The inaugural 2025 iQFOiL International Games concluded today in Lanzarote, with Johan Søe (DEN 37) and Emma Wilson (GBR 7) emerging as the champions in the men's and women's divisions respectively. Organized by Marina Rubicón, the event attracted 100 elite iQFOiL athletes from 26 countries, marking the beginning of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle.



The final day featured the Medal Series, which presented challenging conditions with gusty and shifty north winds ranging from 10 to 16 knots. This new format offered an engaging and dynamic conclusion to the games.



Women's Division

Emma Wilson, the bronze medalist from the 2024 Paris Olympics, maintained her dominant position throughout the week. Entering the Grand Final as the leader of the Opening Series, she won both races, securing her championship title. The Women's Quarter-Final included Islay Watson (GBR 20), Sara Wenneke (NED 33), Theresa Steinlein (GER 799), and Palma Čargo (CRO 9), with Watson and Čargo advancing to the Semi-Final. There, they joined Marta Maggetti (ITA 157) and Anastasia Valkevich (POL 6), with Watson and Valkevich progressing to the Grand Final alongside Wilson and Shahar Tibi (ISR 3). Wilson's consistent performance led her to victory, with Tibi finishing second, Watson third, Valkevich fourth, and Maggetti fifth.



Men's Division

In the men's division, Johan Søe demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite leading the Opening Series, he faced stiff competition and recovered from an early crash to ultimately win the Grand Final. The Men's Quarter-Final saw Manolo Modena (ITA 27), Kiran Badloe (NED 9), Rytis Jasiunas (LTU 7), and Adrien Mestre (FRA 4) compete for Semi-Final spots, with Modena and Badloe advancing. They later joined Nicolas Goyard (FRA 465) and Nacho Baltasar (ESP 4) in the Semi-Final, with Modena and Badloe making it to the Grand Final along with Søe and Nicolò Renna (ITA 150). Although Søe crashed during the first downwind, he regained his composure to take the lead in the second race, winning the Grand Final. Modena placed second in the final race, followed by Renna in third and Badloe in fourth.



Final Rankings

Women's Top 5:  

Emma Wilson (GBR 7)  
Shahar Tibi (ISR 3)  
Islay Watson (GBR 20)  
Anastasia Valkevich (POL 6)  
Marta Maggetti (ITA 157)
Men's Top 5:  

Johan Søe (DEN 37)  
Nicolò Renna (ITA 150)  
Manolo Modena (ITA 27)  
Kiran Badloe (NED 9)  
Nicolas Goyard (FRA 465)  
Nacho Baltasar (ESP 4)



Next Events

Following this successful event, athletes will prepare for upcoming competitions, including the #2 iQFOiL International Games in Cádiz from March 8 to 14 and the Trofeo Princesa Sofía in Palma from March 28 to April 5. The new sails used in these games were well-received, and the new Medal Series format proved effective in highlighting consistent performances.

Marina Rubicón and the organizing team received praise for executing a flawless event, further establishing Lanzarote as a premier location for Olympic-class sailing.

Credits: iQFOiL International Games

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