The 2025 Volkswagen Amarok King of the Whip brought an electrifying night of Freestyle Motocross (FMX) to Montecasino on November 30.

With fans treated to jaw-dropping stunts, fierce competition, and a packed crowd buzzing with excitement it was a night to remember. Presented by LW Mag, in association with Monster Energy, Yamaha, Garmin, Motul, GoPro, Fox Racing, PlayTSOGO, and Estrella Cerveza, the event showcased some of the world’s top FMX riders battling it out for a share of the R250 000 prize purse.

In the Best Whip competition, the USA’s Wyatt Fontenot emerged as the new King of the Whip, dethroning Belgium’s Julien Vanstippen in a thrilling final showdown.

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Fontenot impressed judges and spectators alike with his high-flying whips, combining style, amplitude, and precision in every jump.

Australia’s Ry Hazell claimed third, while Uganda’s Stav Orland, and the USA’s Vicki Golden, the first female competitor in the event’s history, rounded out the top five.

Before the Best Whip finals, riders showcased their skills in the Best Trick contest, split into right-side-up and upside-down categories.

Australian Pat Bowden dominated both divisions, cementing his reputation as one of FMX’s top tricksters. Bowden wowed the crowd with a Christ Air Stage Dive (No-Hander Lander) in the right-side-up contest and a Rowedova Backflip to One-Hander Lander Upside-Down, while Spain’s Marc Pinyol and Belgium’s Julien Vanstippen secured podium finishes in their respective categories.

Bowden, who recently recovered from a hospital stay in Russia, described his victories as: “A reminder of how fortunate I am to be here. The event is world-class, and the energy from the crowd has been incredible.”

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The event also featured Monster Energy’s Rig Riot, a spectacular laser and light show that transformed Montecasino’s façade into a visual masterpiece, providing a first-of-its-kind experience for South African fans.

Event organiser Ryan van der Spuy praised the riders and the crowd. “King of the Whip has grown into one of the world’s premier FMX events. The international talent that comes to South Africa is astounding, and the energy never dropped from start to finish.”

One standout performance came from Ryan Adler, who earned the inaugural Ricky Raaff Award for determination after recovering from a heavy crash and returning to the ramps despite a damaged bike.

The 2025 King of the Whip showcased world-class talent, spectacular tricks, and unforgettable moments, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what next year’s edition will bring.

Final results for the top five Best Whip:
• First: Wyatt Fontenot (USA) R60 000
• Second: Julien Vanstippen (Belgium) R40 000
• Third: Ry Hazell (Australia) R20 000
• Forth: Stav Orland (Uganda) R15 000
• Five: Vicki Golden (USA) R10 000

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