Wyatt Fontenot takes the crown
at the 2025 King of the Whip

 

Montecasino came alive on 29 November as supporters packed the arena for the 2025 Volkswagen Amarok King of the Whip, presented by LW Mag in association with Monster Energy, Yamaha, Garmin, Motul, GoPro, Fox Racing, PlayTSOGO and Estrella Cerveza. The iconic freestyle motocross event once again delivered a powerful blend of South African energy, international talent and big atmosphere. 

In the main competition, the USA’s Wyatt Fontenot rose to the top and was crowned the new King of the Whip, closing the chapter on Julien Vanstippen’s three-year winning run. Belgium’s Vanstippen secured second place, with Australia’s Ry Hazell completing the top three. Australia’s presence remained strong as Pat Bowden successfully defended both FMX Best Trick titles with two standout runs in the Right Side Up and Upside-Down divisions. 

For Yamaha South Africa, the build-up to the event played an important role in welcoming the riders and setting the tone for the week. International competitors visited Yamaha’s head office on 27 November for the official press conference, where riders met local press, connected with supporters and shared insight into their preparation ahead of competition day. In the days leading up to the event, several athletes also used Yamaha facilities to fine tune and prepare their bikes, creating a sense of community and adding a uniquely local flavour to the global showcase. 

The 2025 edition carried significant milestones. Vicki Golden became the first woman to compete at King of the Whip and secured a top five finish. South African rider Ryan Adler received the inaugural Ricky Raaff Award which recognised resilience and dedication. Another highlight came when Dalton Venter introduced the Ducati Desmo 450 MX to the South African public in its first appearance outside of official racing. 

With 21 South African riders lining up alongside nine international athletes, this year’s event reminded everyone why King of the Whip remains one of the continent’s most exciting freestyle motocross gatherings. Yamaha’s involvement across the press conference, rider support and event partnership contributed to a well-rounded experience that connected the brand with supporters, athletes and industry partners. 

The 2025 edition delivered an energetic arena atmosphere supported by a sold-out crowd, closing another successful year for an event that continues to push progression in freestyle motocross while attracting global attention.