Levi Sherwood's Dubai Red Bull X-Fighters win is his first since 2010. Image: Red Bull.

New Zealand’s Levi Sherwood has taken victory at the season opener of the 2012 Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour in Dubai.

Sherwood was on top of his game throughout the event, which was set on Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach, using the city skyscrapers as a backdrop for all the action.

With tough competition including 2011 defending champion, Dany Torres, Sherwood used his flexible and fluid style to rise above his opponents, taking his first win since 2010.

Australian Robbie Adelberg took the runner-up spot, with Javier Villegas of Chile taking his first ever podium in third place.

Sherwood will be aiming to keep his results consistent throughout the six stops on four continents throughout the year.