Top moments and photos from X Games Minneapolis 2017
Until Next Time, Minneapolis
The sun has set on the final day of action here in our new X Games summer home. It is nice to be back in a stadium, sheltered from wind and rain, where athletes can perform at their peaks and there's not a bad seat in the house. The energy of the crowds ignited the action all weekend long. We can't wait to do it all again next year.
The sun has set on the final day of action here in our new X Games summer home. It is nice to be back in a stadium, sheltered from wind and rain, where athletes can perform at their peaks and there's not a bad seat in the house. The energy of the crowds ignited the action all weekend long. We can't wait to do it all again next year.
Alex Sorgente, Men's Skateboard Park
With former gold medalists Pedro Barros and Curren Caples out of the competition, the Men's Skateboard Park gold was anybody's game. Florida's Alex Sorgente, right, finished just off the podium at X Games Austin in 2015 and 2016. He stepped up handily on Sunday and won his first-ever X Games medal, a gold.
With former gold medalists Pedro Barros and Curren Caples out of the competition, the Men's Skateboard Park gold was anybody's game. Florida's Alex Sorgente, right, finished just off the podium at X Games Austin in 2015 and 2016. He stepped up handily on Sunday and won his first-ever X Games medal, a gold.
Kyle Baldock, Dave Mirra BMX Park Best Trick
In 2016, Australia's Kyle Baldock arrived in Austin prepared to pay homage to his idol, late BMX legend Dave Mirra, in the inaugural Dave Mirra BMX Park Best Trick competition. This year in Minneapolis, Baldock returned to honor his idol, and he gave it his all, earning his second gold "pedal" in the process. Even though he won the pedal, Baldock -- a perfectionist by nature -- was disappointed with his results on Day 4 at X Games Minneapolis.
In 2016, Australia's Kyle Baldock arrived in Austin prepared to pay homage to his idol, late BMX legend Dave Mirra, in the inaugural Dave Mirra BMX Park Best Trick competition. This year in Minneapolis, Baldock returned to honor his idol, and he gave it his all, earning his second gold "pedal" in the process. Even though he won the pedal, Baldock -- a perfectionist by nature -- was disappointed with his results on Day 4 at X Games Minneapolis.
Colby Raha, Moto X Quarterpipe High Air
Colby Raha is a newcomer to X, but he was hot on the quarterpipe radar, having been seen sending it to max height on the quarterpipes in the SoCal area. He is quiet and soft-spoken, letting his riding do the talking for him, and his riding rocked the entire stadium.
Colby Raha is a newcomer to X, but he was hot on the quarterpipe radar, having been seen sending it to max height on the quarterpipes in the SoCal area. He is quiet and soft-spoken, letting his riding do the talking for him, and his riding rocked the entire stadium.
Ivan Federico, Men's Skateboard Park
From golf kits to purple camo pants, skate fashion at X Games Minneapolis was divergent, at best. Ivan Federico was a new invite to Men's Skateboard Park at X Games Minneapolis, and even though he didn't finish on top of the podium, he will be remembered for standing out against the purple-themed backdrop of the U.S. Bank Stadium.
From golf kits to purple camo pants, skate fashion at X Games Minneapolis was divergent, at best. Ivan Federico was a new invite to Men's Skateboard Park at X Games Minneapolis, and even though he didn't finish on top of the podium, he will be remembered for standing out against the purple-themed backdrop of the U.S. Bank Stadium.
Tom Schaar, Men's Skateboard Park
In 2014, Tom Schaar became the youngest competitor to win a Skateboard Big Air gold, at age 14. Since then, he has added five more Big Air medals to his total. In Minneapolis, the podium favorite increased that total by two, winning silver in Big Air on Saturday and Men's Skateboard Park on Sunday.
In 2014, Tom Schaar became the youngest competitor to win a Skateboard Big Air gold, at age 14. Since then, he has added five more Big Air medals to his total. In Minneapolis, the podium favorite increased that total by two, winning silver in Big Air on Saturday and Men's Skateboard Park on Sunday.
Jarryd McNeil, Moto X Quarterpipe High Air
Jarryd McNeil was a favorite for Quarterpipe High Air. His first jump looked to be higher than those of the rest of the group, but the landing blew his hand left hand off the bars, sending McNeil to the ground and taking him out of competition.
Jarryd McNeil was a favorite for Quarterpipe High Air. His first jump looked to be higher than those of the rest of the group, but the landing blew his hand left hand off the bars, sending McNeil to the ground and taking him out of competition.
Kevin Peraza, BMX Dirt
Long ago, BMX Dirt rider T.J. Lavin made a name for himself at X Games by throwing down the most stretched superman seat grabs of his life. But that was then and this is now, and Lavin is now a host on MTV watching BMX from the sidelines. Fortunately, Lavin's style lives on through the likes of upstarts such as Kevin Peraza, seen here stretching his own version of the superman seat grab on the final day of X Games Minneapolis.
Long ago, BMX Dirt rider T.J. Lavin made a name for himself at X Games by throwing down the most stretched superman seat grabs of his life. But that was then and this is now, and Lavin is now a host on MTV watching BMX from the sidelines. Fortunately, Lavin's style lives on through the likes of upstarts such as Kevin Peraza, seen here stretching his own version of the superman seat grab on the final day of X Games Minneapolis.
Saturday at X Games Minneapolis
Fans packed the U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday for a long, exciting day of X Games firsts -- including a first-ever Moto X double backflip quarterpipe transfer and the youngest-ever gold medalist being crowned -- and lasts. After 26 X Games appearances, Bob Burnquist, pictured here, who competed in the very first X Games in 1995 and hasn't missed a Summer X event since, announced during the Skateboard Big Air broadcast that he will be retiring from X Games competition.
Fans packed the U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday for a long, exciting day of X Games firsts -- including a first-ever Moto X double backflip quarterpipe transfer and the youngest-ever gold medalist being crowned -- and lasts. After 26 X Games appearances, Bob Burnquist, pictured here, who competed in the very first X Games in 1995 and hasn't missed a Summer X event since, announced during the Skateboard Big Air broadcast that he will be retiring from X Games competition.
Kevin Peraza, BMX Park
BMX Park is arguably the most competitive discipline at the X Games. On a whim, Kevin Peraza entered the Road To X Boise Qualifier in June to try his hand at X Games BMX Park competitions, and he qualified with ease. In Minneapolis, Peraza has kept his focus on fun, flow and classic styling. The end result was a new gold medal for Peraza.
BMX Park is arguably the most competitive discipline at the X Games. On a whim, Kevin Peraza entered the Road To X Boise Qualifier in June to try his hand at X Games BMX Park competitions, and he qualified with ease. In Minneapolis, Peraza has kept his focus on fun, flow and classic styling. The end result was a new gold medal for Peraza.
Jarryd McNeil, Moto X Step Up
Moto X Step Up defending gold medalist Jarryd McNeil didn't set a height record on Saturday, but since the record bar was set at 47 feet by Ronnie Renner back in 2012, no one has jumped over 40 feet in the event. McNeil looked like he could have gone as high as 50 feet, but with his last competitor going out at the 43-foot mark, he won the gold when he easily cleared the bar at 44.
Moto X Step Up defending gold medalist Jarryd McNeil didn't set a height record on Saturday, but since the record bar was set at 47 feet by Ronnie Renner back in 2012, no one has jumped over 40 feet in the event. McNeil looked like he could have gone as high as 50 feet, but with his last competitor going out at the 43-foot mark, he won the gold when he easily cleared the bar at 44.
Alec Majerus, Men's Skateboard Street
Native Minnesotan Alec Majerus had an unrivaled friends and family section cheering him on as he skated in the Men's Skateboard Street final on Saturday afternoon. Going into X Games Minneapolis, he said his biggest goal was just to qualify into the final round so he could perform for his hometown crew, who he sat with in the bleachers in between runs. He did even better than that. He finished with a silver medal.
Native Minnesotan Alec Majerus had an unrivaled friends and family section cheering him on as he skated in the Men's Skateboard Street final on Saturday afternoon. Going into X Games Minneapolis, he said his biggest goal was just to qualify into the final round so he could perform for his hometown crew, who he sat with in the bleachers in between runs. He did even better than that. He finished with a silver medal.
Larry Edgar, BMX Park
BMX Park has evolved to a point where most riders need to spin, flip and whip to qualify for X Games. But Larry Edgar is not your everyday BMX rider. Edgar's attention to classic motocross style earned him the favor of the vast Minneapolis motocross crowd and more. He placed 12th in the finals, but his fan base grew by leaps and bounds at X Games Minneapolis.
BMX Park has evolved to a point where most riders need to spin, flip and whip to qualify for X Games. But Larry Edgar is not your everyday BMX rider. Edgar's attention to classic motocross style earned him the favor of the vast Minneapolis motocross crowd and more. He placed 12th in the finals, but his fan base grew by leaps and bounds at X Games Minneapolis.
Poppy Starr Olsen, Women's Skateboard Park
This was not Poppy Starr Olsen's first X Games. She competed in Women's Skateboard Park at XG Austin 2016 but admitted she was a bit too starstruck to skate to her full potential. The Australian, who has a one-footed Andrecht handplant in her bag of tricks, reined in her nerves on Saturday and skated her way to an X Games bronze medal.
This was not Poppy Starr Olsen's first X Games. She competed in Women's Skateboard Park at XG Austin 2016 but admitted she was a bit too starstruck to skate to her full potential. The Australian, who has a one-footed Andrecht handplant in her bag of tricks, reined in her nerves on Saturday and skated her way to an X Games bronze medal.
Kelvin Hoefler, Men's Skateboard Street
Though he has been a podium regular at most major street contests outside of X Games in recent years, this was the first time that Brazilian skateboarder Kelvin Hoefler has ever earned an X Games invite. He made a point of proving that he has been mistakenly overlooked by solidly winning the gold in Men's Skateboard Street on Saturday and ripping his shirt off, Hulk style, in the process.
Though he has been a podium regular at most major street contests outside of X Games in recent years, this was the first time that Brazilian skateboarder Kelvin Hoefler has ever earned an X Games invite. He made a point of proving that he has been mistakenly overlooked by solidly winning the gold in Men's Skateboard Street on Saturday and ripping his shirt off, Hulk style, in the process.
Elliot Sloan, Skateboard Big Air
Elliot Sloan is no stranger to Big Air, but his all-or-nothing approach to skating Big Air doesn't always land him in the top position. That all changed at X Games Minneapolis, when Sloan landed a dream run: A 720 Indy grab over the jump to a 900 Indy grab on the quarterpipe. The run placed him into gold-medal position for the remainder of the competition.
Elliot Sloan is no stranger to Big Air, but his all-or-nothing approach to skating Big Air doesn't always land him in the top position. That all changed at X Games Minneapolis, when Sloan landed a dream run: A 720 Indy grab over the jump to a 900 Indy grab on the quarterpipe. The run placed him into gold-medal position for the remainder of the competition.
Destin Cantrell, Moto X Best Whip
X Games rookie Destin Cantrell styled his way to a gold medal in the X Games fan-vote competition for Moto X Best Whip on Saturday night in Minneapolis.
X Games rookie Destin Cantrell styled his way to a gold medal in the X Games fan-vote competition for Moto X Best Whip on Saturday night in Minneapolis.
Friday at X Games Minneapolis
With events such as BMX Big Air and Freestyle Moto X moving inside -- into the shelter from the wind and weather elements that have hampered the action of previous X Games -- the competitive drama going down on Friday at X Games Minneapolis was nonstop. New Zealand's Levi Sherwood left everyone slack-jawed when he started his final run in Freestyle Moto X sitting in the first position and laid down three double backflip variations: double backflip nac nac to one-hander, double backflip can can and double backflip no-hander. He handily rode away with his first X Games gold.
With events such as BMX Big Air and Freestyle Moto X moving inside -- into the shelter from the wind and weather elements that have hampered the action of previous X Games -- the competitive drama going down on Friday at X Games Minneapolis was nonstop. New Zealand's Levi Sherwood left everyone slack-jawed when he started his final run in Freestyle Moto X sitting in the first position and laid down three double backflip variations: double backflip nac nac to one-hander, double backflip can can and double backflip no-hander. He handily rode away with his first X Games gold.
Matt Cordova, BMX Dirt
Being invited to compete in BMX Dirt at an X Games is not always for the trail-hardened soul rider in pursuit of the perfect tabletop, but sometimes, those riders impress the invite committee enough to make the cut. This year, Matt Cordova and his attention to clicked seatgrab nac nacs and inverted tabletops made it into the field, and his presence provided a refreshing alternative from the flips and whips of the day.
Being invited to compete in BMX Dirt at an X Games is not always for the trail-hardened soul rider in pursuit of the perfect tabletop, but sometimes, those riders impress the invite committee enough to make the cut. This year, Matt Cordova and his attention to clicked seatgrab nac nacs and inverted tabletops made it into the field, and his presence provided a refreshing alternative from the flips and whips of the day.
Aori Nishimura, Women's Skateboard Street
After watching her in practice during X Games Austin 2016, Japanese powerhouse Aori Nishimura became a dark horse pick to win the Women's Street event. Unfortunately, nerves got the better of her during the final, and she finished in eighth place. The 15-year-old rebated that prediction at X Games Minneapolis 2017, skating with precision through a run that nabbed her very first X Games gold.
After watching her in practice during X Games Austin 2016, Japanese powerhouse Aori Nishimura became a dark horse pick to win the Women's Street event. Unfortunately, nerves got the better of her during the final, and she finished in eighth place. The 15-year-old rebated that prediction at X Games Minneapolis 2017, skating with precision through a run that nabbed her very first X Games gold.
Chris Cole, Men's Skateboard Street qualifier
Two-time Thrasher Skater of the Year and five-time X Games Skateboard Street medalist Chris Cole skates in Friday's Men's Skateboard Street qualifier. He didn't make the finals, but you can watch those who did at 7 p.m. ET Saturday.
Two-time Thrasher Skater of the Year and five-time X Games Skateboard Street medalist Chris Cole skates in Friday's Men's Skateboard Street qualifier. He didn't make the finals, but you can watch those who did at 7 p.m. ET Saturday.
Garrett Reynolds, BMX Street
At X Games Austin 2016, Garrett Reynolds defeated the competition by his biggest win margin yet. But BMX Street is a finicky beast, and a lot has changed in a year. At X Games Minneapolis on Friday, Reynolds still took home the gold, but the margin between first and second place has closed, due largely to the technical stylings of Devon Smillie and Simone Barraco.
At X Games Austin 2016, Garrett Reynolds defeated the competition by his biggest win margin yet. But BMX Street is a finicky beast, and a lot has changed in a year. At X Games Minneapolis on Friday, Reynolds still took home the gold, but the margin between first and second place has closed, due largely to the technical stylings of Devon Smillie and Simone Barraco.
Samarria Brevard, Women's Skateboard Street
Samarria Brevard has been on fire this year. She tre flipped a 12-stair during the Ryan Sheckler Foundation event in May and was one of three girls on the 2017 King of the Road tour. In her four previous X Games appearances she finished just off the podium, but that changed on Friday at X Games Minneapolis 2017, when she put together a solid second run to come from behind and win the silver medal.
Samarria Brevard has been on fire this year. She tre flipped a 12-stair during the Ryan Sheckler Foundation event in May and was one of three girls on the 2017 King of the Road tour. In her four previous X Games appearances she finished just off the podium, but that changed on Friday at X Games Minneapolis 2017, when she put together a solid second run to come from behind and win the silver medal.
James Foster, BMX Big Air
BMX Big Air made a triumphant return to the inside of a stadium at X Games Minneapolis 2017, and the resulting competition turned into one of the best Big Air comps in recent years. In the end, seasoned Nitro Circus vet James Foster landed his dream run and walked away with the gold medal win on his fourth and final run of the night. "I'm speechless," Foster said following the announcement.
BMX Big Air made a triumphant return to the inside of a stadium at X Games Minneapolis 2017, and the resulting competition turned into one of the best Big Air comps in recent years. In the end, seasoned Nitro Circus vet James Foster landed his dream run and walked away with the gold medal win on his fourth and final run of the night. "I'm speechless," Foster said following the announcement.
Morgan Wade, BMX Big Air
X Games BMX Big Air veteran Morgan Wade made the drive up from his hometown of Tyler, Texas, to wow the crowd with huge airs, new tricks over the jump portion of the MegaRamp and one of the harsher slams of the night. Wade got up immediately, said it didn't hurt and marched back to the top of the ramp to take all of his runs.
X Games BMX Big Air veteran Morgan Wade made the drive up from his hometown of Tyler, Texas, to wow the crowd with huge airs, new tricks over the jump portion of the MegaRamp and one of the harsher slams of the night. Wade got up immediately, said it didn't hurt and marched back to the top of the ramp to take all of his runs.
Let The Games Begin
X Games kicked off the first of four days in its new summer home of Minneapolis on Thursday with a bonanza of events, starting with skateboarding and finishing with Harley-Davidson Flat Track Racing, in which Sammy Halbert (No. 69, not pictured) took the win.
X Games kicked off the first of four days in its new summer home of Minneapolis on Thursday with a bonanza of events, starting with skateboarding and finishing with Harley-Davidson Flat Track Racing, in which Sammy Halbert (No. 69, not pictured) took the win.
Moto Shibata, Skateboard Vert final
One day ago, Japanese vert skater Moto Shibata arrived at X Games Minneapolis 2017 and posed for a photo on the deck of the vert ramp, unaware of the future. When game time came, Shibata delivered three runs in Skateboard Vert that demonstrated a changing of the guard in the vert ranks. He's now an X Games gold medalist and leading the pack of young and hungry vert skaters at X Games.
One day ago, Japanese vert skater Moto Shibata arrived at X Games Minneapolis 2017 and posed for a photo on the deck of the vert ramp, unaware of the future. When game time came, Shibata delivered three runs in Skateboard Vert that demonstrated a changing of the guard in the vert ranks. He's now an X Games gold medalist and leading the pack of young and hungry vert skaters at X Games.
Gabi Mazetto, Women's Skateboard Street qualifier
Gabi Mazetto has come up in skateboarding through the strong Brazilian scene. In October, she came in second behind X Games gold medalist Pamela Rosa in the Oi Stu Open. On Thursday morning, she earned herself a spot in the Women's Skateboard Street final, which takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday.
Gabi Mazetto has come up in skateboarding through the strong Brazilian scene. In October, she came in second behind X Games gold medalist Pamela Rosa in the Oi Stu Open. On Thursday morning, she earned herself a spot in the Women's Skateboard Street final, which takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday.
Coco Zurita, BMX Vert final
In recent years, BMX Vert competitor Coco Zurita took a less-is-more approach to his contest runs, reaching new heights but avoiding more of his tougher tricks. In Minneapolis, Zurita combined his trademark height with smooth tricks and landed in the bronze-medal position. Hot cocoa anyone?
In recent years, BMX Vert competitor Coco Zurita took a less-is-more approach to his contest runs, reaching new heights but avoiding more of his tougher tricks. In Minneapolis, Zurita combined his trademark height with smooth tricks and landed in the bronze-medal position. Hot cocoa anyone?
Zion Wright, Skateboard Street Am practice
Phoenix Am 2016 winner Zion Wright practices for the Skateboard Street Am contest, which takes place at 6 p.m. ET Saturday.
Phoenix Am 2016 winner Zion Wright practices for the Skateboard Street Am contest, which takes place at 6 p.m. ET Saturday.
Kevin Peraza, BMX Dirt practice
X Games Austin 2016 BMX Dirt gold medalist Kevin Peraza perfects his run during practice Thursday in preparation to defend his title during the BMX Dirt final on Friday at X Games Minneapolis.
X Games Austin 2016 BMX Dirt gold medalist Kevin Peraza perfects his run during practice Thursday in preparation to defend his title during the BMX Dirt final on Friday at X Games Minneapolis.
Meagan Guy, Women's Skateboard Street qualifier
Meagan Guy entered an Instagram video contest in 2015 and won a trip to the Exposure Skate Contest, in which she placed second. That led to an invite to X Games Minneapolis, in which she qualified for the Women's Skateboard Street final, which takes place on Friday.
Meagan Guy entered an Instagram video contest in 2015 and won a trip to the Exposure Skate Contest, in which she placed second. That led to an invite to X Games Minneapolis, in which she qualified for the Women's Skateboard Street final, which takes place on Friday.
UNKNOWN Industries stunt team demo
Based in Northern California, UNKNOWN Industries is a team of dedicated Harley riders who found a passion doing stunts on their Harley-Davidsons. They fired up the crowd before the start of Harley-Davidson Flat Track races on Thursday night in Minneapolis.
Based in Northern California, UNKNOWN Industries is a team of dedicated Harley riders who found a passion doing stunts on their Harley-Davidsons. They fired up the crowd before the start of Harley-Davidson Flat Track races on Thursday night in Minneapolis.
Tom Schaar, Skateboard Park practice
Tom Schaar, who currently has five X Games Skateboard Big Air medals to his credit, prepares to compete in Park on Thursday at X Games Minneapolis. The Men's Skateboard Park final goes down at 2:30 p.m. ET Sunday.
Tom Schaar, who currently has five X Games Skateboard Big Air medals to his credit, prepares to compete in Park on Thursday at X Games Minneapolis. The Men's Skateboard Park final goes down at 2:30 p.m. ET Sunday.
Day Zero at Minneapolis
Wednesday at X Games was all about practice, adjusting to the courses and making sure that each person's credentials were up to par. Heimana Reynolds has been knocking on the X Games door for a few years now, and he finally made it in following his qualifying runs at the Road To X Games Boise Qualifier. Here, Reynolds stalls an invert on day 1 practice at X Games.
Wednesday at X Games was all about practice, adjusting to the courses and making sure that each person's credentials were up to par. Heimana Reynolds has been knocking on the X Games door for a few years now, and he finally made it in following his qualifying runs at the Road To X Games Boise Qualifier. Here, Reynolds stalls an invert on day 1 practice at X Games.
Alexis Sablone, Women's Skateboard Street practice
Women's Skateboard Street competitor Alexis Sablone arrived early at X Games Minneapolis 2017 to practice and figure out her lines. Kickflipping gaps came naturally to the seasoned competitor, who holds five X Games Skateboard Street medals, three of them gold.
Women's Skateboard Street competitor Alexis Sablone arrived early at X Games Minneapolis 2017 to practice and figure out her lines. Kickflipping gaps came naturally to the seasoned competitor, who holds five X Games Skateboard Street medals, three of them gold.
Danny Eslick, Harley-Davidson Flat Track practice
Moto X Flat Track competitor Danny Eslick is most well-known for winning the Daytona 200 three times, but he's also a hard worker who shows up for practice on time and gets things done in style. Look for Eslick to be competing in Harley-Davidson Flat Track Racing on Thursday night at X Games Minneapolis 2017.
Moto X Flat Track competitor Danny Eslick is most well-known for winning the Daytona 200 three times, but he's also a hard worker who shows up for practice on time and gets things done in style. Look for Eslick to be competing in Harley-Davidson Flat Track Racing on Thursday night at X Games Minneapolis 2017.
Paul-Luc Rochetti, Skateboard Vert practice
Paul-Luc Rochetti was a late addition to the Skateboard Vert invite list at X Games Minneapolis 2017, but he arrived for practice on time and proceeded to shred the vert ramp and ready himself for Thursday's competition. Ronchetti's judo airs are not to be trifled with.
Paul-Luc Rochetti was a late addition to the Skateboard Vert invite list at X Games Minneapolis 2017, but he arrived for practice on time and proceeded to shred the vert ramp and ready himself for Thursday's competition. Ronchetti's judo airs are not to be trifled with.
Gary Young, BMX Park practice
Veteran X Games competitor Gary Young got into X Games Minneapolis 2017 through a wild-card invite and wasted no time discovering his concrete-friendly lines on the BMX Park course.
Veteran X Games competitor Gary Young got into X Games Minneapolis 2017 through a wild-card invite and wasted no time discovering his concrete-friendly lines on the BMX Park course.