The GKA Kite-Surf World Cup 2025 concluded in Taíba, Brazil, where Pedro Matos and Capucine Delannoy were crowned World Champions after a dramatic final showdown.
Relive the highlights, results, and top performances from the season’s unforgettable finale.
GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Taíba 2025
6-9 November, 2025 | Taíba
Taíba, Brazil set the stage for the final stop of the 2025 GKA Kite-Surf World Cup, wrapping up a phenomenal season in true style. Known for its golden beaches, steady winds, and vibrant local energy, Taíba once again delivered the perfect conditions — and atmosphere — for the world’s best riders to close out the year.
This final event brought together 24 men and 16 women, all chasing valuable ranking points and one last chance at glory. Capucine Delannoy entered Taíba already crowned 2025 World Champion, free to ride without pressure, while reigning men’s champion Gabriel Benetton faced an uphill battle to defend his title on home turf.
The event began under light conditions, with several attempts to complete the opening men’s heats before the wind faded, forcing competition to pause for the day. Athletes gathered instead for the official opening ceremony, celebrating the season finale and the close-knit GKA community that defines the tour. With stronger winds forecasted ahead, anticipation quickly began to build.
As the week progressed, conditions improved, and competition got underway. Theo Demanez continued his breakout season — following his first-ever event win in Sylt — by confidently winning his opening heat and securing a direct spot in Round 3. The standout performance of the day came from Arthur Morais, the local favorite, who ignited the crowd with a 16.53 heat score, the highest of the day. His powerful, flowing style earned him a spot in Round 3 and set the tone for what would become an unforgettable finale.
When the winds returned in full force, Mother Nature delivered. The women hit the water first, and local athlete Kesiane Rodrigues set the pace early, scoring 12.14 points and showing her comfort and precision on home waters. Later, newly crowned World Champion Capucine Delannoy showcased her trademark control and flow, earning the top heat score of the round. There were surprises too — Switzerland’s Camille Losserand was eliminated early by Brazilian newcomer Lidiane Sanders, proving that home advantage counts in Taíba.
In the men’s draw, the much-anticipated Round 3 heat between Pedro Matos and Airton Cozzolino brought the beach to life. Both riders were still in contention for the world title, but it was Matos who edged ahead, eliminating Cozzolino and ending his 2025 title hopes. With only a handful of contenders left, all eyes turned to the final day, where the champions would be decided.
Finals day in Taíba had everything: world titles, home victories, and pure emotion on the beach. In the women’s semifinals, Kesiane Rodrigues defeated fellow Brazilian Serena Luz, while Delannoy advanced past Charlotte Carpentier with her calm and confident riding. The final saw Rodrigues and Delannoy face off under tricky conditions. Delannoy opened strong, but Rodrigues’ determination and local knowledge proved unbeatable. Feeding off the cheers of the home crowd, Rodrigues claimed her first-ever GKA event win, with Delannoy finishing second and Luz taking third.
In the men’s competition, the tension was at its peak as every heat carried title implications. Gabriel Benetton narrowly beat Matchu Lopes to keep his championship hopes alive, while Pedro Matos survived a nail-biting clash against Nicola Abadjiev, winning by fractions of a point. James Carew advanced past Hendrick Witschi, and Arthur Morais kept the energy high, defeating Brazilian veteran Sebastião Ribeiro to reach the semifinals.
Then came the defining showdown — Pedro Matos vs. Gabriel Benetton — the heat that would decide the 2025 Men’s World Title. Matos came out firing, riding with focus and precision, while Benetton pushed hard but couldn’t close the gap. When the buzzer sounded, Pedro Matos was crowned 2025 GKA Kite-Surf World Champion, sparking celebrations on the beach.
In the second semifinal, Arthur Morais continued his dream run, beating James Carew after opening with a near-perfect 8-point wave. That set the stage for an all-Brazilian final: Pedro Matos, the newly crowned World Champion, against Arthur Morais, the hometown hero.
The beach was electric. Matos opened strong, but Morais was unstoppable. With a stunning 16.67 heat score, he secured his first-ever event win in front of a roaring local crowd. Matos finished second, capping off a remarkable season with the World Title, while James Carew rounded out the podium in third.
Final Results GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Taíba 2025:
Men:
1st: Artur Morais (BRA)
2nd: Pedro Matos (BRA)
3rd: James Carew (AUS)
Women:
1st: Kesiane Rodrigues (BRA)
2nd: Capucine Delannoy (FRA)
3rd: Serena Luz (BRA)
As the sun set over Taíba, the 2025 GKA Kite-Surf World Tour came to a close — a season defined by talent, passion, and progression.
Congratulations to our 2025 World Champions, Capucine Delannoy and Pedro Matos, and to all the athletes who made this season one to remember.
The countdown to 2026 begins now — and if this season is anything to go by, the best is yet to come.
Overall GKA Kite-Surf Results 2025
Men:
1st: Pedro Matos (BRA)
2nd: Airton Cozzolino (ITA)
3rd: Gabriel Benetton (BRA)
Women:
1st: Capucine Delannoy (FRA)
2nd: Kesiane Rodrigues (BRA)
3rd: Serena Luz (BRA)
words: Gemma Hamaini
images: Svetlana Romantsova
