Overview
“It’s been such an emotional feeling for me to win here in my hometown and in my home country. I worked very hard to get here. Every moment on the water has been precious for me. Needless to say, I’m very happy with this result.”
Carlos Mario (affectionately known as Bebe) is a professional kitesurfer from Cauipe, Brazil. With four Freestyle World Titles and a GKA Air Games World Title to his name, he is known as a generational prodigy and the first rider in kiteboarding history to achieve a double crown (winning two world titles in the same year).
Career
Growing up in a tough environment in Cauipe and losing his father at the age of 7, he overcame a difficult childhood by practicing relentlessly with gear borrowed from local kite schools and friends. He shocked the world by winning his debut event in Argentina in 2012, rapidly ascending to the top of the sport.
He completely dominated the freestyle scene, reigning as the Freestyle World Champion for four consecutive seasons from 2015 to 2018. He is renowned for dropping “Perfect 10s” in the finals of major events, such as in Egypt and Brazil in 2017, and Turkey and Morocco in 2018.
Throughout his career, he has battled severe bicep and knee injuries. Despite competing with excruciating bicep pain to win events and facing a long hiatus due to a knee injury in 2019, he never stopped fighting. In 2021, he made a triumphant return at his home spot in Cumbuco, scoring a perfect 10 and securing a victory that fans and commentators celebrated as the “Return of the King.”
Sponsors and Brands
- Slingshot: He extensively used Slingshot kites (such as the Slingshot RPM) during his prime years, building his numerous world titles alongside the brand.
Personality and Relationships
He is known as a shy, gentle, and deeply humble young man. Despite his limited English, he communicates charmingly through gestures, earning immense love from his fellow riders and fans. Furthermore, he shared a great rivalry and mutual growth with former World Champion Youri Zoon, as both were riding for the same sponsor at the time.
Quotes and Episodes
“I overcame the lingering pain in my arm to get here and that feels great. Just so happy for this win, and to be able to bring this trophy back home. I feel pure joy. I’d like to thank God, my family and friends, and everyone who supported me, my sponsors, and I dedicate this to my son.”
— Carlos Mario
(After winning the 2018 Dakhla event through immense arm pain)
“This was a very tough week and congratulations to all the guys. They did their best in these difficult conditions. The winds were very strong, the water very choppy. I’m very happy to win here, even though I used a seven meter kite, which I almost never use. I’m even more stoked about coming in first. I’m very happy.”
— Carlos Mario
(After winning the challenging 2019 Leucate event)
“I’m very happy with the champion title at Superkite Brazil. I want to thank God and thank everyone who was here on the beach. Thank my sponsors for the immense support.”
— Carlos Mario
(Upon his comeback victory in Cumbuco in 2021)
He developed a unique and innovative passing technique where he pulls the bar using his bicep instead of twisting his wrist during double handle passes in the air. This allowed for rapid rotations but put an immense load on his arms, forcing him to compete through agonizing pain for years.
Tournament Results
- 2012 PKRA (Argentina): 1st Place (Debut event win)
- 2015 Freestyle World Champion: 1st Overall
- 2016 WKL Freestyle World Champion: 1st Overall, Fehmarn (Germany) 1st Place
- 2017 WKL Freestyle World Champion: 1st Overall, El Gouna (Egypt) 1st Place, Cumbuco (Brazil) 1st Place
- 2018 WKC Freestyle World Champion: 1st Overall, GKA Air Games World Champion (Double Crown), Akyaka (Turkey) 1st Place, Dakhla (Morocco) 1st Place
- 2019 GKA Leucate (France): 1st Place
- 2021 GKA Superkite Brazil (Cumbuco): 1st Place
- 2022 GKA Colombia: 2nd Place
- 2023 GKA Qatar: 2nd Place
- 2023 GKA Colombia: 1st Place
- 2023 GKA Dunkerque (France): T-1st Place
- 2023 GKA Taiba (Brazil): 4th Place
Search Aliases: Carlos Mario, CarlosMario, Bebe