Orlando, Fla. – The top wakeboarders from throughout the globe hit the waters of the Orlando Watersports Complex today in Orlando, Fla. to kick off the 17th annual ROCKSTAR WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra. The championship event, which runs through Sunday, Aug. 22, opened with preliminary rounds for 14 of the 21 divisions competing over the course of the four-day competition.

Among the 102 amateur riders who competed today, only 63 advanced in the contest, including 13-year-old Australian native Tony Iacconi. Iacconi, the 2009 Boys division world champion, decided to forgo his final year within the 10-13 age group to compete in the more advanced 18 & under Jr. Men’s division.

“If you win a division one year, you should move onto a harder one the following year,” said Iacconi. “It’s not all about winning; it’s about challenging yourself to become a better rider. I want to compete against riders better than me and learn from that experience.”

Iacconi more than exceeded his expectations during today’s Jr. Men’s division semifinals, as the Australian young gun won his heat by nearly 20 points. In his run, Iacconi landed several impressive tricks, including a KGB, a Dumb Dumb, and a Toeside Backside 360.

“To be honest, I really wasn’t sure if I was going to make it through the semis today,” said Iacconi. “I’m just stoked to make it into the finals, so whatever happens tomorrow is a bonus.”

Iacconi and the five other Jr. Men finalists will hit the water tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 20 at 2 p.m.

The ROCKSTAR WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra will wrap up a total of 12 other amateur divisions tomorrow, beginning at 8 a.m. Tomorrow’s event is free to the public. Saturday and Sunday remain a ticketed event.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate on event dates for $10 (general admission), $5 (ages 6-12) or free (ages 5 and under).

In addition to all the action on the water; on land, spectators will enjoy great food and music; athlete autograph signings; chances to win freebies; and shopping at the most cutting-edge stores for water-sports equipment including boats, wakeboards, wakeskates, sunglasses and the latest in wakeboarding and surfing fashions.

Spectators can also pick up their share of $10,000 in free gift cards from Overton’s, the official water-sports retailer of the King of Wake series. Fans can also register to win a $500 Overton’s catalog shopping spree.

The WWA Wakeboard World Championships is the solely owned property of the World Wakeboard Association (WWA). With 27 Affiliate countries world wide the WWA is the global leader in the sport of wake. The WWA is a rider formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the leading source for riders, event organizers, and competitive standards.

For more information on the ROCKSTAR WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra, visit www.allisports.com.

The ROCKSTAR WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla., and has the support of the following sponsors: Rockstar Energy Drink, Supra boats, Overton’s, Indmar, Peavey, Mona Vie, Billabong, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, Liquid Force, Byerly, Oakley, Sayiwon’t, Epiphone, WakeBoarding magazine, Fuel TV and Allisports.com.