Fagerli, Mnich crowned champions in historic World Freestyle Championships in Nairobi
26th November 2023
This was the first-ever World Freestyle Football Championship to be held in the African continent.
- Fagerli confirmed his status as one of greatest of all time as he took his 10th title back to Norway.
- Polish icon Aguska Mnich conquered her sixth World Championship.
- The event was broadcast on the TikTok channel of Italian football giants Juventus, where it achieved massive success.
In the first-ever World Freestyle Football Championship to be held in the African continent, the most successful freestyler of all time did not disappoint.
Norwegian legend Erlend Fagerli took his 10th title of World
Champion after beating French rising star Tristan Gac in the male final, and
confirmed his status of absolute legend of the sport.
In a spectacular venue, the Bomas of Kenya in the vibrant city of Nairobi, an enthusiastic crowd also witnessed the extraordinary feat of Polish superstar Aguska Mnich, who beat Dutch powerhouse Jasmijn Janssen in the female Final and secured her sixth World Championship.
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Laura Biondo, from Venezuela, and Jesse Marlet, from the
Netherlands, took the bronze medals in their respective categories.
The 2023 edition of the World Freestyle Football Championship,
organised by the World Freestyle Football Association together with prestigious
Kenyan agency Homeboyz, was the first World Final to take place under the new
competitive structure of the Pulse Series, with qualification events happening
across all continents in the world.
For the first time as well, the event was broadcast on the TikTok
channel of Italian football giants Juventus, where it achieved massive success.
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The event week also included a series of legacy activities aimed
at giving back to the local community in Nairobi, who generously supported the
athletes during their time in the Kenyan capital.
“I’m just… so happy”, said Erlend Fagerli, the newly-crowned Freestyle Football male World Champion.
“It’s very special to win such a
tournament right before retiring from the professional circuit. I wasn’t sure I
was going to win at all - the level this year was incredibly high. It’s amazing
how the sport has evolved since I started!”
“I’ve been working so hard for this… I almost can’t believe it happened”, said Aguska Mnich, the new female World Champion.
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It’s truly a
dream to be here and be World Champion again. I had many difficulties on the
way here, but thanks to my trust in God, I’ve finally made it. I know it wasn’t
me - it’s all thanks to Him”.
Edward Murimi, WFFA official from Kenya, commended the local
athletes for their exceptional efforts, stating, "While the Kenyan
athletes may not have secured the titles this time, their dedication, support
and passion showcased for the sport are commendable.
The exposure and experience gained from the championship will
undoubtedly inspire more individuals in Kenya to explore freestyle football. We
encourage everyone to embrace the sport and its vibrant community."
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Organised in various formats since 2008, the official World
Freestyle Football Championship is the prime tournament in the sport, open to
male and female freestylers from every single country on the planet.
Held in a different city every year, the Finals of the World Championship are doubtlessly the most thrilling and competitive events of the circuit – a magic stage in which the most talented athletes show off their skills against their peers from other countries, continents, and cultures.
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