Visit Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup 2023 chose its champions in Doha

The Qatar Airways GKA Freestyle Kite World Tour staged its first Qatar event last week at Fuwairit Kite Beach (FKB) culminating on Saturday as spectators watched men’s and women’s finals in awe.

The tournament was free for visitors who enjoyed an epic show of prowess in freestyle kiting. Opened in October 2022 on Doha’s northern shores, Fuwairit Kite Beach sits on white sands and offers flat waters and consistent winds, ideal conditions for kitesurfing.

The winners of the men’s finals were:
1st place – Gianmaria Coccoluto from Italy
2nd place – Carlos Mario from Brazil
3rd place – Louka Pitot from France

The winners of the women’s finals were:
1st place – Bruna Kajiya from Brazil
2nd place – Mikaili Sol from the US
3rd place – Nathalie Lambrecht from Sweden

Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar al-Baker congratulated the winners, welcoming back all the riders to Qatar’ Fuwairit Kite Beach later this year for the Visit Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup Finals 2023.

Al-Baker explained the vision behind hosting such an event. “The GKA Freestyle tournament is a prime example of the legacy our country is building in the global sports community, highlighting our thriving international sports calendar. We are delighted to continue cementing our mark on this riveting sport in 2023.”

For the GKA Kite World Tour, the event went swimmingly. According to Gulf Times, CEO Dr Jorgen Vogt said, “I am extremely grateful for the hospitality and passion shown to us by the people of Qatar as well as the entire FKB team. It’s exciting to see Fuwairit Kite Beach resort now proudly on the map of the world’s best premium watersports destinations and I cannot wait to crown the world champions at this amazing location when we return at the end of the year”.

Qatar Airways announced the partnership with Global Kitesports Association (GKA), organisers of the Kite World Tour, in May 2022, making them the official airline and title partner of the World Tour until the end of 2024.

In line with Qatar’s Vision 2030, as a brand, Qatar Airways has been sponsoring and supporting sports worldwide. Along with its partnership with Global Kitesports Association, the airline enjoys partnerships in football that include Paris Saint-Germain football club, FC Bayern Munich, Concacaf, and of course FIFA. It is also the official airline for Ironman, the United Rugby Championship, and multiple tennis, squash, padel and equestrian events.

If you missed the action this weekend, you will have the opportunity to see the best in the world compete to be freestyle kitesurf world champion during the World Cup Finals to be held in Doha later this year.

FKB offers kitesurfing lessons by professional instructors, starting from QR692 per person, available seven days a week throughout the season. Day passes starting from QR110 per person are also available for anyone who wants access to the excellent beach and kite school facilities, with equipment hire available for an additional cost.

For more information about kitesurfing in Qatar, visit discoverqatar.qa/fkb