Nia Suardiaz Claims Third World Title as Bastien Escofet Secures First Crown at GWA Wingfoil World Cup Abu Dhabi 2025
Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi – November 2, 2025 – Spain’s 18-year-old wingfoil sensation Nia Suardiaz has secured her third consecutive FreeFly-Slalom World Championship title, while France’s Bastien Escofet celebrated his long-awaited first world crown after a dramatic final day at the GWA Wingfoil World Cup Abu Dhabi.
The six-day event, held from 28 October to 2 November 2025, delivered high-pressure super-finals in light-wind conditions, pushing the world’s top wingfoil athletes to their limits.
Suardiaz Makes History – But Admits It’s Getting Harder
Already one of the most dominant athletes in wingfoiling, Suardiaz now holds eight world titles across multiple disciplines. But the Spaniard said this year was her toughest yet, crediting French rider Kylie Belloeuvre, who won the opening super-final round and forced a title-deciding second heat.
“It’s been super hard, especially this year,” said Suardiaz. “Kylie has progressed so much. I’m super grateful to become world champion three years in a row.”
Suardiaz secured the Abu Dhabi victory by winning the second super-final round, finishing ahead of Belloeuvre, Spain’s Mar de Arce, and Austria’s Viola Lippitsch.
Escofet Takes First World Title After High-Drama Final
For France’s Bastien Escofet, the path to his first world championship was anything but smooth. The veteran rider only just qualified for the super-final after a chaotic semi-final restart, then had to settle for second place in Abu Dhabi after Italy’s Alessandro Tomasi won both super-final rounds.
Despite finishing runner-up on the day, Escofet secured enough points to win the 2025 World Championship—a career-defining moment.
“It was such a roller coaster of emotions,” Escofet said. “Being second here makes me world champion, so I’m super happy. I’ve been working really hard and it finally paid off.”
Italy’s defending world champion Francesco Cappuzzo saw his title hopes collapse after a disqualification for sailing the wrong course in the semi-final repechage.
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Podium Results
Abu Dhabi Event Results – FreeFly-Slalom
Men
- Alessandro Tomasi (ITA)
- Bastien Escofet (FRA)
- Julien Rattotti (FRA)
- Roman Ghio (FRA)
Women
- Nia Suardiaz (ESP)
- Kylie Belloeuvre (FRA)
- Mar de Arce (ESP)
- Viola Lippitsch (AUT)
2025 GWA FreeFly-Slalom World Championship (Overall Season)
Men
- Bastien Escofet (FRA)
- Francesco Cappuzzo (ITA)
- Julien Rattotti (FRA)
Women
- Nia Suardiaz (ESP)
- Kylie Belloeuvre (FRA)
- Mar de Arce (ESP)