Ken Roczen and Justin Barcia Dominate Supercross Opening Rounds

ANAHEIM, Calif. — As the 2025 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season kicks off at Angel Stadium, all eyes are on Ken Roczen and Justin Barcia, two riders who have dominated the opening rounds of the championship over the past decade. Roczen, the German sensation, and Barcia, the American veteran, have combined to win seven of the last 11 opening-round 450SX main events, setting the stage for another thrilling season.

Roczen, known for his explosive starts, first claimed victory at Anaheim 1 in 2014 and has since added three more opening-round wins in 2015, 2017, and 2022. Barcia, on the other hand, has secured opening-round victories in 2019, 2020, and 2021, including a memorable win in Houston due to COVID-19 restrictions that moved the race from California. The two riders have consistently set the tone for their seasons with strong performances out of the gate.

“Winning the opener is always special,” said Roczen, who hails from Mattstedt, Germany. “It gives you momentum and confidence heading into the rest of the season. I’ve been fortunate to have some great starts, and I’m hoping to keep that going in 2025.”

Barcia, from Monroe, New York, echoed Roczen’s sentiments. “The opener sets the tone for the year,” he said. “It’s a chance to make a statement, and I’ve been lucky to do that a few times. This year, I’m focused on carrying that momentum throughout the season.”

While Roczen and Barcia have been the standout performers in recent opening rounds, other riders have also made their mark. Eli Tomac (2016), Jason Anderson (2018), Chase Sexton (2023), and Jett Lawrence (2024) have each claimed one opening-round victory since 2014, showcasing the depth of talent in the sport.

One of the most memorable moments in recent Supercross history came in 2021 when Barcia won the opener in Houston. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the race was moved from Anaheim, but Red Bull created a viral video showing Barcia winning at Angel Stadium. Days later, Barcia delivered in real life, securing the victory in Houston and solidifying his reputation as an opening-round specialist.

As the 2025 season begins, fans are eager to see if Roczen and Barcia can reclaim their opening-round magic. Both riders have shown they can win early, but the bigger question is whether they can sustain that success throughout the season. With a stacked field of competitors, including defending champion Jett Lawrence and rising stars like Chase Sexton, the battle for the 2025 Supercross title promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.

The 2025 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season opener will be broadcast live on Peacock and USA Network, with international viewers able to stream the race via the SMX Video Pass. The main event is set to begin at 8 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Pacific on Saturday, January 11, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.