If you're a kitesurfing enthusiast, you probably didn't miss the final event of the Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour 2023, held in Cauipe, Brazil, from November 14th to 17th. It was a heart-stopping competition, packed with excitement, drama, and spectacle, with the world and event champions crowned in the men's and women's categories. In this article, we tell you everything that happened during those four days of action and adrenaline. 🤩

## The world champions

Both Airton Cozzolino (ITA) and Moona Whyte (USA) added their names to the World Championships by securing semi-final victories. With Matchu Lopes (ESP) out of the final after losing to Gabriel Benetton (BRA), all Cozzolino had to do was beat his teammate and fellow world title contender, Pedro Matos (BRA), in his semi-final.

Although Matos narrowly edged him in the waves, Cozzolino brought out the hammer with a massive 8.60 Shifty Front Side 3 that was enough to cross the line and take the world title. The Italian, from Cape Verde, was in his element all day and had work to do because Matos' waves scored 7.33 and 6.20, while Cozzolino earned 6.20 and 6.40. The huge 8.60 for that freestyle maneuver was essential to snatching the title.

Cozzolino then faced Gabriel Benetton (BRA) in the overall final of the event. Benetton, a rider who thrives in this format, defeated Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) in the quarterfinals, landing two freestyle tricks. Experienced surfer Ribeiro had the best waves, but Benneton dominated the freestyle with a 7.47 for a Double Front Roll, which was enough to go on to also defeat Matchu Lopes.

Airton scores the double

Fresh off his world championship crown, Airton Cozzolino faced a tough battle against first-time finalist Gabriel Benneton. The two riders went back-to-back, with the seesaw bouncing back and forth. Airton opened with a 5.70 wave, with Gabriel responding with a 5.40. Airton then put together another strong series and managed to score two waves, the second a 6.57.

Benneton had other ideas. A 9.07 Double Front Shove had the crowd roaring. From there, he stormed to the front of the final and put the pressure on the Italian. Airton's competition experience showed when he ripped off a monstrous Shifty Frontside 3 that scored a near-perfect 9.50. Gabriel's second score, a 6.60 Double Frontroll, wasn't enough to regain the lead, and as time ticked down, the whistle blew, giving Airton another victory in what will be a memorable day for the champion.

Moona Whyte once again proved why she's a multiple world champion. After a break from competition, 2023 saw her return to the tour with a bang. She needed a third-place finish or better to snatch the crown from defending world champion Capucine Delannoy (FRA).

"I'm so happy, I can't believe what I just did," Moona said after securing the title. "It's been an incredible year, with many strong competitors and tough conditions. I want to thank everyone who has supported me, especially my family and my sponsors."

Moona faced young Brazilian Mikaili Sol (BRA) in the women's final, having defeated fellow Brazilian Marcela Witt (BRA) in the semifinals. Mikaili, who had won the previous event in Dakhla, Morocco, was a dangerous opponent, with a vast repertoire of freestyle tricks and excellent wave handling.

The final was fiercely contested, with both riders demonstrating a high level of kitesurfing. Moona leveraged her experience and fluid style on the waves, while Mikaili impressed with her jumps and turns. In the end, Moona took the victory by a narrow margin of 0.07 points, with a total score of 14.67 to Mikaili's 14.60.

Capucine Delannoy, who had lost to Mikaili in the semifinals, took third place by defeating Marcela Witt in the bronze medal heat. Capucine, who had dominated the tour for much of the year, was unable to defend her world title, but was pleased with her performance and congratulated Moona on her victory.

"I'm very happy with my season. I've learned a lot and enjoyed every event. Moona deserves the title; she's been very consistent and surfed very well. I hope to come back next year stronger and more motivated," said Capucine.

The final classification

After four events on four different continents, the Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour 2023 concluded with the Kitley GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Cauipe. Here are the final event results and world rankings:

Men's event

1. Airton Cozzolino (ITA)

2. Gabriel Benetton (BRA)

3. Pedro Matos (BRA)

4. Matchu Lopes (ESP)

5. Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA)

6. James Carew (AUS)

7. Mitu Monteiro (CPV)

8. Pedro Afonso (PRT)

Women's event

1. Moona Whyte (USA)

2. Mikaili Sol (BRA)

3. Capucine Delannoy (FRA)

4. Marcela Witt (BRA)

5. Charlotte Carpentier (FRA)

6. Carla Herrera (ESP)

7. Inês Correia (PRT)

8. Sabine Beukeleers (BEL)

Men's world ranking

1. Airton Cozzolino (ITA) - 7000 points

2. Pedro Matos (BRA) - 5800 points

3. Matchu Lopes (ESP) - 5700 points

4. James Carew (AUS) - 5300 points

5. Mitu Monteiro (CPV) - 5200 points

6. Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) - 4700 points

7. Jan Marcos Riveras (DOM) - 4000 points

8. Camille Delannoy (FRA) - 3900 points

Women's world ranking

1. Moona Whyte (USA) - 6900 points

2. Capucine Delannoy (FRA) - 6600 points

3. Mikaili Sol (BRA) - 6000 points

4. Charlotte Carpentier (FRA) - 5700 points

5. Carla Herrera (ESP) - 5200 points

6. Marcela Witt (BRA) - 5000 points

7. Inês Correia (PRT) - 4500 points

8. Sabine Beukeleers (BEL) - 4000 points

The Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour 2023 has been a spectacular season, with a wide variety of conditions, destinations, and competitors. Now we look forward to even more excitement in 2024 with these competitions and the Olympics ahead.

images 📷 Svetlana Romantsova