Saturday, October 25 — Gáldar, Gran Canaria, Spain.
Seventeen years after claiming his first world title — and just turned 40 — Brazilian legend Uri Valadão was crowned 2025 IBC World Bodyboard Champion this Saturday in the men’s division. The title was sealed after French rider Pierre-Louis Costes, his last remaining rival for the crown, lost in the semifinals to fellow Frenchman Amaury Lavernhe at the Gran Canaria Frontón King, the final and most anticipated stop of the IBC World Tour. The event, held on the rugged north coast of Gáldar, turned the island into the epicenter of world bodyboarding for two weeks of pure adrenaline.
Lavernhe, meanwhile, went all the way to the top once again, taking down local favorite Lionel Medina in a historic final to be crowned King of El Frontón. The two had already faced off back in 2020 — that time the Canarian came out on top. But this year, the Frenchman (now based in Gáldar), a two-time world champ and true master of this wave, showed once more why he’s a living legend. With flawless surfing and years of experience on his side, he added a fourth Frontón title to his name.
In the junior division, 16-year-old French prodigy Louka Zaniotto took down Gran Canaria’s Alberto Pérez, becoming World Junior Champion and Prince of El Frontón all in one day. For the first time ever, the final brought together every top rider of the year with equal chances — a new format that amped up the drama in what’s already the sport’s hottest talent pool.
An Epic Setting for a Historic Showdown
Blue skies, blazing sun, and six-meter bombs breaking both left and right — El Frontón delivered its best, proving once again why it’s considered the best bodyboard wave on the planet. Conditions were gnarly but perfect for a show: huge airs, crazy scores, and nonstop emotion.
The cliffs were packed with fans, cheering like never before, while thousands more tuned in to the live stream around the world, breaking audience records. The whole vibe was pure world-class sports energy — nature and talent coming together to write another legendary chapter in bodyboarding history.
This year’s Gran Canaria Frontón King handed out $35,000 to the top 32 riders in the men’s division and $10,000among the top 16 juniors.
Seventeen Years Later, Uri Valadão’s Dream Comes True
At 40, Uri Valadão celebrated his second world title with a mix of emotion, gratitude, and maturity.
“I’ve been chasing this dream for 17 years — to be back in the fight for the world title, here at El Frontón. The energy from the Canarian crowd, the wave… everything has been amazing. This is the best moment of my life,”
he said, trophy in hand, visibly moved.
Valadão first won the world title back in 2008, when the tour stop was held at El Confital, but this time, on Gran Canaria’s north shore, he came full circle, sealing his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.
A disciple of the legendary Guilherme Tâmega, Uri said this has been his best year yet:
“I’ve worked hard — physically and mentally. I feel more complete than ever. I’m still radical, but with more balance… and most importantly, I’m still having as much fun as I did in 2008.”
He also had special words for the local fans:
“The Canary Islands have always been special to me. I’ve been in love with the people since day one, and I can’t thank them enough for all the support they’ve given me this week.”
A Wild Final Day: Big Waves, Big Upsets
The final day kicked off with the men’s quarterfinals — and the surprises came fast. Of the three riders still in the title race, only Pierre-Louis Costes made it to the semis. Valadão was eliminated by fellow Brazilian Éder Luciano, while defending world champ Armide Soliveres (from Gran Canaria) couldn’t get past Amaury Lavernhe’s power and precision.
Just like last year, Lavernhe turned the tables — in 2024, his win handed Soliveres the world title; this time, he took it for himself.
“I respect everyone, but when I paddle out, I’m there to win,”
Lavernhe had warned before the comp — and he backed it up, claiming his fourth Frontón King crownagainst a fired-up Lionel Medina, who once again proved he’s one of the most exciting locals on tour.
“I live for this sport. I’ve been training hard these past few weeks, and today the Frontón gave us the best waves we’ve seen in six months. Taking down guys like Costes and Soliveres and winning again here — it’s been such an emotional ride,”
said Lavernhe afterward.
Scare in the Junior Final
The junior final took an unexpected turn when Alberto Pérez had to pull out ten minutes into the heat after a heavy wipeout on a massive roll in the most critical section of a huge wave. The lip slammed straight onto his back, and the following set left him exhausted.
Louka Zaniotto kept his composure and went on to secure both the event win and the Junior World Title. The young Frenchman, who qualified in Morocco, has been competing at near-pro level all season, confirming his reputation as one of Europe’s brightest new talents.
The Event
Gran Canaria Frontón King 2025, organized by Epic Events, was supported by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the Insular Sports Institute, Gran Canaria Tourism, and the Department of the Presidency, along with the City of Gáldar and sponsors like Citroën, BeGreen, Corona, Munchitos, Bluetti, Red Bull, Ozeano, Grupo Félix Santiago Melián, Link Store, Fitness Park, Our Style Canarias, and Loype Eventos.
Robin Legros / Red Bull Banana Challenge 2025 / Invert Reverse.
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