The vault is loaded. The finalists are locked in. And now, there can only be one.
On 21 October 2026, Atlas Studios in Johannesburg will become the ultimate throne room of sneaker culture as Russian Bear Vodka and YFM bring King of Kicks 2026 to its highly anticipated finale.
After weeks of battling it out, two finalists have risen to the top - Angel Mosiamedi and Nonkosi Paul. Now, they will face their final challenge for the chance to unlock a R200 000 sneaker vault packed with some of the most coveted kicks of the year.
Since the competition launched, the stakes have continued to rise. Week after week on YFM, new sneakers have been added to the vault, keeping sneakerheads across Mzansi locked in, debating and weighing in as the collection grew. From sought-after heat to collectable and statement-making pairs, the vault has become a celebration of the knowledge, passion and individuality that drives sneaker culture.
Now, after weeks of filling the vault and competition, the two finalists will go head-to-head in Johannesburg for a next level shot at the crown.
“This year’s King of Kicks journey has been about much more than the sneakers themselves. It’s about the people, the passion and the culture behind every pair,” says Siviwe Mgolodela, Senior Brand Manager, Russian Bear. “Angel and Nonkosi have battled their way through weeks of competition, and now it all comes down to one final night. We’re excited to bring them, the sneaker community and our partners at YFM together for a finale that will celebrate everything that makes sneaker culture so powerful.”
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For Russian Bear, King of Kicks is a platform built around self-expression, confidence and the culture that continues to shape South Africa. Through its partnership with YFM, the campaign has brought sneaker culture to life through on-air moments, challenges and a vault that kept evolving throughout the competition.
R200 000 worth of sneakers on the line and only one crown up for grabs, the question is no longer who wants it - but who has what it takes to claim it and be crowned the next level Russian Bear King of Kicks.
On 21 October, Angel Mosiamedi and Nonkosi Paul will step into Atlas Studios, and only one will walk away as the Russian Bear King of Kicks 2026.
Be sure to follow @russianbearsa for the latest in all things culture and next level.
