When Genki "Wanky" Watanabe launches off a metal ramp into the Johannesburg sky, he isn't just executing a trick-he's painting a picture mid-air.

The Osaka native, mentored by Japanese freestyle motocross (FMX) legend Taka Higashino, went to the United States to escape the rigid pressures of traditional racing, forging his own path built on clean execution, flow, and unmistakable personal flair.

Today, with three X Games silver medals in Best Whip and a lifetime lived full-time in Osaka with his family, Watanabe stands as one of Japan's most decorated action sports icons.

Yet, thousands of kilometres away from home, he has carved out a second home in South Africa as a crowd favourite at Johannesburg's iconic King of the Whip event.

"It always feels special for me to be at King of the Whip," Watanabe shared with Eyewitness News.

"Every year I'm so happy to be back. The Montecasino and the fans are insane. The people have so much energy, and getting more people to come see every year is amazing. Johannesburg is insane."

Genki Watanabe is a freestyle motocross rider from Osaka, Japan, known for his insane whips and super-clean style on and off the bike. Pictures: Eric Palmer and Cloud9 Photography

Riding against a massive international field at Montecasino, Watanabe faces off against a unique hybrid of world-class FMX riders and local dirt bike racers throwing down massive whips.

That crossover is precisely what fuels his energy on the bike.

"A lot of racers and international riders show up, and I'm always so excited to ride and compete against them all. It feels more like an X Games Best Whip contest," he noted. "I love to see it. The young SA racers show me some different styles of whips. It's totally different styles. I really like Ryan Adler's whips and style."

While the sport demands extreme amplitude and constant calculation over massive gaps, "Wanky" relies on total mental lock-in to manage the risk.

When asked how he pushes through the fear when airborne, his approach is as pure as his riding: 

"Freestyle tricks are always a mental game. I just focus a lot before my runs and just send it."

Genki Watanabe is a freestyle motocross rider from Osaka, Japan, known for his insane whips and super-clean style on and off the bike. Pictures: Eric Palmer and Cloud9 Photography

For Watanabe, the event isn't about brute force- it's about artistic expression. Out of all the disciplines showcased, his heart lies in the classic art of the craft.

"I prefer doing stylish tricks, so the Right-side-up Best Trick is my favourite category," Watanabe explained.

"I definitely want to push myself and try bigger whips and make really cool and unique Right-Side-Up style tricks. I want to be different. 'Style for miles'- this is my goal."

As King of the Whip continues to evolve from a local spectacle into a premier global event, Watanabe recognises the importance of backing from major partners like Monster Energy in keeping the sport alive for the next generation.

"I have so much respect for the hard work that goes into growing King of the Whip. It's not easy," Watanabe reflected.

"My best sponsor, Monster Energy, backs this event in a big way. It is very important for the future of FMX-that's so amazing and awesome."

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