Top moments of X Games Austin 2014
Thank you, Austin!
More than 160,000 people came out for the four-day music-and-action sports festival that was Austin's inaugural X Games. Fans were wowed by BMX, Skateboard, Moto X and RallyCross feats during the day, and crooned to the conclusion of each night with the rocking sounds of performers like Pretty Lights, Kanye West and the Flaming Lips. All in all a resounding success and we can't wait to do it again next year. X Games Munich 2013 Skateboard Park gold medalist Curren Caples, pictured here, can't wait to do it again, either. He made the finals of Men's Monster Energy Skateboard street this year. Future double-gold contender, anyone?
More than 160,000 people came out for the four-day music-and-action sports festival that was Austin's inaugural X Games. Fans were wowed by BMX, Skateboard, Moto X and RallyCross feats during the day, and crooned to the conclusion of each night with the rocking sounds of performers like Pretty Lights, Kanye West and the Flaming Lips. All in all a resounding success and we can't wait to do it again next year.
X Games Munich 2013 Skateboard Park gold medalist Curren Caples, pictured here, can't wait to do it again, either. He made the finals of Men's Monster Energy Skateboard street this year. Future double-gold contender, anyone?
Skateboard Street: Huston
Nyjah Huston closed out X Games Austin 2014 with a bang on Sunday, winning the Monster Energy Men's Skateboard Street final with the highest score ever posted in an X Games Skateboard Street final. Huston's sixth career Skateboard Street win now makes him the street skater with the most X Games gold medals. "I felt super on-point as soon as I started skating in semifinals -- I was like, 'I feel really good today' -- but the wind makes you question how your tricks are going to go," he said. "It messes up the whole feel of the pop when you pop your board and it makes everything so much more sketchy."
Nyjah Huston closed out X Games Austin 2014 with a bang on Sunday, winning the Monster Energy Men's Skateboard Street final with the highest score ever posted in an X Games Skateboard Street final. Huston's sixth career Skateboard Street win now makes him the street skater with the most X Games gold medals.
"I felt super on-point as soon as I started skating in semifinals -- I was like, 'I feel really good today' -- but the wind makes you question how your tricks are going to go," he said. "It messes up the whole feel of the pop when you pop your board and it makes everything so much more sketchy."
W's Skateboard Street: Baker, Torres
"It's about time," screamed women's skateboarding legend Vanessa Torres, right, as she rushed the course to congratulate Lacey Baker, left, for winning Skateboard Street on Sunday in Austin. Baker, a highly technical street skateboarder who specializes in flip tricks, already held three X Games medals -- two silvers from 2013 and one bronze from 2006 -- but this is her first gold.
"It's about time," screamed women's skateboarding legend Vanessa Torres, right, as she rushed the course to congratulate Lacey Baker, left, for winning Skateboard Street on Sunday in Austin. Baker, a highly technical street skateboarder who specializes in flip tricks, already held three X Games medals -- two silvers from 2013 and one bronze from 2006 -- but this is her first gold.
BMX Park: Hawk
"I'm speechless right now," said Chase Hawk, addressing his hometown crowd after his BMX Park win on Sunday. "This is unbelievable. All of you are amazing. This couldn't mean more to me. This is the city I grew up in, so this just means that much more."
"I'm speechless right now," said Chase Hawk, addressing his hometown crowd after his BMX Park win on Sunday. "This is unbelievable. All of you are amazing. This couldn't mean more to me. This is the city I grew up in, so this just means that much more."
BMX Park: Hawk
Hawk, an X Games competitor since 2006, was the top qualifier coming into the finals. His winning run featured huge transfers like a 270 from the shallow end to the deep end of the concrete bowls, a fastplant on the Texas longhorn feature, a 360 over the triple set and a foot jam nosepick at the buzzer. Hawk rode the course faster and smoother than any other competitor in the finals, favoring style and flow over technical trick combinations.
Hawk, an X Games competitor since 2006, was the top qualifier coming into the finals. His winning run featured huge transfers like a 270 from the shallow end to the deep end of the concrete bowls, a fastplant on the Texas longhorn feature, a 360 over the triple set and a foot jam nosepick at the buzzer. Hawk rode the course faster and smoother than any other competitor in the finals, favoring style and flow over technical trick combinations.
Skateboard Street: Pudwill
Temperatures soared into the 90s at Austin's Circuit of the Americas. For the athletes, the biggest challenge was staying cool and hydrated. "By the time you do like five tricks in this heat your muscles start to lose it," said BMX Street gold medalist Garrett Reynolds. Here, Torey Pudwill feels the burn in the Men's Monster Energy Skateboard Street final on Sunday.
Temperatures soared into the 90s at Austin's Circuit of the Americas. For the athletes, the biggest challenge was staying cool and hydrated. "By the time you do like five tricks in this heat your muscles start to lose it," said BMX Street gold medalist Garrett Reynolds. Here, Torey Pudwill feels the burn in the Men's Monster Energy Skateboard Street final on Sunday.
BMX Park: Sandoval
Total BMX/Vans pro Daniel Sandoval is one of the few BMX Park pros who excels at technical jump combinations and technical lip tricks. At X Games Austin, Sandoval combined both styles effortlessly to earn the bronze medal in BMX Park. Fans felt he should have placed higher, but Sandoval was very happy just to be on the podium
Total BMX/Vans pro Daniel Sandoval is one of the few BMX Park pros who excels at technical jump combinations and technical lip tricks. At X Games Austin, Sandoval combined both styles effortlessly to earn the bronze medal in BMX Park. Fans felt he should have placed higher, but Sandoval was very happy just to be on the podium
Hawk, Huston, Wair
Tony Hawk added photos of Kanye West, Kim Kardashian and Women's Skateboard Street gold medalist Lacey Baker to his very active Instagram account, along with this selfie with six-time Men's Skateboard Street gold medalist Nyjah Huston and Thrasher Magazine's 2013 Skater of the Year Ishod Wair. Hawk won the very first Skater of the Year nod back in 1990. Huston's still waiting for his.
Tony Hawk added photos of Kanye West, Kim Kardashian and Women's Skateboard Street gold medalist Lacey Baker to his very active Instagram account, along with this selfie with six-time Men's Skateboard Street gold medalist Nyjah Huston and Thrasher Magazine's 2013 Skater of the Year Ishod Wair. Hawk won the very first Skater of the Year nod back in 1990. Huston's still waiting for his.
Stadium SUPER Trucks: Lopez
Apdaly Lopez won the X Games debut of Stadium Super Truck racing on Sunday at Circuit of the Americas, just one day after competing in the Baja 500 back home in Mexico. The win bumped him into the overall points lead in the 2014 TraxxasOff-Road Racing Championship series, ahead of Robby Gordon.
Apdaly Lopez won the X Games debut of Stadium Super Truck racing on Sunday at Circuit of the Americas, just one day after competing in the Baja 500 back home in Mexico. The win bumped him into the overall points lead in the 2014 TraxxasOff-Road Racing Championship series, ahead of Robby Gordon.
Stadium SUPER Trucks: Lopez
With his win in Stadium SUPER Trucks, Apdaly Lopez, a 19-year-old from Tecate, Mexico, became the first Mexican male to win an X Games gold.
With his win in Stadium SUPER Trucks, Apdaly Lopez, a 19-year-old from Tecate, Mexico, became the first Mexican male to win an X Games gold.
Skateboard Street: Majerus
At 18, rookie Alec Majerus, from Rochester, Minnesota, was the youngest skateboarder in the X Games Austin Monster Energy Skateboard Street field. After an impressive placing at Tampa Pro earlier this year, Majerus earned an invite to Austin and coasted through Round 1 to finish third in the Skateboard Street finals.
At 18, rookie Alec Majerus, from Rochester, Minnesota, was the youngest skateboarder in the X Games Austin Monster Energy Skateboard Street field. After an impressive placing at Tampa Pro earlier this year, Majerus earned an invite to Austin and coasted through Round 1 to finish third in the Skateboard Street finals.
"Call of Duty: Ghosts"
In a first for an X Games, video gamers competed for actual medals in a "Call of Duty: Ghosts" tournament hosted by Major League Gaming at X Games Austin. Inside a tent in the festival area, gamers threw virtual bombs, fired animated bullets and coordinated attacks in frenetic team matches.
In a first for an X Games, video gamers competed for actual medals in a "Call of Duty: Ghosts" tournament hosted by Major League Gaming at X Games Austin.
Inside a tent in the festival area, gamers threw virtual bombs, fired animated bullets and coordinated attacks in frenetic team matches.
BMX Park: Young, Enarson
Haro/Nike pro Dennis Enarson has been on the verge of a BMX Park win at X Games for several years, and again in X Games Austin, the gold medal eluded him. But the fans love Enarson, his style, his ability to air, and the fact that he rides every contest with a huge grin across his face. At X Games Austin, Enarson finished in an uncharacteristic ninth place.
Haro/Nike pro Dennis Enarson has been on the verge of a BMX Park win at X Games for several years, and again in X Games Austin, the gold medal eluded him. But the fans love Enarson, his style, his ability to air, and the fact that he rides every contest with a huge grin across his face. At X Games Austin, Enarson finished in an uncharacteristic ninth place.
Day 3 at X
Saturday at X started with a bang, literally, as cars took to the track for Ford RallyCross and RallyCross Lites (which Mitchell Dejong is seen winning here). X Games BMX Dirt made a triumphant return to U.S. soil while competitors faced off in Moto X Speed & Style and BMX Big Air. See the highlights of all this and more in tonight's collection of the best images of X, and check back Sunday night for the final collection of images from the very first X Games in Austin.
Saturday at X started with a bang, literally, as cars took to the track for Ford RallyCross and RallyCross Lites (which Mitchell Dejong is seen winning here). X Games BMX Dirt made a triumphant return to U.S. soil while competitors faced off in Moto X Speed & Style and BMX Big Air. See the highlights of all this and more in tonight's collection of the best images of X, and check back Sunday night for the final collection of images from the very first X Games in Austin.
Kanye West
Kanye West played a sold-out show Saturday night at X Games Austin on the eve of his 37th birthday. His new wife, Kim Kardashian, was also in attendance.
Kanye West played a sold-out show Saturday night at X Games Austin on the eve of his 37th birthday. His new wife, Kim Kardashian, was also in attendance.
BMX Big Air: Wade
Morgan Wade -- the defending X Games Los Angeles 2013 Big Air champion from Tyler, Texas -- landed a Superman backflip over the gap and a double tailwhip on the quarterpipe in first his run. The Texas flag pinned to the back of his shirt won over any Texas fans not already on his side, but the judges left him in silver medal position. Wade had hoped to challenge Kevin Robinson's quarterpipe Big Air record, saying "like they say, everything is bigger in Texas," but the conditions made it impossible.
Morgan Wade -- the defending X Games Los Angeles 2013 Big Air champion from Tyler, Texas -- landed a Superman backflip over the gap and a double tailwhip on the quarterpipe in first his run. The Texas flag pinned to the back of his shirt won over any Texas fans not already on his side, but the judges left him in silver medal position. Wade had hoped to challenge Kevin Robinson's quarterpipe Big Air record, saying "like they say, everything is bigger in Texas," but the conditions made it impossible.
Ford RallyCross: Speed
Scott Speed has one of the most accomplished resumes on the Ford RallyCross roster. He is a former Sprint Cup driver and one of a handful of Americans who have competed in the prestigious Formula One race series. Speed won the first RallyCross race he ever entered last year, at X Games Foz do Iguacu, but failed to make the finals at the other three 2013 X Games races. All that changed Saturday, as Speed lived up to his name and smoked the competition, easily driving his way to the first position for X Games Austin gold.
Scott Speed has one of the most accomplished resumes on the Ford RallyCross roster. He is a former Sprint Cup driver and one of a handful of Americans who have competed in the prestigious Formula One race series. Speed won the first RallyCross race he ever entered last year, at X Games Foz do Iguacu, but failed to make the finals at the other three 2013 X Games races.
All that changed Saturday, as Speed lived up to his name and smoked the competition, easily driving his way to the first position for X Games Austin gold.
BMX Dirt
An unknown BMX Dirt rider warms up on the X Games Austin dirt course on Saturday prior to the start of BMX Dirt finals on Saturday. Long known for its BMX dirt trails scene, X Games employed a dirt construction crew that included local Austin BMX dirt riders and builders. Every invited pro was impressed with the resulting course.
An unknown BMX Dirt rider warms up on the X Games Austin dirt course on Saturday prior to the start of BMX Dirt finals on Saturday. Long known for its BMX dirt trails scene, X Games employed a dirt construction crew that included local Austin BMX dirt riders and builders. Every invited pro was impressed with the resulting course.
Skateboard Park: Barros
Pedro Barros has made the podium in every X Games Skateboard Park contest he's entered since he won gold at his X Games debut in 2010. On Saturday at X Games Austin, Barros, who's from Florianopolis, Brazil, furthered that record by earning his fifth gold medal in the discipline.
Pedro Barros has made the podium in every X Games Skateboard Park contest he's entered since he won gold at his X Games debut in 2010. On Saturday at X Games Austin, Barros, who's from Florianopolis, Brazil, furthered that record by earning his fifth gold medal in the discipline.
Ford RallyCross: Lasek
For 15 years, Bucky Lasek has enjoyed the distinction of being one of the best vert skateboarders around. In 2013, he swept all four X Games vert events. His bid for Rally gold has been a much rougher road. Lasek made his first GRC final in October 2012 in Las Vegas, but he hasn't been able to repeat that performance at X. This Saturday, however, he beat crowd favorite Travis Pastrana in the semifinals to claim the last qualifying spot into the RallyCross final, then went on to overtake Liam Doran and Nelson Piquet Jr. to claim his first RallyCross medal, a silver.
For 15 years, Bucky Lasek has enjoyed the distinction of being one of the best vert skateboarders around. In 2013, he swept all four X Games vert events. His bid for Rally gold has been a much rougher road. Lasek made his first GRC final in October 2012 in Las Vegas, but he hasn't been able to repeat that performance at X.
This Saturday, however, he beat crowd favorite Travis Pastrana in the semifinals to claim the last qualifying spot into the RallyCross final, then went on to overtake Liam Doran and Nelson Piquet Jr. to claim his first RallyCross medal, a silver.
BMX Big Air: Satterfield
"Being able to that that run that I landed was unbelievable to me," said X Games Austin Big Air gold medalist Colton Satterfield. "It was the craziest feeling and I think it took about 20 seconds of everybody shaking me just now to realize what happened. I don't think it's still even hit me. I love everyone here, I love Austin, I love everything about this place: Morgan is insane, and everyone who rode tonight in seriously the hardest conditions... mad love to everyone who's insane."
"Being able to that that run that I landed was unbelievable to me," said X Games Austin Big Air gold medalist Colton Satterfield. "It was the craziest feeling and I think it took about 20 seconds of everybody shaking me just now to realize what happened. I don't think it's still even hit me. I love everyone here, I love Austin, I love everything about this place: Morgan is insane, and everyone who rode tonight in seriously the hardest conditions... mad love to everyone who's insane."
BMX Dirt: Baldock
Kyle Baldock rolled into X Games Austin having won the only BMX Dirt gold medal at X Games in recent history, at X Games Foz do Iguau last year. And Baldock wasn't about to give up the momentum he created in Brazil. Baldock's first run secured him the top spot, and it remained untouched throughout the competition until he one-upped himself on his last run of the competition. Baldock remains undefeated in BMX Dirt at X Games in 2013 and 2014.
Kyle Baldock rolled into X Games Austin having won the only BMX Dirt gold medal at X Games in recent history, at X Games Foz do Iguau last year. And Baldock wasn't about to give up the momentum he created in Brazil.
Baldock's first run secured him the top spot, and it remained untouched throughout the competition until he one-upped himself on his last run of the competition. Baldock remains undefeated in BMX Dirt at X Games in 2013 and 2014.
BMX Dirt: Casey
Few BMX riders are invited to ride multiple disciplines at an X Games, but Pat Casey is one of the few exceptions. Casey was invited to ride BMX Dirt and Park, and made it to the finals in Dirt on Saturday. Unfortunately, Casey bailed on one of his final jumps of the day and smashed his face into the backside of the dirt jump lip. Casey walked off the crash and will participate in BMX Park on Sunday.
Few BMX riders are invited to ride multiple disciplines at an X Games, but Pat Casey is one of the few exceptions. Casey was invited to ride BMX Dirt and Park, and made it to the finals in Dirt on Saturday. Unfortunately, Casey bailed on one of his final jumps of the day and smashed his face into the backside of the dirt jump lip. Casey walked off the crash and will participate in BMX Park on Sunday.
Ford RallyCross
Nelson Piquet Jr. is the first Brazilian ever to win races in NASCAR-sanctioned events (four in 2012). His father, Nelson, is a three-time winner of the overall Formula One title. In the Ford RallyCross final Saturday, Piquet took the joker lap twice, resulting in a black flag and a penalty. Though he was in second position before the flag, a forced stop and start allowed Bucky Lasek and Liam Doran to overtake him. A medal finish looked impossible until Doran spun out going into the last turn, allowing Piquet to sneak into the bronze-medal spot.
Nelson Piquet Jr. is the first Brazilian ever to win races in NASCAR-sanctioned events (four in 2012). His father, Nelson, is a three-time winner of the overall Formula One title. In the Ford RallyCross final Saturday, Piquet took the joker lap twice, resulting in a black flag and a penalty.
Though he was in second position before the flag, a forced stop and start allowed Bucky Lasek and Liam Doran to overtake him. A medal finish looked impossible until Doran spun out going into the last turn, allowing Piquet to sneak into the bronze-medal spot.
Moto X Freestyle practice
Moto X Freestyle was set to go down Saturday night, but high winds created unfavorable conditions for competitors and had to be delayed. MX Freestyle will now go down at 3 p.m. CT on Sunday.
Moto X Freestyle was set to go down Saturday night, but high winds created unfavorable conditions for competitors and had to be delayed. MX Freestyle will now go down at 3 p.m. CT on Sunday.
BMX Dirt: Childs
Each October, Austin plays host to a local BMX competition known as Texas Toast. Chris Childs, pictured here, was one of the most talked about riders on the dirt course at Texas Toast last year, and his performance there secured him an invite to X Games Austin. Here, Childs twists a stylish one-footed x-up over the BMX Dirt course on Saturday. Childs finished in 11th place at X Games Austin.
Each October, Austin plays host to a local BMX competition known as Texas Toast. Chris Childs, pictured here, was one of the most talked about riders on the dirt course at Texas Toast last year, and his performance there secured him an invite to X Games Austin. Here, Childs twists a stylish one-footed x-up over the BMX Dirt course on Saturday. Childs finished in 11th place at X Games Austin.
Skateboard Street Ams: Webb
It's not every year that amateurs get to compete on the same venue as the pros at X Games. But Saturday at X Games Austin, a Skate Street Am event took place alongside the pro division. Chase Webb, pictured here, won the contest. With any luck, Webb and the others who competed are the names you'll see in the pro division in years to come.
It's not every year that amateurs get to compete on the same venue as the pros at X Games. But Saturday at X Games Austin, a Skate Street Am event took place alongside the pro division. Chase Webb, pictured here, won the contest. With any luck, Webb and the others who competed are the names you'll see in the pro division in years to come.
Day 2 at X
The Day 2 roster was packed at X Games Austin with Men's Skateboard Street elims and finals for BMX Street, Skateboard Big Air and Women and Men's Enduro X kicking the day off, and music from Dillon Francis and Pretty Lights taking the night through to its conclusion. Be sure to check back every evening for an update of the best moments and images from each day of competition this week.
The Day 2 roster was packed at X Games Austin with Men's Skateboard Street elims and finals for BMX Street, Skateboard Big Air and Women and Men's Enduro X kicking the day off, and music from Dillon Francis and Pretty Lights taking the night through to its conclusion.
Be sure to check back every evening for an update of the best moments and images from each day of competition this week.
Skateboard Big Air
Despite strong gusts that forced the pros of Skateboard Big Air to time out their runs according to lulls in the wind, the Texas-sized crowd of X Games Austin was introduced to the MegaRamp on Friday with force.
Despite strong gusts that forced the pros of Skateboard Big Air to time out their runs according to lulls in the wind, the Texas-sized crowd of X Games Austin was introduced to the MegaRamp on Friday with force.
SKB Big Air: Schaar, Burnquist
Fourteen-year-old Tom Schaar became the youngest person to win a Skateboard Big Air medal on Friday, upsetting veteran Big Air skater and MegaRamp pioneer Bob Burnquist, who happily settled for silver, as evidenced here.
Fourteen-year-old Tom Schaar became the youngest person to win a Skateboard Big Air medal on Friday, upsetting veteran Big Air skater and MegaRamp pioneer Bob Burnquist, who happily settled for silver, as evidenced here.
Moto X Best Whip: Parsons
Tom Parsons, who's better known as a Supercross racer, proved he had what it takes to win at X Games when he dominated the fan-voted Moto X Best Whip contest on Friday, beating out favorite Jeremy Stenberg to earn gold at his first X Games contest. Parsons broke onto the scene by winning the Monster Energy Cup Biggest Whip competition in 2013.
Tom Parsons, who's better known as a Supercross racer, proved he had what it takes to win at X Games when he dominated the fan-voted Moto X Best Whip contest on Friday, beating out favorite Jeremy Stenberg to earn gold at his first X Games contest. Parsons broke onto the scene by winning the Monster Energy Cup Biggest Whip competition in 2013.
Skateboard Street Elims: Caples
X Games Munich 2013 Skateboard Park gold medalist Curren Caples was an alternate for Skateboard Street coming into Austin. Not only did he make it into elims at the last minute, he beat out a heated field of heavy-hitting street skateboarders to qualify for the final on Sunday.
X Games Munich 2013 Skateboard Park gold medalist Curren Caples was an alternate for Skateboard Street coming into Austin. Not only did he make it into elims at the last minute, he beat out a heated field of heavy-hitting street skateboarders to qualify for the final on Sunday.
Women's Enduro X: Martinez
Kacy Martinez, 23, is just the third woman to top the podium since her sport's debut at X Games Los Angeles 2011, where she won bronze. Maria Forsberg and Laia Sanz have previously dominated the women's field. Forsberg announced her retirement from competition last October and is expecting her first child this fall; Sanz opted to compete in the Enduro World Championships in Finland this week.
Kacy Martinez, 23, is just the third woman to top the podium since her sport's debut at X Games Los Angeles 2011, where she won bronze. Maria Forsberg and Laia Sanz have previously dominated the women's field. Forsberg announced her retirement from competition last October and is expecting her first child this fall; Sanz opted to compete in the Enduro World Championships in Finland this week.
BMX Street: Enarson
One of the few BMX riders who can easily compete across multiple disciplines at X Games, Haro/Nike pro Dennis Enarson entered BMX Street on Saturday at X Games Austin and finished with a bronze medal. Enarson's runs featured effortless 360 foot jam nose picks to fakie and, as pictured here, stylish barspin gaps.
One of the few BMX riders who can easily compete across multiple disciplines at X Games, Haro/Nike pro Dennis Enarson entered BMX Street on Saturday at X Games Austin and finished with a bronze medal. Enarson's runs featured effortless 360 foot jam nose picks to fakie and, as pictured here, stylish barspin gaps.
Skateboard Big Air: Wood
Part of the younger generation of X Games Skate Big Air upstarts, Trey Wood qualified through Round 1 into the finals, but was unable to land a run in his first four attempts. On his fifth and final run, 13-year-old Wood stomped a 720 over the MegaRamp gap and finished with a McTwist at height on the quarterpipe. He ended the night in fifth place at X Games Austin.
Part of the younger generation of X Games Skate Big Air upstarts, Trey Wood qualified through Round 1 into the finals, but was unable to land a run in his first four attempts. On his fifth and final run, 13-year-old Wood stomped a 720 over the MegaRamp gap and finished with a McTwist at height on the quarterpipe. He ended the night in fifth place at X Games Austin.
Skateboard Street Elims: Homoki
Aaron "Jaws" Homoki, who is famous in skateboarding for doing massive gap jumps, did his best to make the "SportsCenter" Highlight of the Night when he launched off one of the Skateboard Street course ramps into the watching crowd. Luckily no one was in his flight path when he landed.
Aaron "Jaws" Homoki, who is famous in skateboarding for doing massive gap jumps, did his best to make the "SportsCenter" Highlight of the Night when he launched off one of the Skateboard Street course ramps into the watching crowd. Luckily no one was in his flight path when he landed.
Moto X Step Up: Renner
Ronnie Renner has competed in 20 X Games, and on Friday night he earned his sixth gold medal when he soared past the 34-foot mark in Moto X Step Up. Renner holds the Step Up record at a whopping 47 feet, set at X Games Los Angeles 2012.
Ronnie Renner has competed in 20 X Games, and on Friday night he earned his sixth gold medal when he soared past the 34-foot mark in Moto X Step Up. Renner holds the Step Up record at a whopping 47 feet, set at X Games Los Angeles 2012.
Stadium Super Trucks practice
This is the first time a truck discipline has been held at X Games. Stadium Super Trucks is the brainchild of multidiscipline racing talent Robby Gordon, and brings the thrill of desert racing into a stadium setting. "These are the trucks that you wish you would have stolen when you were in high school," says X Games rookie Jay Reichert, a longtime off-road racing competitor.
This is the first time a truck discipline has been held at X Games. Stadium Super Trucks is the brainchild of multidiscipline racing talent Robby Gordon, and brings the thrill of desert racing into a stadium setting. "These are the trucks that you wish you would have stolen when you were in high school," says X Games rookie Jay Reichert, a longtime off-road racing competitor.
Day 1 at X
More than 12,000 fans packed the strip of land between the BMX and Skateboard Vert ramp and Texas State Capitol on as the first of many X Games Austin events kicked off with a bang on Thursday evening. Here, vert veteran Pierre-Luc Gagnon soars his way to the finals.
More than 12,000 fans packed the strip of land between the BMX and Skateboard Vert ramp and Texas State Capitol on as the first of many X Games Austin events kicked off with a bang on Thursday evening. Here, vert veteran Pierre-Luc Gagnon soars his way to the finals.
BMX Vert: Bestwick
"Part of me looks forward to passing the torch and would like to see one of the younger guys step up and take it, because I want to see my sport progress and see some other guys run with it," said 42-year-old Jamie Bestwick, shortly after his ninth consecutive X Games BMX Vert win. "But another part of me still really enjoys winning ... I'm going to keep riding my best for as long as I can."
"Part of me looks forward to passing the torch and would like to see one of the younger guys step up and take it, because I want to see my sport progress and see some other guys run with it," said 42-year-old Jamie Bestwick, shortly after his ninth consecutive X Games BMX Vert win. "But another part of me still really enjoys winning ... I'm going to keep riding my best for as long as I can."
Skateboard Vert: Wilkins
Twenty-year-old Jimmy Wilkins became just the seventh different skater to win gold on the vert ramp in the 20-year history of X Games. "It's both shock and anxiety," said Wilkins, who previously estimated his chances of winning at "none."
Twenty-year-old Jimmy Wilkins became just the seventh different skater to win gold on the vert ramp in the 20-year history of X Games. "It's both shock and anxiety," said Wilkins, who previously estimated his chances of winning at "none."
Skateboard Vert: Lasek
In 2013, 41-year-old Bucky Lasek became the only athlete to sweep four X Games Vert events. This year, an injury kept him off his skateboard until days before the X Games Austin event, prompting him to write, "I'm hurt, not old," on the front of his t-shirt in sharpie during the Skateboard Vert elims, and, "maybe a little old," on the back.
In 2013, 41-year-old Bucky Lasek became the only athlete to sweep four X Games Vert events. This year, an injury kept him off his skateboard until days before the X Games Austin event, prompting him to write, "I'm hurt, not old," on the front of his t-shirt in sharpie during the Skateboard Vert elims, and, "maybe a little old," on the back.
BMX Vert: McCann
BMX Vert competitor Steve McCann typically places in the top three spots at X Games, but two looped out no-handed 900s kept him just off the podium in the fourth place spot. But when he was on, he's on. Here, he tweaks a turndown flair past the 180 degree mark during BMX Vert finals on Day 1 of X Games Austin.
BMX Vert competitor Steve McCann typically places in the top three spots at X Games, but two looped out no-handed 900s kept him just off the podium in the fourth place spot. But when he was on, he's on. Here, he tweaks a turndown flair past the 180 degree mark during BMX Vert finals on Day 1 of X Games Austin.
Skateboard Vert: PLG
Injuries pushed 20-time X Games Skateboard podium maker Pierre-Luc Gagnon off his skateboard throughout the majority of the spring season, and he occupied his time off the board by undertaking photography. PLG came back for Skateboard Vert at X Games Austin stronger than ever, made the finals, but didn't end up making it into the top three spots in the end.
Injuries pushed 20-time X Games Skateboard podium maker Pierre-Luc Gagnon off his skateboard throughout the majority of the spring season, and he occupied his time off the board by undertaking photography. PLG came back for Skateboard Vert at X Games Austin stronger than ever, made the finals, but didn't end up making it into the top three spots in the end.
SKB Street practice: Wair
Ishod Wair has been on a tear this year, finishing in second place at Street League's first event of 2014 and fifth at the Tampa Pro in March. Thrasher's most recently-named "Skater of the Year" has been destroying the street course here at X Games Austin in practice and will definitely be one to watch when the Men's Skateboard Street Elims go down on Friday.
Ishod Wair has been on a tear this year, finishing in second place at Street League's first event of 2014 and fifth at the Tampa Pro in March. Thrasher's most recently-named "Skater of the Year" has been destroying the street course here at X Games Austin in practice and will definitely be one to watch when the Men's Skateboard Street Elims go down on Friday.
BMX Big Air
2014 marked the first time since the introduction of the MegaRamp to X Games that it had been constructed in Texas. Here, an unknown BMX Big Air competitor gets in some twilight practice before the start of X Games Austin 2014.
2014 marked the first time since the introduction of the MegaRamp to X Games that it had been constructed in Texas. Here, an unknown BMX Big Air competitor gets in some twilight practice before the start of X Games Austin 2014.
SKB Big Air practice: Wood
Skateboard Big Air competitor Trey Wood tests out the MegaRamp roll-in during practice on Thursday. Wood is part of the new generation of MegaRamp skaters being schooled to ride the ramp by veteran pro Bob Burnquist.
Skateboard Big Air competitor Trey Wood tests out the MegaRamp roll-in during practice on Thursday. Wood is part of the new generation of MegaRamp skaters being schooled to ride the ramp by veteran pro Bob Burnquist.
RallyCross Lites: Cindric
RallyCross Lites serve as a precursor event to RallyCross on Saturday morning at the Circuit of the Americas race track in Austin.
RallyCross Lites serve as a precursor event to RallyCross on Saturday morning at the Circuit of the Americas race track in Austin.
BMX Dirt practice: Bohan
Three-time X Games BMX Dirt gold medalist Corey Bohan was not invited for the return of BMX Dirt at the 2013 X Games Brazil event, but he secured an invite to X Games Austin. Bohan rode BMX Dirt practice on Day 1 of X Games Austin and flowed effortlessly through the dirt course with dipped 360s.
Three-time X Games BMX Dirt gold medalist Corey Bohan was not invited for the return of BMX Dirt at the 2013 X Games Brazil event, but he secured an invite to X Games Austin. Bohan rode BMX Dirt practice on Day 1 of X Games Austin and flowed effortlessly through the dirt course with dipped 360s.
Skateboard Big Air
Three BMX Big Air competitors look on as a Skateboard Big Air pro soars over them during practice on Day 1 of X Games Austin.
Three BMX Big Air competitors look on as a Skateboard Big Air pro soars over them during practice on Day 1 of X Games Austin.
SKB Park practice: Homoki
Aaron "Jaws" Homoki will bring his unique talent for crazy lines, big drops and speed to both the Skateboard Park and Street contests in Austin this year. The 24-year-old Phoenix native and 2012 Real Street silver medalist says he'll probably do better in Park but loves the variety of street skating. He's known as one of the best big-drop skaters around, taking on stairs, gaps and drops that most skaters either wouldn't want to try or wouldn't think possible.
Aaron "Jaws" Homoki will bring his unique talent for crazy lines, big drops and speed to both the Skateboard Park and Street contests in Austin this year. The 24-year-old Phoenix native and 2012 Real Street silver medalist says he'll probably do better in Park but loves the variety of street skating. He's known as one of the best big-drop skaters around, taking on stairs, gaps and drops that most skaters either wouldn't want to try or wouldn't think possible.
Tony Hawk
Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk kicked off X Games Austin with a vert demo in front of the Texas State Capitol building in downtown Austin. Hawk persevered through the 93-degree, humid afternoon to give a packed crowd a glimpse of his Texas-sized skateboarding.
Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk kicked off X Games Austin with a vert demo in front of the Texas State Capitol building in downtown Austin. Hawk persevered through the 93-degree, humid afternoon to give a packed crowd a glimpse of his Texas-sized skateboarding.
SKB Park practice: Barros
Pedro Barros has built a personal bowl and street course in his backyard that has become an epicenter of skating in Brazil. The multiple X Games medal winning skater has taken gold home four of the six Skateboard Park contests he's entered and silver from the remaining two. To say he's a podium favorite in Saturday's Skateboard Park would be an understatement.
Pedro Barros has built a personal bowl and street course in his backyard that has become an epicenter of skating in Brazil. The multiple X Games medal winning skater has taken gold home four of the six Skateboard Park contests he's entered and silver from the remaining two. To say he's a podium favorite in Saturday's Skateboard Park would be an understatement.