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The 9th edition of DarkFest detonated in Stellenbosch, South Africa with a six-day Big Air spectacle. The event. hosted by Freeride MTB legend Sam Reynolds, saw global MTB feeds taken over by jaw-dropping clips, savage haircuts and the electric atmosphere that DarkFest has become synonymous with.
Matt Macduff
The level of riding this year was through the roof, with a display of unadulterated style and full-send energy, making this one of the most memorable editions yet.
The rider line-up, crafted with a seamless blend of seasoned vets, rising Freeride stars, Downhill racers and Slopestyle destroyers lit up the hillside all week. Matt Macduff, Chelsea Kimball, Bienve Aguado, Alessio Tonoli, Talus Turk, Finley Kirschenmann, Robin Gomes, Lucy Vaneesteren, Dylan Stark and many more brought massive whips and plus size tricks to the biggest jumps on the planet.
Sam Reynolds
Sam Hodgson
Clemens Kaudela
“This year’s energy was off the charts,” said Sam Reynolds. “The riders pushed the limits in every session, and the course was running better than ever. It’s insane to see how far DarkFest has come and where it’s going.”
While the main goal of DarkFest is to push the limits on what’s possible on a bike, the awards celebrate the raw energy from the riders that stood out the most during the week in the rider voted nominations.
DarkFest 2025 Results:
King and Queen of Darkness: Matt Macduff and Chelsea Kimball
Muc-Off Filthiest Whip: Alessio Tonoli and Vinny Armstrong
Dewalt Best Moment: Finley Kirschenmann and Talus Turk (shared), and Lucy Vaneesteren
Kenda Mind Bender (Best Trick): Kaidan Ingersoll (360 Downside Whip on the Step Up) and Robin Goomes (Backflip Can-Can on the Step Up)
Insta360 Best Run: Bienve Aguado and Vaea Verbeeck
Insta360 Hotshot Award (Most Creative): Jack Schliemann
Photos by Ryan Franklin, Syo van Vliet and Eric Palmer.
