Overview
The Red Bull Megaloop (formerly Megaloop Challenge) is one of the most extreme big air kiteboarding competitions in the world. Unlike standard freestyle or big air events, it focuses entirely on a single trick: the megaloop. Held only when a massive storm hits the coast with winds exceeding 35 to 40 knots, it is not uncommon for the event to not be held for consecutive years.
History & Background: Origins & Global Evolution
The event was born from the vision of megaloop pioneer Ruben Lenten, who wanted to “gather the craziest riders in the most extreme conditions in the world.” Its origins date back to the “Lenten Megaloop Challenge” held in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2012.
After relocating to the Netherlands, it initially took root as a localized event centered around Dutch riders who could rally to the stormy sea within 48 hours of a green light. Early on, locals like Jerrie van de Kop (2013) and Lasse Walker (2015)—riders intimately familiar with the unpredictable, freezing storms of the North Sea—dominated the podium.
As Red Bull stepped in as the title sponsor and the scale expanded, the event transformed into a massive global spectacle. Around 2017, South African riders, hardened by Cape Town’s “Cape Doctor” winds, began to take over. Joshua Emanuel won in 2017, followed by Ross-Dillon Player in 2019, ushering in an era of South African dominance.
Today, the competition has entered the “Super Rookie Era.” A new generation of young talent, such as Andrea Principi (2023) and Lorenzo Casati (2025), have brought unprecedented technicality to storm riding. They are stomping complex variations like double loops and S-loops, pushing the limits of extreme kiteboarding to a whole new dimension.
Location & Conditions
The event is typically held on the North Sea coast of the Netherlands, in spots like Zandvoort or Noordwijk. There is no fixed date; instead, a waiting period spans several months. The organizers monitor weather radars, waiting for the perfect storm, and call a “green light” just 48 hours before the event in true storm-chaser fashion.
Format and The Ultimate Risk
While normal competitions score a variety of tricks, the Red Bull Megaloop operates on a simple philosophy: the rider who throws the most massive, extreme megaloop wins.
In the 2025 event, a rule was introduced limiting line lengths to a maximum of 18 meters to ensure extreme extremity and preserve the definition of a “true megaloop.” This forces the kite to loop dangerously low and fast through the power zone, generating an intense horizontal yank.
Pulling a megaloop constantly carries the risk of massive crashes. If the kite fails to catch the rider, they plummet from 15-20 meters high, slamming into the water like concrete. Spectacular and terrifying wipeouts are witnessed at every event. Yet, the willingness to “Send it” and pull the trigger despite this fear is exactly what electrifies the crowd. The founder and godfather of the megaloop, Ruben Lenten, encapsulated the extreme risks when he said:
“Kiteboarding at a high level definitely comes with significant risks, which we accept… Risk is something that grows on you; you become more aware of it as more things happen or if there’s more on the line to lose. You’ll start becoming more aware of your goals, and that’s when you weigh out risk vs reward more often.”
— Ruben Lenten
Highlights & The Evolution of the Trick
The history of the event mirrors the evolution of the trick itself. In the early days, it was all about the height and raw power of a standard straight megaloop. Since then, riders have pushed the boundaries, adding late backrolls, board-offs, and more recently, dooby loops (double boogie loops),Contra Loop, and S-loops in the eye of the storm.
The sight of riders shaking off brutal crashes, swapping broken boards, and heading right back out into the freezing storm elevates the Red Bull Megaloop from a mere sporting event to a true modern-day gladiatorial battle.
Past Winners
- 2013: Jerrie van de Kop
- 2015: Lasse Walker
- 2017: Joshua Emanuel
- 2019: Ross-Dillon Player
- 2023: Andrea Principi
Click to reveal 2025 results (Spoilers)
In 2025, a women’s division was finally introduced, leading to historic battles among the female athletes.
- 2025 Men’s: Lorenzo Casati
- 2025 Women’s: Zara Hoogenraad
Search Aliases: Red Bull Megaloop, RedBullMegaloop, Red Bull Megaloop Challenge, RedBullMegaloopChallenge, Megaloop Challenge, MegaloopChallenge