South Africa is about to witness another night of pure adrenaline as King of the Whip returns, ready to remind us why this homegrown event continues to dominate the extreme sports scene.
Johannesburg, South Africa (16 November 2025) – Every year, King of the Whip comes roaring back with even more energy than before, and every year, South Africans show up in their thousands to cheer it on. It’s become one of those rare events that reminds us how much we love backing something bold, daring and proudly local. And this year’s return is shaping up to be its biggest leap yet.
King of the Whip has become one of the most talked-about extreme sports events in the country and not just because the stunts are enormous. It brings South Africans together. It gives global riders a reason to travel here. It puts our homegrown stars on an international stage. It creates opportunities. It builds community. And it proves that our appetite for world-class entertainment is massive… and growing.
For anyone new to the sport, a Whip is a manoeuvre where a rider sends the rear of their bike sideways while airborne. In extreme cases, the motorcycle goes flat or perpendicular to the direction of travel before snapping back into alignment.
Translated? It’s wild. It’s spectacular. And the crowd loses its mind every time.
The 2025 event returns on 29 November at Montecasino, ready to send South Africans into the night with jaw-dropping tricks, big air and an atmosphere that feels electric from start to finish.
A Lineup That Brings the Heat
Belgium’s Julien Vanstippen, fresh off his second X-Games Best Whip gold, returns as the rider to beat. After pulling off a dominant three-peat last year, he’s the measuring stick for anyone hoping to take the crown. Vicki Golden, one of the biggest names in global Action Sports, is making her King of the Whip debut this year, competing in both Best Whip and Best Trick. Her presence alone says everything about the scale this event has reached. Australia’s Pat Bowden, who left last year’s crowd speechless with his upright and inverted trick combinations, is back for more.
And then there’s our local talent… the riders who turn the crowd into a roaring sea of South African pride.
Dallan Goldman, Freestyle Motocross superstar, is chasing yet another podium finish. Dalton Venter, South Africa’s top-ranked Motocross rider in 2024, is also in the mix. The full local and international lineup will be announced soon, adding even more excitement for returning fans.
This is what makes King of the Whip so special: you get to watch the world’s best compete alongside our own, right here at home.
Ryan van der Spuy, the organiser who helped shape King of the Whip into the powerhouse it is today, says the growth has been incredible to witness.
“It’s amazing to see how King of the Whip has evolved into the powerhouse event it is today, drawing massive interest not only from fans across South Africa but from international audiences as well. Off the back of three consecutive sold-out showcases, we are proud to take things to the next level, delivering an even more elevated and unforgettable experience for spectators and riders alike. This year promises to be our biggest and boldest edition yet — fans are truly in for a treat!”
And Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is proudly backing it. Princess Ndhlovu, Brand Head, shared.
“Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is proud to be the title sponsor of King of the Whip, an event that embodies the same strength, precision and fearless energy that defines our brand. Just as our vehicles are engineered to perform under pressure and go beyond the unexpected, so too do the bike riders who take flight in this thrilling competition. This partnership is more than just branding, it is a bold alignment with a platform that celebrates South African talent, grit and the spirit of pushing boundaries, values that sit at the heart of Volkswagen’s DNA.”
It’s powerful to see how brands are recognising the value of backing South African platforms that inspire, excite and unite.
Presented by LW Mag in association with Monster Energy, Yamaha, Garmin, Motul, GoPro, Fox Racing, PlayTSOGO and Estrella Cerveza, King of the Whip promises an evening filled with skill, adrenaline and a whole lot of noise. And while the international stars will draw the spotlight, the real joy lies in seeing a South African event hold its own on a global scale, year after year.
Doors open at 2:30pm, giving fans a chance to mingle with riders during the much-loved Pit Walk. VIP guests get early access from 1PM for an official meet-and-greet. The action kicks off at 4pm and carries on deep into the evening, with fireworks and pyrotechnics lighting up the night sky.
Event Details
Date: 29 November 2025
Time: From 2:30pm onwards
Venue: Montecasino Boulevard — Fourways, Sandton, Johannesburg
Tickets: From R300 (excluding booking fees)
Book: https://www.howler.co.za/KOTW2025
by 