Denmark's Nick Jacobsen crowned 2017 King of the Air

Crowd favourite wins one of the most extreme big-air battles 

Nick Jacobsen| Craig Kolesky/Red Bull Content Pool

 For the first time ever Nick Jacobsen (DEN) was crowned Red Bull King of the Air in front of a huge crowd at Big Bay. He emerged victorious, having outgunned defending champion Aaron Hadlow (GBR) and Ruben Lenten (NED).

The south-easterly wind, known as the ‘Cape Doctor’ came to the party with just three days remaining in the event window period.

With the backdrop of a golden Cape sunset, some 8000 spectators watched as Jacobsen – who had been consistent since round one – put on the performance of the day to peak in the final. It proved a fitting climax to a day of close-fought battles in which every heat produced memorable moments.

“This feels incredible!” commented a visibly elated Jacobsen shortly after the prize giving. “This is my first international win and I can’t believe I just won Red Bull King of the Air!”

“Riding in the final with Ruben and Aaron, two legends of the sport, was just amazing! I’m speechless,” he said.

Lenten went down hard early (due to busting his rib) in the final, leaving two-time defending champion Hadlow to go blow-for-blow with Jacobsen.

Aaron Hadlow|Ydwer van der Heide / Red Bull Content Pool

“Today was amazing,” commented Sergio Cantagalli, Sportive Director of Red Bull King of the Air. “We missed a bit of swell but the guys put on a great show,” he said. “Somehow they push each other more with every year. It’s as thrilling to watch for us sitting in the judges’ tower as it is for the crowd,” he said.

Oswald Smith| Tyrone Bradley/Red Bull Content Pool

In the speciality awards, local Oswald Smith landed the competition’s ‘Mystic Best Move’ award with his Kung Fu handle-pass, while Lewis Crathern (GBR) launched himself to a massive height of 19.4m to take home the WOO award for the ‘Biggest Boost’ of the day.

Lewis Crathern|Tyrone Bradley/Red Bull Content Pool

The following results for the podium were as follows:

(L-R) Aaron Hadlow, Nick Jacobsen, Ruben Lenten| Ydwer van der Heide/Red Bull Content Pool

1. Nick Jacobsen (DEN)

2. Aaron Hadlow (GBR)

3. Ruben Lenten (NED)

The rest of the final results of 2017 Red Bull King of the Air were as follows:

4. Lewis Crathern (GBR); 4. Steven Akkersdijk (NED); 4. Lasse Walker (NED); 7. Oswald Smith (RSA); 7. Reno Romeu (BRA); 7. Jerrie van de Kop (NED); 10. Graham Howes (RSA);
10. Gijs Wassenaar (NED); 10. Willem van der Meij (NED); 13. Antonin Rangin (FRA); 13. Andries Fourie (RSA); 13. Tom Hebert (FRA); 16. Stuart Downey (RSA); 16. Aurelien Petreau (FRA); 16. Ryan Siegelberg (RSA).

Special thanks: Hayley Venter (Red Bull), One-Eyed Jack team, all interviewees who made it possible and overall organisers of the King of the Air event.


Till next year, keep flying higher and higher.