SALVADOR (Brazil) – The grand finale of the Red Bull Street Style World Final in the city’s historic Pelourinho square lived up to its hype, as the best of the best from 44 nations battled it out for the biggest prize in their sport.
Thousands braved the rain in central Salvador and fired up the ballers, creating an even more sizzling atmosphere when they moved into an indoor location at Pelourinho.
Henderson beat Argentina’s Carlos “Charly” Alberto Iacono in the final, with a stunning move during the last seconds earning him a separate award for best trick and landing him his first Red Bull Street Style world title when Brazil’s World Cup winner and former national team captain Raí, leading the judges’ panel, announced the champion.
“It’s just unbelievable,” said an emotional Henderson, mobbed by fans and media after a near-flawless final performance. “I worked really hard to get here.” For second-place Carlos Alberto Iacono, it was his second finals appearance in a row.
Three minutes, two players, one ball: the rules are simple and easy to grasp. The freestyle soccer athletes’ sensational tricks helped to light up Brazil’s city of happiness over three days.
France’s Melody Donchet made her way to the women’s title, dethroning Hungary’s Kitti Szasz, who had won back-to-back titles and beaten the French baller in the 2012 final.
The event returned to its roots in the country of the beautiful game, with Brazil having hosted the inaugural 2008 World Final, won by current judge Sean Garnier (FRA).
Results: Men: 1. Andrew Anderson aka Andrew (UK), 2. Carlos Alberto Iacono aka Charly (ARG), 3. Erlend Fagerli aka Erlend (NOR), 4. Pedro Oliveira aka Pedrinho (BRA)
Women: 1. Melody Donchet aka Melody (Frau), 2. Kitti Szasz aka Kitti (HUN), 3. Laura Biondo aka Laura (VENM), 4. Agnieszka Mnich aka AguSka (POL)
Photo Credit: Samo Vidic, Marcelo Margani, Fabio Piva for Red Bull Content Pool
]]>
