Nairobi’s National Archives came alive on Friday night as Kenya’s best freestyle footballers put on an exciting show of skill, creativity, and confidence.
The 2025 Predator Freestyle Championship gave fans one of the most thrilling competitions yet, with Austin Maina and Hazel Selassie once again proving they are the best in the country.
Austin Maina successfully defended his title after beating Oliver Rhaya in a tense and highly entertaining final. The two delivered one of the closest battles ever seen, but Austin’s control, creativity, and unique tricks helped him claim his second national title.
He described freestyle football as the art of juggling and controlling the ball with any part of the body to show skill and personal style. Austin also thanked his mother for supporting him throughout his journey.
The surprise performer of the night was Awadh Abdul, who reached the podium for the first time. His strong run through the solo battles where he eliminated his opponents one after another and won the crowd’s admiration and marked him as a rising star in the sport.
The women’s category was just as competitive. Annah Karu finished third, while the final saw defending champion Hazel Selassie go up against Rael Kamanda. Hazel, who celebrated her birthday on the same day, impressed the judges once again and kept her crown as Kenya’s top female freestyler for the second year in a row.
Freestyle legend Edward Murimi noted that interest and creativity in the sport have grown quickly in Nairobi over the last five years. He said the final between Austin and Oliver was especially tough because both brought their best tricks and energy to the stage.
This year, the competition attracted a record 22 participants,17 men and 5 women, all showing different styles and exciting routines. The one-on-one battle format kept the crowd on edge as each freestyler fought to prove they deserved the title.
The 2025 event highlighted just how fast freestyle football is growing in Kenya. With more young athletes showing interest and pushing their limits, the future of the sport looks brighter than ever.
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