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X Games
SportAction sports
FoundedApril 12, 1994; 31 years ago (1994-04-12)[1]
First season1995
Owners1995–2022: ESPN
2022–present: MSP Sports Capital
BroadcastersESPN
ESPN2
ABC
Official websiteXGames.com
Notes
  • Major events (2024)
  • X Games Aspen
  • X Games Ventura
  • X Games Japan

The X Games are a series of action sports events founded by ESPN Inc. and aired on ESPN networks and ABC. In late 2022, ESPN sold the long-running property to MSP Sports Capital, a private equity firm co-founded by Jahm Najafi and Jeff Moorad, though the event is still aired on ESPN and ABC despite the ownership change.[2]

The X Games have been held all over the world and typically include sports such as skateboarding, BMX, freestyle motocross, skiing and snowboarding. Participants compete to win bronze, silver, and gold medals, in addition to prize money. X Games events also feature music and culture elements like live music performances, athlete autograph sessions, and interactive, family-friendly exhibitions.

The inaugural X Games were held during the summer of 1995 in Providence and Newport in Rhode Island. The competition often features new tricks such as Tony Hawk's 900 in skateboarding, Shaun White's Double McTwist 1260 in snowboard, Dave Mirra's double backflip in BMX, Travis Pastrana's double backflip in freestyle motocross, Heath Frisby's first snowmobile frontflip, Chuck Carothers's first body varial in freestyle motocross, Henrik Harlaut's first nose-butter triple cork in Ski Big Air, Gus Kenworthy's first switch triple rodeo in a ski slopestyle competition and Torstein Horgmo's first landed triple cork in a snowboard competition.

The X Games gained media exposure due to their big name sponsors, top-tier athletes, and consistent fan attendance. As the Journal of Sport Management (2006) explains, Generation X and Millennials are the two demographics most highly valued by marketers. This creates a broad approach on marketing towards that certain demographic, which is why the X Games marketing and economic outlook is so "out of the box". According to a 2008 report by ESPN, in 1997, the Winter X Games inaugural year, 38,000 spectators attended the four-day event. In 1998, the attendance dropped to 25,000 spectators. But just two years later, a record attendance of 83,500 people attended the Winter X Games East Coast debut.

As part of the X Games, there have been performances by various rock bands over the years, as well as a DJ being on-site at all events. The X Games have made it a point since its founding to stage an eco-friendly event. Such measures include using biodiesel fuel in their vehicles and organizing recycling campaigns.[3]

Winter X Games

[edit]
Variation of X Games logo, used for Winter X Games

The first Winter X Games took place at Snow Summit ski resort in Big Bear Lake, California, in 1997. Overseeing The Sports Network's coverage of the inaugural 1997 Winter X Games, producer Paul Graham felt that despite low ratings at the time, "extreme sport is a statement", that it "[rebelled] against the sporting status quo", and "it's new and fresh and young".[4]

The following two years, X Games was held at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado. The two years following that, Mount Snow, Vermont, hosted X Games. The X Games Aspen 2002 was the first time an X Games event was televised live and also had coverage by ESPN's flagship news program, SportsCenter. Viewership across the three networks that carried coverage of the event – ABC Sports, ESPN, and ESPN2 – exceeded 2001's household average by 30% according to Nielsen Media Research. The event also reached record highs in several demographic categories. To accommodate the first-time live coverage, nighttime competitions were added, resulting in record attendance for the Aspen/Snowmass venue in Colorado.

2002 was the first time X Games was held in Aspen at Buttermilk Mountain. X Games has been held in Aspen every winter since 2002. Also in 2002, ESPN announced the establishment of the X Games Global Championship. The Global Championship featured two distinct venues hosting competitions in summer and winter action sports simultaneously. It consisted of six teams of the world's top athletes, grouped together by their region of origin, to compete in the four-day event. The winter sports were held in Whistler Blackcomb Resort in British Columbia, and the events included snowboarding and skiing.

During X Games Aspen 2015, ESPN used camera drones to capture aerial views of the athlete's runs. This was a first for ESPN.[5]

Global expansion

[edit]

X Games Asia have been held annually since 1998.

In May 2003, the X Games held the Global Championships, a special event where athletes from five continents competed across 11 disciplines. The event was held in two locations: the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, and Whistler, British Columbia.[6][7] The final team results, in order, were the United States, Europe, Australia, Asia, and South America.

In May 2011, ESPN held a bid to select three host cities in addition to Los Angeles, Aspen, and Tignes, France, to form a six-event calendar for the next three years beginning in 2013.[8] In May 2012, the selected cities were announced: Barcelona, Spain; Munich, Germany; and Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil.[9] The two European cities have hosted the Summer Olympic Games in the past, whereas Brazil has provided several X Games competitors.[10][11][12] Since 2010, Winter X Games Europe has been held in Tignes and also began holding events in Norway in 2016. An event in Sydney, Australia was held in 2018 and winter and summer events were also planned for 2019 and 2020 in China and a return trip to Norway in 2020.

X Games Chiba, the first edition to take place in Japan, was introduced in 2022.[13]

Events

[edit]

Current Summer

[edit]

Current Winter

[edit]

Skiing

[edit]

Snowboarding

[edit]

Real Video Series

[edit]

Past Summer

[edit]

Past Winter

[edit]
  • Super Modified Snow Shovel Racing
  • Snow Mountain Bike Racing
  • Skiboarding
  • Skicross
  • Ice climbing
  • Ultracross
  • Snowskating
  • Hillcross
  • Snowmobile Best Trick
  • Men's Skier X
  • Women's Skier X
  • Mono Skier X
  • Men's Snowboard X
  • Women's Snowboard X
  • Snowmobile Freestyle
  • Snowmobile Speed & Style
  • Snocross
  • Snocross Adaptive
  • Snow BikeCross
  • Snow Bike Best Trick

History

[edit]
Brian Deegan at X Games 17 in Los Angeles competing in the Moto X Step Up event.

Summarized from ESPN.com[15]

Summer X Games

[edit]
  • 1995: Extreme Games – Newport, Rhode Island & Providence, Rhode Island (June 24-July 1, 1995)
    • Chris Senn wins the gold medal in Skateboard Street beating Tony Hawk who took the silver and Willy Santos who won Bronze.
    • Justin Seers wins the gold medal in Barefoot Water Ski Jumping.
    • After injuring his right leg during qualifying, Bob Pereyra wins the gold in Street Luge.
    • Jay Miron takes the gold in BMX Dirt.
    • Tony Hawk takes the gold in Skateboard Vert after Neal Hendrix bails on his final run.
    • Mat Hoffman takes his first gold medal in BMX Vert.
    • Robert "Fig" Naughton wins gold in Dual Downhill Mountain bike.
    • Cheri Elliott wins gold in Dual Downhill Mountain bike.
  • 1996: X Games II – Providence & Newport (June 24-30, 1996)
    • Dave Mirra wins his first gold medal in BMX Street.
    • Rodil de Araujo Jr. takes the gold in Skateboard Street.
    • Joey Garcia takes the gold medal in BMX Dirt.
    • Mat Hoffman takes his second gold medal in BMX Vert.
  • 1997: X Games III – Mission Beach, San Diego, California (June 20–28, 1997)
    • T.J. Lavin takes the gold medal in BMX Dirt, edging out Brian Foster and Ryan Nyquist.
    • Dave Mirra takes his second gold medal in BMX Street.
    • In the debut of Skateboard Vert Doubles, Tony Hawk and Andy Macdonald teamed up and took home the gold.
    • Snowboarding Big-Air makes its debut at the Summer X Games with Peter Line taking the gold for the men and Tina Dixon taking the gold for the women.
    • In Skateboard Vert, Tony Hawk took home the gold with the first of his many history-making moments at the X Games: the "Perfect Run". His score was a 97.50.
    • Chris Senn takes home his second gold medal in Skateboard Street.
    • Trevor Meyer takes the gold in the debut of Flatland BMX.
  • 1998: X Games IV – San Diego (June 1998)
    • The team of Dennis McCoy and Dave Mirra take the gold in BMX Vert Doubles.
    • Brian Foster edges out Ryan Nyquist and Joey Garcia to take gold in BMX Dirt.
    • Dave Mirra takes his third gold medal in BMX Street.
    • Trevor Meyer claims his second gold medal in Flatland BMX.
    • Tony Hawk and Andy MacDonald take home their second gold medal in Skateboard Vert Doubles.
    • Rodil de Araujo Jr. takes his second gold medal in Skateboard Street after missing the '97 games with an injury.
  • 1999: X Games V – Pier 30 & 32, San Francisco (June 25 – July 3, 1999)
    • Dennis Derammelaere takes the gold in Dual Street Luge.
    • Dave Mirra wins his fourth gold medal in BMX Street.
    • Andy MacDonald and Tony Hawk claim their third gold medal in Skateboard Vert Doubles.
    • First professional sporting event (full event) broadcast live on the Internet.
    • After eleven failed attempts, skateboarder Tony Hawk finally landed a 900-degree spin (the 900).
    • Travis Pastrana won the first-ever Moto X Freestyle event at the X Games, after dislocating his spine the previous spring. He also scored the highest run ever (99.00 points).
  • 2000: X Games VI – Pier 30 & 32, San Francisco, California (August 17–22, 2000)
    • Dave Mirra won BMX Park, landing the first-ever double backflip in competition.
    • Dennis Derammelaere wins gold in the inaugural 'King of the Hill' Street Luge event.
    • The name of the street event for BMX and Skateboarding is changed to Skateboard Park and Bike Stunt Park.
    • Eric Koston wins his first-ever X Games gold medal in Skateboard Park.
    • Bob Burnquist wins the gold medal in Skateboard Vert Best Trick with a Fakie 5–0 Kickflip out on the grind bar.
    • Travis Pastrana wins his second gold medal in Moto X Freestyle. He also attempted to pull off a backflip but bailed out and broke his foot upon landing.
    • Tommy Clowers won the gold medal in the first-ever Moto X Step Up event at a record-breaking height of 35 feet, Kris Rourke takes home the silver medal and Brian Deegan gets the bronze medal, after that Tommy Clowers wins the silver medal in Moto X Freestyle.
    • Bucky Lasek scored a 98.50 in Skateboard Vert, the highest in X Games history.[16]
  • 2001: X Games VII – South Philadelphia Sports Complex, Philadelphia (August 17–22, 2001)
    • Bob Burnquist managed an almost perfect Skateboard Vert run with a score of 98.00. This run is considered by many to be the best run ever in the history of skateboard vert, as Burnquist landed several tricks that had never been done before. Tony Hawk, who was commentating, nearly lost his voice while screaming in disbelief.
    • Taïg Khris won the In-line Vert event, with the first double backflip in Inline skating history.
    • Stephen Murray lands the first double backflip in Bike Stunt Dirt and wins the gold medal with Ryan Nyquist taking the Silver and T.J. Lavin with the Bronze.
    • X Games VII filmed for ESPN's Ultimate X: The Movie.
    • Travis Pastrana wins his third gold medal in Moto X Freestyle.
    • Tommy Clowers wins his second gold in Moto X Step Up, while Travis Pastrana takes the silver.
    • Kenny Bartram took gold in the first-ever Moto X Big Air/Best Trick.
    • Carey Hart is hospitalized after falling off his bike mid-air attempting a backflip.
    • Danny Harf landed a 900-degree spin in wakeboarding.
    • Bruce Crisman beats Dave Mirra in BMX Park.
  • 2002: X Games VIII – First Union Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (August 15–19, 2002)
    • Mat Hoffman landed the first no handed 900-degree spin on a BMX.
    • Mike Metzger landed the first backflip in X Games history. He also pulled off two consecutive flips; one of them over an 80-foot gap, in a competition run for the victory. He became the first person to win the event other than Travis Pastrana.
    • Mike Metzger wins his first gold of the competition in the Moto X Big Air/Best Trick with a Backflip No Footed.
    • Carey Hart takes home the silver, finally landing a backflip.
    • Pierre-Luc Gagnon won gold in Skateboard Vert Best Trick by landing a Heelflip McTwist.
    • Tommy Clowers wins his third gold in Moto X Step Up, while Mike Metzger takes the silver and Brian Deegan takes the bronze.
  • 2003: X Games IX – Staples Center & LA Coliseum, Los Angeles (August 14–17, 2003)
    • Matt Buyten wins gold in Moto X Step Up, ending Tommy Clowers' winning streak in Step Up, but Tommy Clowers takes the silver and Ronnie Renner takes the bronze.
    • Travis Pastrana returns to reclaim his fourth gold medal in Moto X Freestyle.
    • Brian Deegan landed the first-ever 360 in Moto X Freestyle, earning him the bronze in Freestyle and gold in Best Trick.
    • Danny Harf wins the gold medal in Wakeboarding.
    • Jamie Bestwick takes the gold in BMX Vert his first since 2000.
    • Ryan Sheckler became the youngest X Games gold medalist ever at the age of 13 in Skateboard Park.
    • Bob Burnquist and Bucky Lasek take the gold medal in Skateboard Vert Doubles.
    • Tony Hawk wins gold in Skateboard Vert Best Trick by landing the 900 (skateboarding)
    • In Skateboard Street, Chad Muska wins the gold medal.
  • 2004: X Games X – Staples Center, Home Depot Center, Long Beach Marine Stadium, Los Angeles (August 5–8, 2004)
    • Nate Adams won and became the first person to defeat Travis Pastrana in the Moto X Freestyle event at the X Games.
    • Danny Way wins the inaugural Skateboard Big Air.
    • Jeremy McGrath made his first appearance at the X Games, winning gold in Moto X Step Up and bronze in Supermoto.
    • Chuck Carothers wins Moto X Best Trick with the first body varial done at X Games.
  • 2005: X Games XI – Staples Center, Los Angeles (August 4–7, 2005)
    • Removal of inline skating from competition following pressure from the skateboarding industry.
    • Shaun White failed to land the 1080 in Skate Best Trick after 29 attempts.
    • Jamie Bestwick landed the first-ever double tailwhip flair in the BMX Vert Best Trick event.
    • Tommy Clowers won his fourth gold medal in Moto X Step Up, after beating his rival Matt Buyten.
    • Travis Pastrana won his fifth medal in Moto X Freestyle and became the most decorated athlete in motocross.
    • ESPN signed a contract to keep the X Games in Los Angeles through 2009.
  • 2006: X Games 12 – Staples Center, Home Depot Center & Long Beach Marine Stadium, Los Angeles (August 3–6, 2006)
    • Travis Pastrana landed the world's first double backflip on a dirt bike, and won Moto X Best Trick with a score of 98.60, the highest current score in best trick. He also claims gold in the Moto X Freestyle event.
    • Kevin Robinson landed the double flair for the first time.
    • Travis Pastrana won the inaugural X Games Rally, beating the former World Rally Champion, Colin McRae by .52 seconds after the latter rolled his car with two corners to go at the Home Depot Center. It is his third gold of the event.
    • Chad Kagy landed the first flatwhip double tailwhip 540.
    • Skateboarder Nyjah Huston became the youngest athlete to compete in X Games at 11 years old.
  • 2007: X Games 13 – Staples Center, Home Depot Center & Long Beach Marine Stadium, Los Angeles (August 2–5, 2007)
    • Adam Jones became the fourth person to win the Moto X Freestyle event at the X Games.
    • Kyle Loza won on his first gold medal in the Moto X Best Trick competition in his first appearance by performing the "Volt".
    • Shaun White won the gold medal in skateboard vert beating Pierre Luc-Gagnon (aka PLG) and Bucky Lasek.
    • Jake Brown was hurt after landing the first 720 in Big Air competition. He fell from 40'+ and landed on his backside and back on the flat. The force of the fall knocked his shoes off. After 8 minutes laying motionless, he walked away with help. He suffered a fractured wrist, bruised lung and liver, whiplash, ruptured spleen and a concussion.
    • Ricky Carmichael won the first-ever motocross racing circuit.
    • Mat Hoffman returned to competition in BMX Big Air.
    • Simon Tabron made an X Games first, doing back-to-back 900s in BMX Vert.
  • 2008: X Games XIV – Los Angeles (July 31 – August 3, 2008)
    • Danny Way clipped his shins on the lip of the quarterpipe after a 20+ foot freefall during the Big Air competition, which the commentators refer to as the "second worst fall ever at the X Games" (the first being Jake Brown's the year before). After spending a few minutes with paramedics, Way limped back to the ramp and went on to nail the trick he had fallen on, coming in second place, behind Bob Burnquist who scored a 96.00.
    • Ryan Sheckler won gold in Skateboard Street, his second gold medal at the X Games.
    • Jeremy Lusk won a gold medal in the Moto X Freestyle event.
    • Kyle Loza won his second gold medal in the Moto X Best Trick competition in two appearances by performing a never-before-seen move named the "Electric Doom".
    • The Games were filmed for X Games 3D: The Movie.
    • Skateboarder Andy Macdonald won his 15th X Games medal, surpassing Tony Hawk as the all-time leader in skateboarding medals.
    • Rally racer Travis Pastrana reclaimed the gold medal by defeating Tanner Foust in the Rally X final.
    • Jim DeChamp fell while attempting the first-ever frontflip on a motocross bike.
    • Tarah Gieger of Puerto Rico won the gold medal in the first-ever women's supercross race.
  • 2009: X Games 15 – Los Angeles (July 30 – August 2, 2009)
    • Skateboarder Jake Brown won his first gold medal in the Big Air competition.
    • Danny Way won the inaugural Big Air Rail Jam, a contest which he created.
    • Paul Rodriguez won Skateboard Street.
    • Ohio's Anthony Napolitan landed the first-ever double front flip on a bicycle.
    • Blake Williams became the first non-American rider to win FMX gold.
    • Kyle Loza became the first person to three-peat gold Moto X Best Trick in controversial fashion by using the same trick he used to win in 2008, the "Electric Doom", especially after the judges had said that "innovation" would win the gold that year.
    • Ricky Carmichael fell and hurt himself on Moto X Step Up. Due to the circumstances, dual gold medals were awarded to Carmichael and to Ronnie Renner.
    • Jamie Bestwick wins BMX Vert for the third time.
    • Pierre-Luc Gagnon won gold in Skateboard Vert for the second consecutive year.
    • In his first X Games appearance, the retired IndyCar champion Kenny Brack won Rally X gold over the defending gold medalist Travis Pastrana. In a TV first, co-drivers Jen Horsey and Chrissie Beavis commentate live inside the racecars.
    • Ashley Fiolek, 18, won the Women's Motocross Super X, becoming the Games' first deaf medalist.
  • 2010: X Games 16 – Staples Center, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum & L.A. Live, Los Angeles (July 29 – August 1, 2010)
    • Travis Pastrana competed in four events after pulling out of Best Trick at the last minute. He came back to freestyle after a 3-year break and took gold, pulling yet another double backflip, the first in Moto X freestyle competition. He had troubles in Rally, costing him gold in Rally Racing and the chance to compete in Super Rally, but came back on the bike and won his first gold in Moto X Speed & Style, beating Nate Adams
    • Ashley Fiolek won the Women's Motocross Super X for the second year running, becoming the only rider to do so.
    • Matt Buyten won gold in Moto X Step Up, beating the former champion, Ronnie Renner.
    • Jamie Bestwick became the first person to 4-peat with a win in BMX Vert.
    • Pierre-Luc Gagnon became the first athlete to win in Skateboard Vert three times, beating the silver medalist, Shaun White.
    • Garrett Reynolds (BMX rider) became the first athlete to win BMX Street three times.
    • Cam Sinclair made what some call the greatest comeback in action sports history, winning his first X Games gold medal in Best Trick by pulling a double backflip, the trick that bit him hard in Red Bull X-Fighters only 8 months before, leaving him in a coma for seven days, and having him retrain his body, learning how to walk and, eventually, to ride again.
    • Ryan Sheckler won the X Games gold medal in Skateboard Street seeking redemption after his X Games XV mishap.[17]
  • 2011: X Games 17 – Los Angeles (July 28–31, 2011)[18]
    • Nate Adams wins his second gold medal in Moto X Freestyle.
    • Shaun White earned his second gold medal in Skateboard Vert, breaking Pierre Luc Gagnon's 3-year winning streak.
    • Liam Doran took gold on his debut in the Rally Car Racing event after beating Marcus Grönholm in the final.[19]
    • Nyjah Huston came first in the Men's Skateboard Street, his first X Games gold medal since his participation in the event at the X Games XIV.
    • Travis Pastrana fell while attempting a rodeo 720, or as he called it "The Toilet Paper Roll", in Moto X Best Trick, breaking bones in his foot and ankle. Despite the injury, he competed in RallyCross three days later using hand controls mounted to the steering wheel.
    • Jackson Strong landed the first frontflip on a dirt bike during Moto X Best Trick, claiming the gold.
  • 2012: X Games 18 – Los Angeles (June 28 – July 1, 2012)
    • Bob Burnquist won his fourth Big Air gold medal, and his ninth total gold medals.
    • Ronnie Renner won the gold medal in Moto X Step Up, breaking the previous record height of 37' by 10' making it the highest ever at the X Games with 47'.
    • Jamie Bestwick 6-peats with a win in BMX Vert.
    • Garrett Reynolds (BMX rider) 5-peats in BMX Street, the only competitor to win BMX Street in its 5-year history at X Games.
    • Sébastien Loeb (Citroën DS3), by then eight consecutive times World Rally Championship winner since 2004, claimed gold on his debut in the X Games' RallyCross event. He dominated silver medalist and WRC rival Ken Block by about 10 seconds after Block's Ford Fiesta was hampered by a tire puncture during the second half of the main final.
    • Jagger Eaton becomes the youngest person to compete in the X Games.
  • 2013: X Games Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
    • Jake Brown lands the first ollie 720 in Skateboard Big Air, earning the bronze.
    • Mitchie Brusco lands the first body varial 900 in Skateboard Big Air.
    • Bob Burnquist wins his 3rd consecutive gold medal in Skateboard Big Air earning his 23rd X Games medal, and landing the 1st "Lien Air Rodeo Flip 720".[20]
    • Jamie Bestwick wins his 7th consecutive gold medal in BMX Vert.
    • Bryce Hudson wins Moto X Step Up as an X Games rookie.
    • Laia Sanz wins Women's Moto X Enduro X as a rookie, defeating 2-time defending gold medalist Maria Forsberg.
  • 2013: X Games Barcelona
    • Mitchie Brusco landed the first 1080 in Skateboard Big Air, earning the silver. He also became the youngest Skateboard Vert medalist (16), earning the bronze.
    • Bob Burnquist won his 4th consecutive gold medal in Skateboard Big Air, earning his 24th X Games medal.
    • Alana Smith won silver in Women's Skateboard Park, becoming the youngest X Games medalist (12).
    • Jamie Bestwick won his 8th consecutive gold medal in BMX Vert.
    • Chad Kagy lands the first frontflip flair in competition during BMX Vert.
    • Zack Warden landed a bike-flip backflip to late tailwhip during BMX Big Air, and took his second straight gold.
  • 2013: X Games Munich
    • Bob Burnquist won his 5th consecutive gold medal in Skateboard Big Air, earning a record 25th medal, landing the 1st switch ollie 540.
    • Brett Rheeder, won the first gold medal in the inaugural Slopestyle-freeride Mountain bike event.[21]
    • Chris Cole won his first Street League contest, en route to winning his third X Games gold medal.
  • 2013: X Games Los Angeles 2013
    • Elliot Sloan won his first gold medal in Skateboard Big Air, defeating Bob Burnquist, who earned his 26th X Games medal (bronze). Tom Schaar took the silver.
    • Vicki Golden won her third consecutive gold medal in Women's Moto X Racing, defeating Meghan Rutledge, after Rutledge crashed across the gap. She also became the 1st woman to compete in a freestyle moto X competition, earning bronze in Best Whip.
    • Vince Byron landed the first 540 double tail whip in BMX Big Air, earning the silver. Morgan Wade took the gold.
  • 2014: X Games Austin 2014
    • Former Formula One and NASCAR driver Scott Speed wins the Gold in RallyCross Supercars and Mitchell DeJong took it in RallyCross Lites.
    • Jamie Bestwick won his ninth straight gold medal in BMX Vert. One of the tricks Bestwick pulled was a front flip flair (front flip with a 180 degree rotation).
    • Newcomer Jimmy Wilkins won the gold medal in Skateboard Vert. This was Wilkins first pro competition.
  • 2015: X Games Austin 2015
    • Colton Satterfield becomes the second person to land a double flair in competition and the first to land it on the Big Air ramp. With this, he took his second straight gold in BMX Big Air.
    • Thomas Pages won the first-ever Moto X Quarterpipe competition, landing a bike-flip and scoring a 95.
    • Vince Byron landed the first 540 flair on a vert ramp during the BMX Vert contest and took the gold, defeating nine-time defending champion Jamie Bestwick.
    • Nicki Minaj and Metallica performed in front of massive crowds.
  • 2016: X Games Austin 2016
    • Jackson Strong landed a frontflip in Moto X Best Trick and took the gold. Strong had just returned from the hospital after he crash-landed on a double backflip during the Quarterpipe competition about an hour before.
    • Jamie Bestwick won his tenth gold medal in BMX Vert, landing an Alley-oop 540 Tailwhip (which had not been done before).
    • Scotty Cranmer broke his back when his BMX bike malfunctioned while attempting a backflip double tail whip in BMX Park.
  • 2017: X Games Minneapolis 2017
    • Bob Burnquist announced his retirement from the X Games, having competed every year since the first X Games in 1995.
  • 2018: X Games Norway 2018
  • 2018: X Games Minneapolis 2018
    • Mitchie Brusco lands his second 1080 and earns his first X Games gold medal.
  • 2019: X Games Minneapolis 2019
    • X Fest held at U.S. Bank Stadium, coupled with Skateboard and BMX Vert events and live musical performances at The Armory.
    • Mitchie Brusco lands the first 1260 in Skateboard Big Air, earning a silver medal.
    • Kokona Hiraki becomes the youngest ever X Games medalist in history, at 10 years of age, earning a silver medal in Women's Skateboard Park.
    • Skateboarder Gui Khury became the youngest competitor at an X Games and became the youngest person to complete a 900 at an X Games.
  • 2020: X Games Minneapolis 2020
  • 2021: X Games Southern California 2021
    • First Summer X Games to be held at professional training facilities, without an in-person audience, both due to the COVID-19 pandemic and close proximity to the 2020 Summer Olympics.
    • Events are held at 3 separate facility venues in Riverside, Ramona, and Vista
    • Gui Khury lands the first 1080 in a skateboard vert competition, winning best trick.
  • 2022: X Games Japan Chiba 2022 (Spring)
    • X Games reinstates Flatland BMX competition after 19 years.
    • Women's Skateboard Street: Andrea Benitez, Momiji Nishiya, Rayssa Leal, Funa Nakayama, Aori Nishimura, Pamela Rosa, Keet Oldenbeuving ...
    • Women's Skateboard Park: Sakura Yosozumi, Cocona Hiraki, Bryce Wettstein, Dora Varella, Amelia Brodka, Yndiara Asp, Mami Tezuka, Minna Stess ...
    • Men's Skateboard Street: Felipe Gustavo, Yuto Horigome, Nyjah Huston, Kelvin Hoefler, Jagger Eaton, Zion Wright, Shane O'Neill, Sora Shirai ...
    • Men's Skateboard Park: Zion Wright, Keegan Palmer, Jagger Eaton, Liam Pace, Kensuke Sasaoka, Kieran Woolley, Luiz Francisco ...
    • Skateboard Vert: Gui Khury, Mitchie Brusco, Moto Shibata, Clay Kreiner, Jimmy Wilkins, Elliot Sloan ...
  • 2022: X Games Southern California 2022 (Summer)
    • Second Summer X Games to be held at professional or private training facilities, without an in-person audience. The decision was made in 2021 due to COVID-19 protocols, but also due to positive response from athletes, who enjoyed the relaxed "backyard" format.
    • Events were held at 3 separate facility venues, one in Ramona, and two in Vista: The CA Training Facility skatepark, and Elliot Sloan's backyard vert and megaramp setup, nicknamed "The Sloanyard".
    • ESPN confirmed that moving forward, all future summer X-Games events will be in-person events open to public audiences once again.
  • 2023: X Games Japan Chiba 2023 (Spring)
    • Tony Hawk has announced he will be competing once again in Skateboard Vert Best Trick.
  • 2023: X Games California 2023 (Summer)
    • Competitions taking place between July 16–23, 2023 across multiple venues in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ventura.
      • Select preliminary events (along with all event finals) will be open to the public.
      • Event finals will be taking place at Ventura County Fairgrounds.
    • First Summer X Games event in the USA since 2019 to be in-person attendance events open to the public.
    • The Tony Hawk's Vert Alert competition (taking place in Salt Lake City, UT on June 23–24, 2023) will serve as a qualifier for the skateboard vert competitions.
  • 2024: X Games California 2024
  • 2025: X Games Salt Lake City 2025

Winter X Games

[edit]

Host

[edit]
Year Summer Winter Global X Games Asia Middle East Europe North America South America Oceania Asia (Winter) Europe (Winter)
1995 United States Newport, Rhode Island
1996 United States Newport, Rhode Island
1997 United States San Diego, California United States Big Bear Lake, California
1998 United States San Diego, California United States Crested Butte, Colorado Thailand Phuket
1999 United States San Francisco, California United States Crested Butte, Colorado Thailand Phuket
2000 United States San Francisco, California United States Mount Snow, Vermont Thailand Phuket
2001 United States Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States Mount Snow, Vermont Thailand Phuket Spain Barcelona
2002 United States Philadelphia United States Aspen Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Spain Barcelona Brazil Rio de Janeiro
2003 United States Los Angeles United States Aspen United States San Antonio, Texas
Canada Whistler, British Columbia 		Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Spain Barcelona Brazil Rio de Janeiro
2004 United States Los Angeles United States Aspen Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Spain Barcelona Brazil Rio de Janeiro
2005 United States Los Angeles United States Aspen South Korea Seoul United Arab Emirates Dubai
2006 United States Los Angeles United States Aspen Malaysia Kuala Lumpur United Arab Emirates Dubai
2007 United States Los Angeles United States Aspen China Shanghai United Arab Emirates Dubai Mexico Mexico City
2008 United States Los Angeles United States Aspen China Shanghai United Arab Emirates Dubai Mexico Mexico City Brazil São Paulo
2009 United States Los Angeles United States Aspen China Shanghai
2010 United States Los Angeles United States Aspen China Shanghai France Tignes
2011 United States Los Angeles United States Aspen China Shanghai France Tignes
2012 United States Los Angeles United States Aspen China Shanghai France Tignes
2013 United States Los Angeles United States Aspen China Shanghai Spain Barcelona
Germany Munich 		Brazil Foz do Iguaçu France Tignes
2014 United States Austin, Texas United States Aspen China Shanghai
2015 United States Austin United States Aspen China Shanghai
2016 United States Austin United States Aspen Norway Oslo Norway Oslo
2017 United States Minneapolis United States Aspen Norway Hafjell
2018 United States Minneapolis United States Aspen Norway Oslo Australia Sydney Norway Oslo
2019 United States Minneapolis United States Aspen China Shanghai Norway Oslo
2020 United States Minneapolis United States Aspen China Chongli Norway Hafjell
2021 United States Southern California United States Aspen
2022 United States Ventura, California United States Aspen Japan Chiba
2023 United States Ventura, California United States Aspen Japan Chiba
2024 United States Ventura, California United States Aspen Japan Chiba
2025 United States Salt Lake City, Utah United States Aspen Japan Osaka United States Sacramento, California

Movies

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Two movies were filmed at the X Games. Ultimate X: The Movie was filmed at the 2001 X Games in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and X Games 3D: The Movie was filmed at the 2008 X Games and Winter X Games in Los Angeles, California and Aspen, Colorado.

[edit]

In An Extremely Goofy Movie, the X Games play a key role in the plot. Max Goof participates in his college’s version of the X Games with P.J. Pete and Robert “Bobby” Zimuruski.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

X Games

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from Grokipedia
The X Games are a flagship series of annual action sports competitions organized by MSP Sports Capital in partnership with , showcasing elite athletes in high-adrenaline disciplines such as , freestyle, motocross, , and . Launched in 1995 as the Extreme Games in , the event featured 27 competitions across nine categories including , , and , drawing over 200,000 spectators and marking the mainstream emergence of extreme sports. The name was officially changed to X Games in 1996 to facilitate international branding and expansion. The inaugural Winter X Games debuted in 1997 in , introducing snow-based events like and , which have since become staples alongside the summer editions. Over the decades, the X Games have evolved to include innovative formats such as team-based challenges and global qualifiers, while iconic moments—like first 900-degree skateboard rotation in 1999 and Travis Pastrana's double backflip on a in 2006—have propelled athlete stardom and sport progression. In 2022, sold a majority stake in the franchise to MSP Sports Capital, enabling further investment in international growth and media production, including the appointment of as CEO in December 2024 and the celebration of the 30th anniversary in 2025. Today, the X Games attract millions of viewers worldwide through ESPN broadcasts and digital platforms, with events rotating locations such as Salt Lake City, Utah, for summer games and , for winter editions; upcoming installments include the Winter X Games in and the inaugural X Games League in summer 2026. A new X Games League (XGL), set to launch in summer 2026, will introduce team competitions in , , , and , aiming to blend league play with the event's traditional high-stakes individual showdowns. The franchise has significantly influenced the inclusion of action sports in the Olympics since 1998 and continues to define the global action sports culture through medals, prize money exceeding $1 million per event, and a focus on innovation and inclusivity across genders and disciplines.

Overview

Format and Organization

The X Games is an annual series of extreme sports competitions organized by since its in 1995, focusing on action sports such as , , and . The event series emphasizes high-adrenaline performances in disciplines that highlight athletic progression and innovation, broadcast live on ESPN networks and streamed globally. The core format consists of two primary editions: the Summer X Games, typically held in late June or early July, and the Winter X Games, conducted in January, each spanning 4-5 days. These events feature a structured progression including qualifying rounds to narrow the field, final competitions for contention, and segments showcasing non-competitive displays or emerging talents. Complementing the main competitions is the X Games Real series, which incorporates street-style events where athletes submit video parts filmed in urban environments, judged on authenticity and creativity rather than traditional course-based runs. Operated under the ESPN Events division, the X Games employs a judging system that evaluates performances subjectively across key criteria including (height or distance achieved), difficulty (complexity of maneuvers), style (aesthetic execution and flow), and (originality and progression of tricks). Medals—, , and —are awarded based on cumulative scores from multiple runs, with a total annual prize purse exceeding $2.4 million distributed across disciplines; for instance, medals in major events like street or often carry payouts of $50,000. By 2025, the format has evolved to include adaptive sports categories through the reintroduction of Para Snow Events, enabling athletes with disabilities to compete in specialized and divisions alongside able-bodied participants. Additionally, there has been a heightened emphasis on women's divisions, highlighted by the revival of events such as the Women's Skateboard Vert competition, the first since 2010, to promote gender equity and expand female participation across multiple disciplines. Athlete selection blends invitational spots for established professionals based on world rankings and prior performances with open qualifiers for amateurs, particularly in the Real series where video submissions allow emerging riders to earn entry. This hybrid process ensures a mix of elite competitors and fresh talent, maintaining the event's reputation for pushing the boundaries of action sports.

Sports and Disciplines

The X Games feature a core set of action sports disciplines divided between summer and winter events, emphasizing aerial maneuvers, technical tricks, and high-speed competition on specialized courses. Summer disciplines primarily revolve around wheeled and motorized sports performed on urban-inspired setups or tracks, while winter events focus on gravity-based tricks in environments. These disciplines have evolved to incorporate new formats that reward and , with judging panels assessing runs based on difficulty, execution, and overall impression. Core summer disciplines include skateboarding in street and vert variants, alongside BMX in park, dirt, and freestyle formats, motocross best trick, and rallycar racing. In skateboarding street, athletes navigate a course mimicking urban obstacles like stairs, rails, and ledges, performing tricks within a 45-second run judged on amplitude, difficulty, and flow, with scores out of 100 determined by six judges. Vert skateboarding utilizes a 24-foot-high halfpipe where riders launch into the air for rotations and flips, requiring boards typically 30 to 32 inches long for stability and speed; runs last 60 seconds, scored similarly on style and execution. BMX park involves a modular course with bowls and ramps for continuous flow tricks, while dirt jump events feature jumps built from soil berms, both emphasizing height and variety in a best-of-three runs format. Motocross best trick highlights single aerial maneuvers on a supercross track, judged on style and creativity from a single attempt. Rallycar racing, a high-speed motorsport on mixed surfaces, pitted drivers in short, intense laps until its discontinuation after 2018, replaced by other motorized events like flat track racing. Winter disciplines center on and in , , (or superpipe), along with freestyle. challenges riders on a 600- to 700-foot course with rails, jumps, and features, where two runs are scored out of 100 on progression and risk, with the best count advancing top athletes. requires a single massive jump for tricks, judged on air height and rotation, while runs in a 22-foot-deep U-shaped pipe emphasize and spin, scored out of 100 with criteria for style, difficulty, and landing—famously allowing perfect scores like Shaun White's 100 in 2012. mirrors these in , , and superpipe, often with added knuckle huck (a transition zone trick) and the newer on urban setups. freestyle showcases inverted jumps and flips on a course, with riders performing in a best-trick format judged on creativity and execution; speed and style adds a element with mandatory tricks over three laps. The lineup of disciplines has evolved to reflect advancements in athlete capabilities and equipment, with additions like skateboarding's park event in 2016, which debuted a flowing bowl-and-ramp layout judged on overall session impression over 90 seconds. entered trials in 2025 at Surf in , featuring maneuvers scored on radical airs and rotations. Conversely, , which involved boat-towed jumps and rails, was phased out after its 2018 appearance as a video-based "Real Wake" format. Adaptive and emerging categories promote inclusivity, with wheelchair motocross (WCMX) introduced in 2010, allowing athletes to perform flips and grinds on modified skate parks using custom rigid-frame s, scored on trick difficulty and amplitude similar to standard . Para-snowboarding debuted in 2019 with Para Snow BikeCross, a seated format on a course, followed by adaptive snowbikecross for mono-ski users navigating jumps and whoops; these events use impairment classifications and award medals based on head-to-head heats and style judging.

History

Inception and Early Development

The X Games were founded by in 1995 under the initial name Extreme Games, spearheaded by programming executive Ron Semiao to tap into the burgeoning popularity of action sports like and among audiences. The concept aimed to bring together international athletes in a televised format that highlighted high-risk maneuvers and innovative tricks, rebranding the events as X Games starting in 1996 to emphasize their boundary-pushing ethos. The inaugural Summer X Games occurred from June 24 to July 1, 1995, across venues in Providence, Newport, and , encompassing nine disciplines with 27 total events, including skateboarding vert, , and . Attracting around 200,000 spectators, the event showcased emerging stars such as , who claimed the first gold medal in skateboard vert with a dominant performance featuring multiple 540s and inverted airs. ESPN invested approximately $10 million in production, marking a bold entry into alternative sports broadcasting. In response to demand for year-round coverage, ESPN launched the Winter X Games in 1997 at Big Bear Lake, California, from January 30 to February 2, introducing snow-based competitions like snowboarding halfpipe and freestyle skiing. The debut drew about 38,000 attendees and was broadcast to 198 countries, establishing a seasonal complement to the summer format. Despite early enthusiasm, the X Games faced hurdles, including lower-than-expected attendance at the first winter edition and backlash from purists who accused ESPN of commodifying the underground, punk-inspired roots of extreme sports through corporate sponsorships and mainstream exposure. By the early 2000s, however, the series had solidified its appeal, with combined summer and winter events surpassing 200,000 attendees annually as viewership expanded and athlete participation grew.

Expansion and Evolution

The X Games underwent significant growth in the , transitioning to larger venues to accommodate increasing attendance and viewership. In , X Games IX was held at the Staples Center in , becoming the largest multi-day event in the arena's history up to that point. Television ratings for the Winter X Games reached a notable peak around this era, with the edition averaging a 0.61 rating during prime-time coverage, the highest since 1999 and reflecting a 5 percent increase from the prior year. This period also marked the beginning of international expansion, highlighted by the first international qualifying events in and the launch of Winter X Games in , which brought the event to new audiences outside . Entering the 2010s, the X Games adapted to digital trends and broader inclusivity efforts. Streaming capabilities expanded in 2013 through the app and online platforms, allowing global access to live events and enhancing engagement beyond traditional TV broadcasts. A push for gender equity culminated in with the implementation of equal for men's and women's competitions across disciplines, including , aligning the event with growing calls for parity in action sports. The inclusion of skateboarding in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics further amplified the X Games' influence, drawing new talent and viewers to the series by elevating extreme sports' mainstream profile. The 2020s brought further evolution amid global challenges and strategic innovations. In response to the , the X Games introduced virtual competitions in 2020, such as the Real Series skateboarding event, enabling athlete participation without in-person gatherings. In 2022, ESPN sold a majority stake in the X Games franchise to MSP Sports Capital, enabling further investment in international growth and media production. Sustainability became a priority from 2022, with initiatives including partnerships for reduced emissions and eco-friendly practices at events. Key milestones underscored this trajectory, including the 25th anniversary celebration in 2020, which highlighted the event's progression through special programming and retrospectives. Viewership reached record levels in 2024, surpassing previous benchmarks with over 163 million social video views globally via streaming and digital platforms, demonstrating the shift to multifaceted media consumption. By 2025, format changes paved the way for the 2026 X Games League's team-based structure across year-round global stops.

Events

Summer X Games

The Summer X Games, launched by in 1995, represent the flagship annual competition for non-snow-based action sports, showcasing disciplines such as , , and in a festival-style format that emphasizes innovation and high-risk maneuvers. Held consistently from late June through early August, the event has evolved from its inaugural edition with nine core disciplines—including , , , and —to encompassing 10 to 12 medal events by the 2020s, incorporating additions like skateboard big air and park best trick to reflect advancements in athlete capabilities and equipment. This progression mirrors the broader growth of action sports, with the Summer X Games serving as a proving ground for tricks that often transition to Olympic recognition. The inaugural Summer X Games took place from June 24 to July 1, 1995, across venues in Providence, Newport, and , drawing an estimated 198,000 attendees and marking the first major televised platform for extreme sports. Early editions experimented with novel events like sky surfing and before streamlining to focus on enduring staples, with the competition format featuring qualifying rounds leading to finals judged on difficulty, style, and execution. By 2003, the event relocated to for X Games IX, establishing a long-term West Coast hub that hosted editions through 2013 and facilitated larger-scale productions with integrated music festivals and urban courses simulating street environments. The 2024 edition in , from June 28 to 30, highlighted this evolution by debuting women's park as a full medal event alongside traditional disciplines, attracting diverse crowds and underscoring the event's commitment to gender equity in action sports. Iconic moments and athlete records define the Summer X Games' legacy, with Travis Pastrana's groundbreaking double backflip in the Moto X Best Trick final at X Games 12 in on August 4, 2006, earning a 98.60 score and revolutionizing by demonstrating unprecedented aerial rotation on a . Skateboarder holds the record for most gold medals in the sport's history, securing his 15th at the X Games in through dominant performances in street and park events, including multiple wins that tied and surpassed legends like , with additional silvers in 2025. These highlights, often broadcast live on , have propelled individual careers while setting benchmarks for technical progression across disciplines. Recent developments have integrated emerging technologies and urban-focused formats, such as the 2023 debut of electric dirt bikes like the Stark VARG in Moto X Best Whip and Best Trick at , where riders like Josh Sheehan showcased the machines' torque advantages in freestyle contexts. In 2025, the Summer X Games featured events in , (June 20-22), and , (June 27-29), with a planned Sacramento event postponed; the edition emphasized urban street events with expanded skateboard street and street competitions on courses mimicking cityscapes, drawing on the city's vibrant action sports scene to blend competition with community activations. These innovations continue to adapt to modern athlete preferences and sustainability goals. Attendance and viewership have grown steadily since , from approximately 198,000 on-site spectators in 1995 to over 200,000 annually by the 2020s, with peak figures like 235,000 at the 2001 edition reflecting the event's rising popularity amid ESPN's global broadcasting reach. Telecast viewership has similarly expanded, averaging hundreds of thousands per event in recent years, driven by streaming platforms and highlights of record-breaking performances that captivate younger audiences. This trajectory underscores the Summer X Games' role in mainstreaming action sports.

Winter X Games

The Winter X Games were established in 1997 as a companion event to the summer edition, focusing on snow- and ice-based action sports competitions. Held annually over four days in late or early , the event features 8 to 10 disciplines, including snowboarding superpipe, , and ; freestyle skiing superpipe, , and ; snowmobile speed and style; and occasional additions like or knuckle huck. The inaugural Winter X Games took place from January 30 to February 2, 1997, at Snow Summit Mountain Resort in Big Bear Lake, California, drawing 38,000 spectators for events in snowboarding, ice climbing, and snow mountain biking. Subsequent editions shifted locations, with Winter X Games II and III in 1998 and 1999 at Crested Butte, Colorado, and IV and V in 2000 and 2001 at Mount Snow, Vermont. Starting with Winter X Games VI in 2002, the event has been hosted continuously in Aspen, Colorado, at Buttermilk Mountain, providing consistent high-altitude terrain suited to the disciplines. The 2025 edition, held January 23–25 in Aspen, showcased progressive competitions in ski and snowboard big air, among others, marking the 29th annual Winter X Games. For Winter X Games Aspen 2025, digital engagement included 163.2 million social video views and 3.9 million on-demand streams; the Summer X Games Salt Lake City 2025 averaged 1.3 million linear TV viewers across ESPN platforms. Notable editions include the 2012 Winter X Games in Aspen, where earned a perfect 100 score in superpipe with back-to-back double McTwist 1260s, securing his fifth consecutive gold and contributing to record-breaking performances amid challenging conditions. The 2025 Aspen event highlighted advancements in women's competitions, though events had been absent since before their planned return in 2026. Shaun White dominated snowboarding at the Winter X Games, amassing 17 medals including 12 golds by 2012, with his signature double McTwist 1260—a double flip with 3.5 rotations—first landed during his gold-medal run at the 2010 Aspen edition. became a staple discipline around 2010, evolving from earlier high-air formats introduced in 2009 and featuring massive jumps up to 75 feet for gravity-defying tricks. Attendance peaked at approximately 117,000 in 2019 in Aspen, reflecting the event's draw before pandemic-related declines to 35,700 in 2022.

International and Special Editions

The X Games began its global expansion with the inaugural international edition, X Games Brazil, held in Rio de Janeiro in August 2007, marking the first event outside the and featuring disciplines such as , , and to engage South American audiences. This was followed by the European debut in , , in May 2008, which introduced vert and alongside rally car racing, drawing over 50,000 spectators and establishing a foothold in the continent. The series further expanded to with X Games Japan in Chiba in 2023, the first in the region since earlier regional qualifiers, incorporating local favorites like freestyle and amid high attendance of approximately 40,000 over four days. In 2025, X Games in (June 20-22) continued this Asian expansion. Key international editions have highlighted regional adaptations and growing popularity. The 2013 X Games Foz do Iguaçu in attracted approximately 58,000 attendees over four days, emphasizing water-based sports like and introducing kitesurfing as a nod to local coastal culture, differing from the U.S.-centric focus on land-based action. Special editions have diversified the format beyond traditional competitions. The X Games Real Series, launched in 2013, focuses on with global qualifiers selected via online fan voting, culminating in finals that emphasize urban authenticity over polished venues. In 2022, adaptive athletes debuted at X Games , with international participation, providing a platform for athletes with disabilities in events like adaptive . A one-off virtual edition in 2020, amid the , featured submitted highlight reels from athletes worldwide instead of live events, maintaining engagement during cancellations of physical gatherings. These editions have faced unique challenges while driving impact. For instance, X Games 2023 experienced delays due to and inclement weather, requiring schedule adjustments that tested organizational resilience in variable weather conditions. Culturally, events adapt by incorporating local elements, such as Brazil's emphasis on kitesurfing, resulting in smaller scales than U.S. counterparts but fostering growth.

Venues and Hosting

Selection and Criteria

of venues for the X Games is conducted through a competitive (RFP) process managed by , which invites cities and commercial entities to bid on hosting rights for multi-year periods, typically spanning two to three events. This system was formalized for North American hosts starting in , following the expiration of prior agreements, and allows prospective hosts to demonstrate their capability to deliver the event through detailed proposals. Bids are evaluated based on logistical criteria, including infrastructure suitability for action sports disciplines such as , , and , which require versatile venues like stadiums, fairgrounds, or circuits with adequate space for ramps, tracks, and spectator areas. Weather suitability is prioritized to ensure athlete safety and event viability, with summer editions favoring temperate climates and winter events needing reliable snow conditions. Local sponsorship commitments and community support are also essential, as they facilitate seamless operations and enhance fan experience. For instance, in 2013, , was chosen over competitors like , Charlotte, and due to the ' motorsports infrastructure and strong local backing, despite Detroit's urban appeal. Economic factors heavily influence decisions, with host cities required to provide direct financial support to cover portions of production, , and promotion costs, often supplemented by from ticket sales and concessions. Support levels vary by location and scale but can include allocations in the hundreds of thousands of dollars; , for example, committed $250,000 for the 2023 Summer X Games to aid logistics and marketing. These contributions help offset ESPN's investments while generating broader economic benefits, such as the estimated $50 million impact projected for Austin's initial hosting in 2014. Strategically, venue choices promote geographic diversity to broaden global audience reach and cultural engagement, rotating between North American hubs and international sites since the event's inception. Following ESPN's 2022 sale of majority ownership to MSP Sports Capital, sustainability has become a core criterion, mandating eco-friendly practices like waste diversion and reduced emissions in bids; events such as the Winter X Games in Aspen have featured Green Team initiatives to minimize landfill waste through sorting and recycling programs. Recent selections emphasize urban centers for better public transit access and inclusivity, exemplified by hosting the 2025 Summer X Games at the Utah State Fairpark, a central location accommodating over 100 athletes and large crowds. Bids failing to align with these environmental or logistical standards, such as inadequate sustainability plans, have led to rejections in competitive rounds.

Notable Locations and Records

The inaugural Summer X Games took place in , in 1995, marking the debut of the event series with competitions in , BMX, and held across multiple venues in the area. Los Angeles served as a primary host for the Summer X Games from 2003 to 2012, accommodating 10 consecutive editions at sites including the Staples Center and Home Depot Center, which contributed to the event's growth in urban settings and drew substantial crowds during its run. More recently, , hosted the Summer X Games in 2023 and 2024 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, leveraging its beachfront location for a coastal atmosphere that integrated action sports with music and cultural activations. Salt Lake City, Utah, hosted the 2025 Summer X Games at the Utah State Fairpark. For Winter X Games, Big Bear Lake, California, hosted the first edition in 1997, establishing the event's foundation with snowboarding and skiing competitions amid the San Bernardino Mountains. Aspen, Colorado, has been the longest-running host city for the Winter X Games, beginning in 2000 and hosting annually from 2009 through 2025 at Buttermilk Mountain, totaling 17 editions in that span and solidifying its role as a premier winter venue. Internationally, , , hosted the Summer X Games in 2013 near the Iguaçu Falls, introducing South American audiences to disciplines like dirt and in a tropical setting. , , also hosted the Summer X Games in 2013 at Olympic Park, featuring an urban park course for events that blended the city's historic architecture with modern action sports infrastructure. The X Games has continued its international expansion in , with X Games Chiba 2023 at Zozomarine Stadium in Chiba, ; X Games Chiba 2024 at in Chiba, ; and X Games Osaka 2025 at in Osaka, . Among records, the highest on-site attendance for a single X Games event reached 268,390 over 10 days at the Summer X Games V in in 1999. Aspen holds the distinction for the most Winter X Games editions in one city, with its extended run emphasizing consistent snow conditions and high-altitude terrain for superpipe and competitions.

Media and Productions

Broadcasting and Coverage

The X Games made its television debut in 1995 as the Extreme Games, broadcast across ABC, , and , attracting an estimated 198,000 live spectators and marking ESPN's initial foray into comprehensive action sports coverage with a $10 million production investment. By 1998, broadcasting had transitioned to predominantly ESPN networks, allowing for expanded programming within the ESPN ecosystem and consistent annual coverage of both Summer and Winter editions. Viewership expanded rapidly in the late and early , with cumulative audiences surpassing 50 million for the 2003 Summer X Games, reflecting peak cable engagement driven by live telecasts and growing popularity among younger demographics. The digital era brought further growth, particularly through streaming platforms; by 2025, global streams and video views reached over 163 million via ESPN+, , and social channels, up 172% from 2024's approximately 60 million. Technological advancements have enhanced broadcasting quality, including the introduction of live drone cameras in 2015 for dynamic aerial perspectives during events like X Games Aspen, and (VR) experiences starting in 2017, with expanded immersive content for 2023 competitions available through the Xtadium app. In 2023, immersive content expanded via the Xtadium VR app in partnership with and Verizon, offering 180°/360° streams. Further advancements include a 2024 collaboration with Meta for VR sports experiences on Quest platforms. International syndication has broadened access, with coverage distributed to over 192 countries through ESPN International networks. Coverage formats emphasize extensive live programming, featuring multi-day telecasts totaling around 13-15 hours of live coverage per event on and ABC, with additional content on streaming services. Highlight compilations, such as "X Games Recap" episodes, provide post-event summaries, while integration incorporates athlete vlogs and real-time updates on platforms like and Twitch to engage global audiences. In recent years, the 2024 Summer X Games averaged around 1.2 million television viewers on platforms, complemented by 60 million online video views, with on-demand content available through partnerships with Disney+ and . The 2025 edition saw a 12% increase to 1.3 million TV viewers and 3.9 million in video-on-demand and streams, underscoring the shift toward hybrid linear-digital consumption.

Films, Series, and Documentaries

The have been the subject of several official films produced by Films, capturing the intensity and innovation of extreme sports through high-production-value cinematic experiences. These productions often utilize advanced formats like and 3D to immerse audiences in the athletes' preparations and performances. Ultimate X: The Movie (2002), directed by Bruce Hendricks, is an documentary that chronicles the athletes competing in the 2001 Summer , featuring disciplines such as , , , and . The film emphasizes the personal stories and groundbreaking tricks that defined early events, distributed theatrically in theaters before home video release. Released in 2009, X Games 3D: The Movie, directed by and produced by Films, offers behind-the-scenes access to the 2008 Summer X Games in . It follows six top athletes—including skateboarder , BMX rider , and motocross specialist —as they train and compete, showcasing 3D effects to highlight aerial maneuvers and crashes. The film had a limited one-week theatrical run in 3D, grossing $1,391,434 domestically, and was later released on DVD and digital platforms. In addition to feature films, ESPN has developed ongoing video series to document the creative side of X Games sports. The Real Series, launched in 2010 as Real Street, is an annual contest inviting elite skateboarders to film original video parts in authentic urban environments worldwide, judged on , difficulty, and style rather than live competition. It has expanded to include MTB, , and women's categories, with global locations fostering cultural exchanges among riders; the 2024 edition featured international talents submitting parts from cities like Rio de Janeiro and . Produced in-house by ESPN with athlete and filmmaker collaborations, the series is distributed via X Games' YouTube channel and ESPN platforms, emphasizing post-produced storytelling over live broadcasts. Documentaries affiliated with the X Games often focus on pioneering athletes whose careers intersected with the events' evolution. ESPN's : The Birth of Big Air (2010), directed by and produced by and , profiles BMX legend , who invented key tricks and helped transition BMX from ramps to airs, influencing the X Games' format since its 1995 inception. The 51-minute film uses archival footage and interviews to trace Hoffman's impact on extreme sports culture, streaming on ESPN+ and available on DVD. More recent athlete-centered works include (2023), a three-part docuseries directed by Shaul Schwarz and Christina Clusiau, which follows White's preparation for the 2022 Olympics in and —disciplines central to X Games competitions. Though produced by in association with , it incorporates X Games footage to illustrate White's career highs, including multiple gold medals, and streams on Max with personal archival material.

Cultural Impact

Influence on Sports and Athletes

The X Games have significantly contributed to the professionalization of extreme sports by establishing a structured system that provides financial incentives for athletes. As of 2025, the events distribute approximately $2.4 million in annual across competitions, enabling athletes to pursue full-time careers in action sports. This system, combined with the upcoming X Games League launching in 2026, treats athletes as independent contractors with base compensation of $30,000, further solidifying professional pathways and long-term earning stability in the industry. In November 2025, became a founding partner of the X Games League, supporting its year-round global schedule and team format ahead of the inaugural summer draft on March 5, 2026. Athlete development has been bolstered through the X Games' role as a key pipeline to higher-profile competitions, including the Olympics. For instance, in skateboarding at the 2024 Paris Olympics, half of the men's park competitors (11 out of 22) had prior X Games experience, highlighting the event's function as a for emerging talent. Events like the 2021 X Games, held at dedicated training facilities in , have also supported skill-building by integrating professional venues into the competition format, fostering direct access to high-level preparation environments. The X Games have influenced industry standards, particularly in safety protocols and market expansion. Helmets have been mandatory for participants in , , and BMX stunt riding since the 1998 X Games, setting an early precedent for protective gear in extreme sports that later extended to CPSC-certified requirements for BMX in 2012. This emphasis on has paralleled the growth of the extreme sports sector, which was valued at $13.5 billion globally in 2023 and is projected to reach $26.8 billion by 2034. Efforts toward diversity and inclusion have marked a shift in athlete demographics, with women's events increasing by 67% at the 2024 X Games Aspen compared to prior years, reflecting broader advocacy for gender equity since women's inclusion began in 1995. Equal for men and women was introduced starting at the 2009 Winter X Games (announced in 2008), promoting parity in compensation. Notable athlete legacies underscore the X Games' impact on careers. Ryan Sheckler turned professional at age 13 in 2003 after winning gold in Skateboard Park at X Games , becoming the youngest medalist in event history and launching a trajectory that includes multiple subsequent golds. Shaun White, with a record number of X Games gold medals, exemplified resilience through comebacks, such as his return to competition ahead of the 2022 Beijing Olympics where he placed fourth in before retiring. The X Games have left a significant mark on through depictions in , television, music, video games, and broader trends like fashion and viral media, often highlighting the adrenaline-fueled spirit of extreme sports. In , the 2005 biographical drama portrays the pioneering of 1970s , whose innovative style and rebellious ethos directly inspired the creation of modern extreme sports events like the X Games. The movie underscores how these early skateboarders laid the groundwork for televised competitions that brought action sports to mainstream audiences. In television, the Cartoon Network series MAD featured a satirical crossover in its 2011 episode "X-Games: ," parodying the X Games by blending it with the : storyline, where superheroes engage in absurd extreme sports feats to poke fun at the high-stakes nature of the events. Music integrations with the X Games often draw from punk and rock genres, reflecting the events' energetic vibe; for instance, Sum 41's "Fat Lip" from their 2001 album All Killer No Filler was prominently featured in extreme sports media, including video game soundtracks tied to X Games-style competitions, amplifying the crossover between action sports and alternative music scenes. In video games, the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series, beginning in 1999, incorporated tricks and environments inspired by X Games performances, with athletes like Tony Hawk—who achieved the first 900 at the 1999 X Games—serving as playable characters, helping to globalize skate culture through interactive entertainment. Official titles like ESPN X Games Skateboarding (2001) further embedded the brand in gaming, allowing players to simulate real X Games disciplines such as vert and street skating. Broader cultural references include the X Games' role in shaping trends, where brands like gained prominence through endorsements by X Games athletes, popularizing baggy pants, graphic tees, and durable footwear that blended functionality with aesthetics during the late and early 2000s extreme sports boom. Viral moments, such as Travis Pastrana's groundbreaking double backflip in the 2006 Moto X Best Trick final, became cultural touchstones, with footage amassing millions of views on platforms like and inspiring memes about daring athleticism. More recently, the X Games continue to influence , with 2024 events at Aspen showcasing fusions in athlete and spectator styles that highlight ongoing ties to contemporary .

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  14. https://www.xgames.com/news/
  15. https://www.xgames.com/events/salt-lake-city-2025/
  16. https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/cycling-101-bmx-freestyle-olympic-rules-scoring-and-competition-format
  17. https://www.reddit.com/r/rally/comments/1i9fe37/what_happened_to_x_games_rallycross_and_by/
  18. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/winter/snowboard/artificial-intelligence-experiment-x-games-aspen-halfpipe-judging-1.7437544
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y43FolFlY78
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7prl7i2csE
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa7RaWwIpQc
  22. https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/teen-lands-first-wheelchair-double-backflip/
  23. https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2018/11/x-games-aspen-2019-adds-three-new-disciplines/
  24. https://www.espnfrontrow.com/2013/04/anniversary-of-the-day-the-x-games-were-created-coincides-with-inventors-retirement/
  25. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/07/21/big-air
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  33. https://www.motorcycle.com/events/2003-la-xgames-2037.html
  34. https://www.aspentimes.com/news/x-games-ratings-were-highest-ever/
  35. https://www.xgames.com/history/
  36. https://www.jenkemmag.com/home/2020/01/08/group-women-fought-equal-pay-contest-skating/
  37. https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/40340230/x-games-league-feature-year-round-schedule-team-format
  38. https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2025/06/19/x-games-extreme-sports-event-got-its-start-in-ri-in-1995/83996324007/
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  40. https://racerxonline.com/2006/08/05/pastrana-lands-double-backflip-at-x-games-to-snag-gold-in-best-trick
  41. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/first-double-backflip-on-a-motorcycle
  42. https://www.xgames.com/athletes/nyjah-huston/
  43. https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/sports/story/2025-07-01/nyjah-huston-of-laguna-beach-nabs-two-silver-medals-at-x-games
  44. https://www.cyclenews.com/2023/07/article/josh-sheehan-to-ride-a-stark-varg-at-2023-x-games/
  45. https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2025/06/x-games-salt-lake-city-2025-competition-begins-friday-in-prime-time-on-espn2/
  46. https://www.aspentimes.com/news/x-games-announces-three-summer-stops-including-a-first-trip-to-utah/
  47. https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article305090546.html
  48. https://www.statista.com/statistics/205228/total-x-games-attendance/
  49. https://www.aspendailynews.com/winter-x-games-a-brief-history/article_3459d151-30c8-5345-a0a9-2837bdfe8211.html
  50. https://www.ski.com/blog/guide-to-the-2023-winter-xgames
  51. https://www.xgames.com/events/aspen-2025/
  52. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/x-games-aspen-2025-all-results-complete-list
  53. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jeremybloom11_x-games-2024-vs-2025-global-viewership-activity-7291134026071822337-0Hww
  54. https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2025/07/x-games-salt-lake-city-2025-delivered-double-digit-growth-across-espn-platforms-as-youth-audience-surges/
  55. https://www.espn.com/action/xgames/winter/2012/story/_/id/7499290/shaun-white-earns-perfect-score-five-peats-winter-x-snowboard-superpipe
  56. https://powersportsbusiness.com/news/snowmobile/2025/10/14/snowmobile-events-return-to-2026-x-games-in-aspen/
  57. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wuLjT6zqic
  58. https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2009/12/espns-winter-x-games-14-adds-two-new-disciplines/
  59. https://www.newschoolers.com/news/read/X-Games-Ski-Big-Air-timeline
  60. https://www.statista.com/statistics/468613/winter-x-games-attendance/
  61. https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2012/10/rfp-process-begins-for-north-american-cities-to-host-x-games/
  62. https://www.espn.com/action/xgames/story/_/id/8517155/espn-x-games-accepting-north-american-host-city-bids/1000
  63. https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2013/07/espn-selects-austin-texas-to-host-x-games-in-north-america/
  64. https://www.mlive.com/entertainment/detroit/2013/07/espn_x_games_official_explains.html
  65. https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39101/04
  66. https://austinmonitor.com/stories/2013/05/cota-official-hosting-espn-x-games-could-bring-50-million-to-city/
  67. https://www.espn.com/espn/citizenship/story/_/page/teamespn-Sustainability-Winter-X-Games/sustainability-winter-x-games
  68. https://www.kpcw.org/state-regional/2025-02-16/salt-lake-city-to-host-espns-2025-summer-x-games
  69. https://www.espn.co.uk/los-angeles/story/_/id/8098626/x-games-los-angeles-numbers
  70. https://www.xgames.com/news/back-to-the-beach-summer-x-games-set-to-return-to-ventura-in-2024/
  71. https://www.xgames.com/news/x-games-ventura-2024-action-sports-music-and-culture-collide-june-28-30/
  72. https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2013/04/espn-platforms-to-present-more-than-29-hours-of-x-games-foz-do-iguacu-content/
  73. https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/1500/x-games-barcelona.html
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  76. https://www.xgames.com/events/osaka-2025/
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  82. https://ybvr.com/uncategorized/xgames-espn-verizon/
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  94. https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2017/10/x-games-launches-first-real-mountain-competition-part-real-series/
  95. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1617300/
  96. https://www.espn.com/watch/film/b41966f5-f017-4b97-985c-66643bc565eb/the-birth-of-big-air
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  110. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2045698/
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  112. https://www.britannica.com/sports/X-Games
  113. https://www.metacritic.com/game/espn-x-games-skateboarding/
  114. https://fashiontingz.substack.com/p/skater-fashion-to-rule-them-all
  115. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyUKY3L0wEo
  116. https://www.snowboarder.com/news/best-fashion-xgames
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