The Kimberley Diamond Cup was a celebration of skateboarding and youth talent

The heartbeat of Kimberley echoed through the Skate Plaza as the 2025 Kimberley Diamond Cup Championship turned the city into the ultimate skateboarding playground. 

The air was charged with anticipation, and the cheers of thousands of spectators created an electrifying atmosphere that set the stage for a weekend of unparalleled talent, fierce competition, and community spirit.

From the moment the first skaters hit the ramps on March 21, it was clear that this year’s event would be one to remember. 

Over 100 skateboarders from across Africa, including competitors from Swaziland, Mozambique, Cape Town, and Johannesburg, descended on Kimberley to battle it out for a share of the massive R200,000 prize purse. 

But beyond the competition, it was the energy, the camaraderie, and the undeniable passion for skateboarding that made the event truly special.

The Women’s Open division was nothing short of spectacular, with two-time Olympian Boipelo Awuah showcasing the skill and precision that have made her a household name in the sport. The crowd erupted as she delivered a flawless final run, securing first place and the R25,000 prize.

In the Men’s Open category, Brandon Valjalo put on a masterclass in technical execution and creativity, claiming victory and walking away with R35,000.

The younger skaters proved that the future of South African skateboarding is in good hands. The Under-16 Boys division was a fiercely contested showdown, with Johannesburg’s Omphile emerging victorious, his fearless approach and seamless tricks wowing the judges and spectators alike.

In the Girls Under-16 category, Sofia’s smooth style and undeniable confidence earned her the title and a well-deserved R10,000.

But it wasn’t just about the competition – the Kimberley Skate Plaza transformed into a lively hub of culture and commerce. Local entrepreneurs set up shop, giving attendees a taste of the region’s creativity and craftsmanship.

Food stalls, clothing brands, and custom skate gear vendors added to the festival-like atmosphere, ensuring that there was something for everyone beyond the ramps and rails.

Adding to the magic, Russian skateboarding sensations Egor Kaldikov and Alex Mizurov brought international flair to the event. Their jaw-dropping skills left the local skaters in awe, and their generosity in giving away skateboards and merchandise cemented their place as crowd favourites.

Their presence transcended mere entertainment – it was about inspiring the next generation of skaters to dream big and push their limits.

As the unforgettable weekend ended, the energy shifted to the highly anticipated KDC concert. The skate park was alive with music and celebration as 10,000 fans gathered to soak in the night’s performances. The concert was the perfect way to close out the championship, reinforcing the event’s reputation as more than just a skateboarding competition – it was a movement.

MEC Venus Blennies addressed the crowd, reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to youth development through the Kimberley Diamond Cup.

"The province is committed to investing in young people through the Kimberley Diamond Cup, in the process growing tourism and the economy, which will lead to job creation. The provincial government has secured investment in KDC for the next three years and has ensured that the skate park remains at a world-class level through regular maintenance," she said.

The long-term vision for the Kimberley Skate Plaza is to elevate it to the standards required to host Olympic qualifiers for the African continent. There is also hope that the Skateboarding Federation will establish its headquarters in Kimberley, solidifying the city’s status as the official home of skateboarding in South Africa.

With every flip trick and grind, the 2025 Kimberley Diamond Cup proved that skateboarding is more than just a sport – it’s a force that unites communities, nurtures young talent, and drives economic growth. As the echoes of the final cheers faded into the night, one thing was certain: Kimberley had once again cemented itself as a cornerstone of the African skateboarding scene, and the future has never looked brighter.