Benjamin Castenskiold wins the 2025 freestyle surfing world title.
The GWA returned to Gran Canaria for the third consecutive year, but 2025 brought a breath of fresh air with a new competition site: the lively and windy shores of El Burrero. Known for its cross-onshore winds and perfect kickers, this new location offered ideal conditions for freestyle surfing, and the world’s best riders rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion.
With 23 men and 14 women competing, all eyes were on this final Surf-Freestyle event of the season, where the 2025 world titles were still up for grabs.
Among the men, defending champion Chris MacDonald was determined to defend his title. But Benji Castenskiold, Tomas Acherer, and Aleks Acherer were all within striking distance, ready to make their move.
In the women’s fleet, Nia Suardiaz led the standings, but both Mar de Arce and Marie Schlittenbauer remained strong contenders. With the title on the line, El Burrero set the stage for an unforgettable finale to the 2025 Surf-Freestyle season.
The atmosphere was electric as Benji Castenskiold, Axel Gerard, Aleks Acherer and Xavi Corr lined up for the final battle of the season, with the 2025 world title still up in the air.
The finalists played it safe in the early rounds, landing their most reliable tricks. But Axel Gerard took things to the next level, once again earning a perfect 10 for another colossal double backflip.
Halfway through the heat, the scores were tight. Once they secured their three valid tricks, the riders began to up the ante. The pressure began to mount, and Aleks Acherer faltered, unable to land his final tricks. Xavi Corr also struggled to finish strong.
The battle for first place was decided between Gerard and Castenskiold. Benji was consistent throughout the competition, while Gerard achieved the highest trick scores. But when Gerard fell on his final attempt, the title slipped away.
Final Men’s Results:
1st Benjamin Castenskiold (DEN)
2nd Axel Gerard (FRA)
3rd Xavi Corr (AUS)
4th Alex Acherer (AUT)
