The 2025 Motocross World Championship is delivering exactly what fans expected: drama, speed, and the emergence of both established legends and new talents across the MXGP, MX2, and junior categories.
From Jeffrey Herlings defending his legacy in the premier class, to the growing rivalry between Kay de Wolf, Andrea Adamo, and Simon Längenfelder in MX2, the international motocross scene is buzzing with storylines that also carry weight for those who enjoy betting on the sport.
Recognizing talent in motocross is both an art and a science. The numbers – wins, podiums, lap times – tell part of the story, but often it’s the subtle skills, race craft, and mental resilience that separate future champions from promising but inconsistent riders.
For bettors, understanding these elements is crucial in evaluating where the true value lies in outright odds or individual race wagers, especially when paired with promotions like a William Hill sign up offer that can enhance the overall betting experience.
MX2: The battle of rising stars
The MX2 category has been one of the highlights of the 2025 season.
- Kay de Wolf (Netherlands), reigning 2024 MX2 World Champion, has carried the momentum into 2025. Known for his outstanding sand riding ability and smooth consistency, de Wolf combines technical mastery with composure beyond his years. Bettors respect riders like him not just for outright wins but for their ability to consistently score top three finishes, which often matter more in season-long markets.
- Andrea Adamo (Italy) has emerged as a true challenger. With his aggressive riding style and ability to dominate qualifying sessions, Adamo’s ceiling is high. He may be slightly more volatile than de Wolf, but that volatility can create opportunities for betting markets, especially when his odds drift after a poor heat or tricky qualifying result.
- Simon Längenfelder (Germany) adds another dimension. His strength on technical tracks and endurance over long races make him a dark horse for the title. Consistency has been his main question mark, but those willing to back him in specific race markets could find value.
The betting angle: MX2 often rewards those who look beyond the obvious favourites. A rider like de Wolf is reliable, but Adamo and Längenfelder may carry better odds-to-performance ratios on certain circuits. Watching qualifying and free practice sessions is key, as MX2 riders often show their form early in a weekend.
MXGP: The Herlings legacy
In the MXGP class, one name continues to dominate headlines: Jeffrey Herlings.
- With 109 career Grand Prix victories and five world titles, Herlings is already considered one of the greatest motocross riders of all time.
- His aggressive riding style, resilience in returning from injuries, and ability to control races from the front make him both a fan favourite and a consistent betting option.
- However, bettors must weigh the risk: Herlings’ injury history means outright season-long wagers carry inherent volatility.
From a betting perspective, MXGP can often present clearer favourites than MX2. Herlings is usually priced as such, but in motocross, one crash or mechanical failure can change the picture instantly.
Smart bettors often look for hedging strategies: backing Herlings for outright glory while also placing smaller wagers on rivals in individual Grands Prix.
Junior champions: The next generation
The junior classes are where the next MXGP and MX2 stars are forged, and 2025 has already crowned three new champions:
- Mano Faure (France, 125cc): A tactical rider with race management skills beyond his years. His smooth style suggests adaptability to higher classes.
- Rafael Mennillo (Brazil, 85cc): Known for explosive starts and raw pace, Mennillo’s aggressive approach makes him exciting to watch and a potential future MX2 contender.
- Kannon Zabojnik (Czech Republic, 65cc): Already displaying technical precision unusual for his age, Zabojnik represents long-term potential.
For betting, juniors are not typically offered in mainstream markets, but recognizing their skills now can give you an edge when they transition to MX2. Bettors who track these riders early often benefit when oddsmakers underestimate them in their first senior seasons.
How to recognize a talent in motocross
Spotting future champions is essential for anyone serious about betting on motocross. Here are the key elements to evaluate:
- Consistency under pressure
Riders who finish in the top five week after week, even when not winning, demonstrate resilience. Championship success is often built on minimizing bad weekends. - Starts and first-lap control
In motocross, track position is critical. Talents who consistently get out of the gate quickly and manage the opening laps are usually in contention for wins. - Adaptability across circuits
Sand, hardpack, mud, and mixed terrain all demand different skills. A rider like Kay de Wolf, renowned for his sand mastery, shows how surface specialization can become a title-deciding strength. - Physical and mental fitness
Motocross is one of the most physically demanding sports. Talents who can endure the full race distance while making smart decisions (avoiding risky overtakes late in races, for example) are the ones who develop into champions. - Progression through categories
Following careers from EMX125 → EMX250 → MX2 → MXGP provides clues. Riders who dominate every level rarely stall once they reach MXGP.
Betting on motocross: Practical tips
Unlike football or rugby, motocross betting requires a slightly different mindset. Here are some strategies to consider for 2025:
- Focus on race weekends: Track conditions, weather, and qualifying results heavily influence race outcomes. Odds can shift dramatically from Friday to Sunday.
- Bet live: Because 33–40% of motocross races are decided by crashes or mistakes, live betting during heats offers opportunities to spot momentum shifts before odds adjust.
- Outright vs. race bets: Outright championship bets reward consistency. Race-by-race betting allows you to exploit circuit-specific strengths. Mixing both is often the smartest strategy.
- Look for value beyond favourites: Riders like Herlings and de Wolf dominate headlines, but backing riders like Adamo or Längenfelder in specific races can deliver bigger returns.
- Home advantage: Riders often perform better in front of home fans (Adamo in Italy, de Wolf in the Netherlands). Bookmakers may undervalue this psychological edge.
2025 as a Turning Point
The 2025 Motocross World Championship is not just about who lifts the trophies in MXGP and MX2. It is also about identifying the next wave of stars. Kay de Wolf seeks to defend his MX2 crown with the maturity of a champion.
Andrea Adamo and Simon Längenfelder are pushing him every week, showing that the title is far from secure. In MXGP, Jeffrey Herlings continues to extend his legendary record, though challengers lurk. Meanwhile, junior champions Mano Faure, Rafael Mennillo, and Kannon Zabojnik remind us that motocross is a sport with constant renewal.
For those betting on motorsports and motocross, the message is clear: don’t just follow the names you already know. Pay attention to who adapts fastest, who stays consistent, and who thrives in pressure situations. That’s how you recognize a talent — and that’s how you stay one step ahead in the markets.
