emotional rollercoaster ride for Escofet

"It was such a rollercoaster ride of emotions," said Escofet after his triumph. "At one point, I hadn't even qualified for the final. Then everyone was 'over early' and I got to the final with a win. Coming second here makes me world champion, so I'm super, super happy. I'm thrilled, tired and emotional. I've been training really hard and it's finally paid off."

The Frenchman got off to a good start in the super final, but touched the water with a wing tip and fell back. Alessandro Tomasi capitalised on this opportunity and took the lead, pursued by Romain Ghio and Julien Rattotti. Rattotti did not let up and overtook Ghio on the inside of a marker. However, Tomasi rode unchallenged to victory, with Rattotti in second place. "I did it," said Tomasi afterwards. "It was difficult. But I won two out of two races. I'm super happy."

Dramatic end for defending champion Cappuzzo

Defending champion Francesco Cappuzzo had to go into the repechage round after a poor start. There, the Italian was leading at the first mark and seemed to be well on his way to the super final. But then it turned out that he had sailed the wrong course and was disqualified. This ended his chance of finishing in the top four and with it his hopes of a third consecutive world championship title.

Suardiaz prevails against strong competition

For Nia Suardiaz, the triumph means the eighth wingfoil world title of her career, even if it wasn't easy to get there: "It was super tough, especially this year," admitted Suardiaz. "Kylie Belloeuvre gave me a lot of competition. She has made so much progress in the last year. I'm super-thankful to be world champion for the third time in a row. It's incredible."

In the first heat of the super final, Belloeuvre started strongly and Suardiaz pursued her tenaciously. The two raced neck-and-neck throughout the course, but in the pump track section Suardiaz touched the mark with her wing and touched the ground. This allowed Mar de Arce to move up to second place, while Belloeuvre clearly won the heat and was level on points with Suardiaz.

Suardiaz stayed close to Belloeuvre in the second super final run. The Spaniard gained an advantage at the start and never relinquished the lead. Belloeuvre tried with all her might to find a way past, but there was no way. Suardiaz took the win and with it the overall victory in Abu Dhabi.

Results GWA Wingfoil World Cup Abu Dhabi 2025 FreeFly Slalom

Gents

1. Alessandro Tomasi
2. Bastien Escofet
3. Julien Rattotti
4. Roman Ghio

Ladies

1. Nia Suardiaz
2. Kylie Belloeuvre
3. Mar de Arce
4. Viola Lippitsch

GWA FreeFly Slalom World Championship 2025

Gents

1. Bastien Escofet
2. Francesco Cappuzzo
3. Julien Rattotti

Ladies

1. Nia Suardiaz
2. Kylie Belloeuvre
3. Mar de Arce