Retired kickboxing icon Andy Souwer is embarking on a mission to expand the sport globally by reviving his pro-am promotion, the World Kickboxing Series (WKS). He is partnering with Jonathan Paul Ruiz, a striking coach based in Queens, New York. WKS aims to support prospective amateur and professional kickboxers through sponsorship opportunities and structured athletic development programs. The promotion previously organized events in 2023.
The World Kickboxing Series intends to establish a presence across all continents, including regions where kickboxing is less represented, such as the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. Each region will be assigned a team captain, a respected figure within the sport from that area, responsible for nurturing local talent and representing them. Confirmed team captains announced so far include Gabriel Varga (Canada), Duane Ludwig (United States), Andy Souwer (Europe), Regian Eersel (South America), Lerdsila (Asia), and Anissa Meksen (France).
The legendary Dutch fighter hopes to build a kickboxing structure that mirrors boxing, featuring national, regional, continental, and global level competitions organized under one central banner.
WKS has outlined plans for three events during the first half of 2025. The first event is a US Grand Prix scheduled for March 28th to 30th in Brooklyn, New York, USA. This tournament is notable for hosting fights across all skill levels, from children and novice competitors up to professionals, and will be streamed live for free on the WKS YouTube channel.
Winners of the US Grand Prix will qualify to represent the United States at the WKS “Grand Finale”, which is planned to take place in St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands on a date that has not yet been announced.
Further events on the WKS calendar include one on May 22nd at Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok, anticipated to feature WKS Asia Team Captain Lerdsila. Following that is the South American Grand Prix, scheduled for July 4th to 6th in Rio de Janeiro, which will be overseen by WKS South America Team Captain Regian Eersel.
Jack Thornley 
Oliver Croft