The X-Project in St. Moritz has once again proven why it is considered one of the most extraordinary freestyle events in international foil sports. This globally unique invitational brings together the best athletes from the disciplines of wingfoil, pumpfoil, and windsurfing, pitting them against each other in a direct crossover competition.
Against the spectacular mountain backdrop of the Engadin, Lake St. Moritz and Lago Bianco served as the stage for world-class freestyle sports for three days. In various competitions, the participants were judged by a panel that compared tricks, creativity, technical difficulty, and style across different sports.
The World’s Elite Gather in St. Moritz
The field of competitors was top-notch. In wingfoil, the Austrian twin brothers Tom and Aleks Acherer were among the favorites. Tom Acherer, in particular, arrived in St. Moritz as the current leader of the freestyle world rankings.
In windsurfing, two-time European freestyle champion Sam Esteve from Leucate, France, was among the top contenders for the overall title. Representing Switzerland was Balz Müller, one of the most versatile and creative water sports athletes in the world. The Biel native competed in several disciplines and once again demonstrated his extraordinary versatility.
In pumpfoiling, brothers Matheo and Rob von Roll from Solothurn were considered the athletes to beat. For years, the two have been among the world’s best in freestyle pumpfoiling.
Not much Maloja wind, but spectacular pump foil action
However, the Maloja thermal wind—for which the Engadin is famous—let the organizers down a bit during the first few days of competition. As a result, the focus initially shifted to the pump foil competitions on Lake St. Moritz.
It wasn’t until the second day of the event that the windsurfers found ideal conditions on Lago Bianco. Against the impressive backdrop of the Alps, they performed spectacular freestyle maneuvers and creative trick combinations for the judges.
Swiss Athletes Dominate the Pumpfoil Competition
The Pumpfoil Freestyle Contest was particularly impressive. With technically challenging combinations and spectacular jumps, the athletes wowed spectators and judges alike.
Rob von Roll from Solothurn secured the victory with an outstanding score of 9.6 points. Second place went to Gian Bohlhalder, who provided one of the weekend’s most spectacular moments with, among other things, a handstand on his pump foil board. Matheo von Roll took third place, meaning the entire pump foil podium was made up exclusively of Swiss athletes.
Pumpfoil Freestyle Results
- Rob von Roll (Switzerland)
- Gian Bohlhalder (Switzerland)
- Matheo von Roll (Switzerland)
Tom Acherer Wins the Overall Title at the X-Project
In the overall standings, Tom Acherer from Austria ultimately came out on top. With technically challenging tricks, impressive jump height, and consistently strong performances, he won over the judges and secured the overall victory in the X-Project.
Balz Müller took second place; he was the only top athlete to compete in multiple disciplines, thereby demonstrating his exceptional versatility. The bronze medal went to Sam Esteve of France, who impressed the crowd with spectacular triple rotations, particularly in the tow-in competition.
X-Project Overall Results
- Tom Acherer (Austria)
- Balz Müller (Switzerland)
- Sam Esteve (France)
A unique event for freestyle foiling
The X-Project remains the only event of its kind in the world. No other event brings together athletes from wingfoiling, pumpfoiling, and windsurfing in a single competition and directly compares their performances.
Even though the Maloja wind didn’t cooperate every day this year, the event offered the numerous spectators in St. Moritz spectacular foil racing at the highest level. With its blend of innovation, creativity, and athletic diversity, the X-Project has once again established itself as one of the most extraordinary freestyle events on the international watersports calendar.
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