Previewing the BKT Freestyle World Championship

Over the last week I have been getting you ready for the biggest event of the year, Monster Jam World Finals 24, which takes place this weekend at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. With my previews of JCB Racing, Lucas Oil High Jump, and Utah Sports Commission 2-Wheel Skills already documented here at MonsterJam.com, it’s time to get to the final competition of the weekend, BKT Freestyle. Here are some contenders to might find themselves on top of the podium:

 

Tyler Menninga/Grave Digger – Once again we must start with your reigning and defending BKT Freestyle World Finals Champion. Menninga has made no bones about his quest for more World Finals trophies. One year ago at SoFi Stadium, he was able to cross a big one off his list when he earned the Gold Medal in Inglewood. Although rear steer issues derailed some of his runs earlier this season, once Tyler had Grave Digger dialed in he was back to his winning ways with some amazing runs. He could very well have saved the best for last in Salt Lake City, as he aims for his third straight title.

 

Bari Musawwir/Zombie – Just a few years ago Bari led the sport in stadium freestyle wins going viral with his unreal jump over Grave Digger in San Diego. In 2025 “Mr. Consistency” was back with his winning formula once again leading the way on both stadium series. If Bari brings that dominant aggressive style into Rice-Eccles Stadium this could be the year he wins his first World Finals Championship, which would be amazing way to cap off what has been arguably this best season of his long Monster Jam career.

 

Bryce Kenny/Monster Mutt – With the announcement this week, that Kenny will be behind the wheel of the brand-new Tech Deck Wreck Deck Monster Jam truck moving forward, this weekend looms as a possible swan song with Monster Mutt, the truck that he debuted in, eight years ago. Bryce found a new gear this season allowing him to tie for the series lead in Freestyle wins, and place second in Overall Event Championship victories. His frustrations from World Finals last year are well documented. With redemption on his mind, Bryce Kenny could leave Salt Lake City as World Finals Champion for the first time in his career.

 

Weston Anderson/Grave Digger – The youngest son of “The Icon” Dennis Anderson led the entire arena circuit with 49 Freestyle wins on the season. That magical number 50 could very well come at the biggest event of the year this weekend. “Red Primer” Grave Digger returns to Monster Jam with Weston at the helm in hopes of keeping the BKT Freestyle trophy with the Grave Digger Team. Weston has improved his performance in each of the last few years. With the world watching, the classic Grave Digger paint-out could finally lead Weston to World Finals glory.

 

Chris Koehler/Mayhem – I know Chris is not yet in the Main Field but hear me out. Let’s say Chris wins the Last Chance Qualifier on Thursday and gets into the field of 24 for the second time in his career. The former Monster Jam Rookie of the Year can flat out throw it down with the best of them, leading Mayhem to two Freestyle wins in the 2025 season. We know carnage runs in the family. We know chaos runs in the family. This year Mayhem could very well run in the family if Chris rolls through the LCQ and onto the freestyle track. From Rookie of the Year to LCQ winner, to World Finals Champion? It just might happen on Saturday night.

 

Be sure to tune in to the Monster Jam YouTube channel and our streaming partners live this weekend when BKT Freestyle kicks off at 6:05 MST/8:05 EST from Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City Utah when Monster Jam and the Utah Sports Commission present World Finals XXIV.