The 2024 season of the WGP#1 consists of five exciting events spread across various continents, showcasing a dynamic range of competitors and races. The series kicked off with the WGP#1 Asian Championships in Osaka, Japan (June 6–9, 2024), where riders from countries like Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines battled it out in a series of intense races. The second round of the series moved to Poland (July 24–28, 2024), where European riders took centre stage. But it was the USA leg in Lake Havasu City (October 7–13, 2024) that truly set the stage for a thrilling finale in Thailand.
With the final event looming, the rankings across all classes have taken shape, but the title fights remain wide open. This article explores the top competitors to watch as the watercraft warriors prepare for their final showdown in Pattaya.
The Competitors to Watch
1. Jayden Richardson (Australia) – PRO SKI GRAND PRIX
The PRO SKI GRAND PRIX is undoubtedly one of the most exciting classes in the WGP, where agility and precision are key. Jayden Richardson, from Australia, claimed victory in the European leg of the series, and he is making a significant push toward the title. Known for his technical prowess, Richardson has been turning heads with his ability to handle tight, high-speed turns with ease. His victory in Poland demonstrated his mastery of both speed and control, setting him up as a serious challenger in the upcoming final event.
Why he’s a threat: Richardson’s mastery of balance and agility on a stand-up PWC makes him a formidable opponent, particularly in courses like those in Pattaya, which are renowned for their tight, technical turns. He has what it takes to claim the crown if he keeps up his level of performance.
2. Mohammad Albaz (Kuwait) – PRO RUNABOUT GP
One of the standout riders so far in the PRO RUNABOUT GP category is Mohammad Albaz from Kuwait. Having clinched the first-place finish in the Asian Championships with 60 points, Albaz has proven to be a formidable force. Known for his extreme modifications and excellent power control, Albaz has demonstrated an uncanny ability to excel in high-speed and long-distance races. As one of the frontrunners heading into the final round, he’s a serious contender for the title.
Why he’s a threat: Albaz’s consistency, combined with his experience in high-speed conditions, makes him a strong contender in the PRO RUNABOUT GP class. The Thai waters, with their challenging conditions, will likely play to his advantage.
3. Kasidit Teeraprateep (Thailand) – PRO-AM RUNABOUT 1100 OPEN
With a victory at the European round of the series, Kasidit Teeraprateep has established himself as one of the top competitors in the PRO-AM RUNABOUT 1100 OPEN category. Hailing from Thailand, Teeraprateep is highly familiar with the racing conditions in Southeast Asia, which could give him an edge when the series wraps up in Pattaya. His high-speed runabouts have been a testament to his strength and control on the water, and he has shown incredible endurance in both sprint races and long-distance events.
Why he’s a threat: Teeraprateep has demonstrated exceptional consistency throughout the series and has the advantage of local knowledge, which could be pivotal in the final round. With his combination of skill and stamina, he will be a strong contender.
4. River Varner (USA) – WOMEN SKI MODIFIED
The WOMEN SKI MODIFIED category has witnessed impressive performances, and River Varner from the USA has been leading the charge. Her victory in the European event and her ability to keep pace with the best in the sport make her one of the most exciting competitors in this category. Varner’s skill and athleticism have been displayed across the series, with her ability to tackle both technical maneuvers and high-speed conditions at the same time. Her racecraft will undoubtedly come into play as the series moves into its final round.
Why she’s a threat: Varner’s technical skill and agility, combined with her consistency, make her the one to watch in the WOMEN SKI MODIFIED class. As the competition heads to Thailand, her focus will be on maintaining her momentum and adapting her performance to the local conditions.
5. Quinten Bossche (Belgium) – PRO SKI GRAND PRIX
As the champion of PRO SKI GRAND PRIX at the American event in Lake Havasu, Quinten Bossche has proven his ability to compete at the highest level. The Belgian rider’s win at this leg, where he showcased his consistency, speed, and mental fortitude, places him in a prime position to challenge for the overall title. With the PRO SKI GRAND PRIX category attracting some of the best talent from around the world, Bossche’s performance at the final event will be one to watch closely.
Why he’s a threat: With his ability to stay calm under pressure, his exceptional control over his ski, and his knack for securing podium finishes, Bossche could very well be the one to watch in the PRO SKI GRAND PRIX category. He’ll be looking to carry forward his American momentum into Pattaya.
The path to the final round: What to expect
With only one event left in the 2024 WGP season, the competition is bound to get even more intense as the leading athletes face off in Pattaya. Each class will bring its own unique challenges, with riders pushing the limits of their performance in the hopes of clinching a title.
While the likes of Albaz, Richardson, and Teeraprateep are leading the charge, the unpredictability of water conditions in Thailand makes the final event a true wildcard. Anything can happen in the high-speed, high-stakes environment of WGP racing.
As the competitors prepare for the WGP#1 Waterjet World Series final round, fans can expect nothing less than a thrilling conclusion to what has been an action-packed season. With athletes from across the globe, from New Zealand’s up-and-comers to seasoned professionals from Europe, the Americas, and Asia, the stage is set for a truly global showdown.
Final thoughts
As the 2024 Waterjet World Grand Prix nears its end, the pressure is mounting on the top contenders. From the technical prowess of Jayden Richardson to the sheer power of Mohammad Albaz, the PRO SKI GRAND PRIX and PRO RUNABOUT GP categories will be tightly contested. Meanwhile, the PRO-AM RUNABOUT 1100 OPEN and WOMEN SKI MODIFIED classes are wide open, with Kasidit Teeraprateep and River Varner looking poised to battle it out for the top spot. With everything to race for, the final event in Pattaya promises to deliver a world-class spectacle for fans, with riders pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the water.
The 2024 season is set to end on a high note, and the waterjet racing world is eagerly waiting to see who will emerge victorious in the final round of the WGP#1 Waterjet World Series. Who will make history, and who will falter under the pressure? The answers await in Thailand and we will know in a few days.
