The « X-Games »
what are they?
The X Games, literally « the extreme games, » are a series of competitions held annually, representing the vast majority of extreme sports since 1994.
While vert skateboarding (the ramp) has been present almost since its inception, it wasn’t until the late 2000s that street skateboarding was integrated.
The games are organized and broadcast in the United States and on the web, allowing them to be watched live worldwide.
The best competitors receive gold, silver, and bronze medals, just like the Olympic Games, but with an extreme twist.
The tournaments are also enlivened, partly thanks to musical groups performing on stage, creating a festival atmosphere.
Why so many skateboarding disciplines at the X Games?
The X-Games in the skateboarding discipline feature a multitude of skaters, but across several disciplines. Why is that?
Skateboarding has evolved a lot since its beginnings, and many practices have emerged over time. Gradually, they’ve been integrated into tournaments as distinct disciplines.
Skateboarding styles and practices are numerous and varied. It would be a disadvantage to have all skaters compete in a single discipline.
What skateboarding disciplines are represented at the X-Games?
As you now know, the X-Games represent skateboarding in several forms during their annual tournament.
Here are the represented disciplines:
– Skateboard « Vert »: short for vertical, this is ramp skateboarding.
– Skateboard « Big Air »: as the name suggests, this involves going very high in the air using a « Big Ramp » and performing as many tricks as possible or the best trick in the air.
– Skateboard « Park »: this discipline replicates the model of polished concrete skateparks, globally known by the skateboarding community, such as in Los Angeles, Barcelona, etc…
– Skateboard « Street »: this discipline reproduces urban furniture to simulate a street course with modules like stairs, rails, benches.
