X Games Salt Lake City 2025 Delivers a Masterclass in Audacity and Ascension
Credit : X-Games
The X Games, that annual carnival of gravity-defying feats and raw adrenaline, once again descended upon Salt Lake City, transforming the Utah State Fairpark & Events Center into a pulsating arena of human will versus concrete, dirt, and sheer air. Over three days, the event delivered on its promise of non-stop action across Skate, BMX, and Moto X, showcasing a fascinating blend of established legends, audacious newcomers, and the kind of narrative twists that only live competition can conjure. It was a visceral reminder that while the pursuit of gold remains paramount, the true spectacle often lies in the audacious attempt, the unexpected rise, and the quiet moments of camaraderie amid the chaos.
Credit : X-Games
The Women’s Skateboard Park final kicked off the proceedings with an immediate statement from the burgeoning youth movement. Heili Sirvio, a mere 14-year-old from Finland, not only competed but triumphed, securing her first X Games gold. Her winning run, packed with backside and frontside 360s, was a masterclass in aggressive yet fluid park skating. She beamed afterward, noting the surreal experience of winning among her friends, a sentiment that underscored the community spirit often found at the core of these intensely individual pursuits. Japan's 16-year-old Cocona Hirakicontinued her impressive run, adding another silver to her growing collection, her signature smooth, technical style a consistent threat. The veteran of the group, 21-year-old American Bryce Wettstein, proved that joy and expression can still earn hardware, securing a hard-fought bronze in her milestone 10th X Games appearance. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Australian sensation Arisa Trew, who entered with a near-mythical five-gold streak, finished sixth, a rare miss that only set the stage for her later, more historic moments.
The Men’s Skateboard Vert Final delivered its own brand of drama, watched by a venerable assembly of legends including Tony Hawk and Bob Burnquist. The competition boiled down to the wire, with 16-year-old Japanese phenom Gui Khury extending his vert dominance, following up his double-gold performance from X Games Osaka with another commanding win. He's now officially the most decorated teenager in X Games history, a title that seems to fit his comfort under pressure. He later reflected on his enjoyment of the pressure, stating that seeing others land their runs simply fueled his own drive. Hawaii's JD Sanchez, also 16, took silver with a technically complex run that included a Backside 540 Indy Kickflip. But perhaps the most jaw-dropping performance came from 10-year-old Ema Kawakami of Japan, who stunned the crowd with a flawless run that earned him bronze. His age alone makes him the youngest male medalist in X Games history, but his performance, featuring a mind-blowing combination of three 900s, spoke volumes beyond his years.
The Monster Energy Women’s Skateboard Street Final became a coronation for Chloe Covell. The 15-year-old Australian phenom secured her fourth career gold and third consecutive win in the discipline, tying Elissa Steamer's legendary winning streak. Her run was a clinic in technical street skating, with a decisive frontside nosegrind nollie flip out down the handrail. She later acknowledged the crowd's energy as a driving force behind her commitment. Japan's Yumeka Oda and New Zealand's Jessica Ready rounded out the podium, showcasing the growing international depth in women's street.
The BMX Street Final saw Great Britain’s Jordan Godwin, 29, claim his first-ever X Games gold with a flawless, fearless run that combined power and relentless progression. He spoke of the immense significance of simply being in the conversation, let alone securing a gold medal. American legend Garrett Reynolds, 34, staged a dramatic comeback, climbing from seventh to silver on his final run. Though he couldn't stick his very last trick, his precision-packed line secured his 24th X Games medal, officially surpassing the late Dave Mirra for the most BMX medals of all time—a truly historic achievement. Devon Smillie secured bronze, underscoring a shift back to pure street influence in the discipline.
In the SONIC Men’s BMX Park Final, Justin Dowell of Virginia Beach, a late alternate addition, made the most of his opportunity, ending his medal drought with a dramatic gold-medal run. His flawless final run, featuring a bold transfer over a steep quarterpipe and a clean 900, underscored his confidence. He spoke of the unexpected quality of the public park venue, noting he'd consider flying back just to ride it again. Fellow American Marcus Christopher took silver, and Japan’s Rim Nakamura added a bronze, completing a tightly contested podium that highlighted the sport's global evolution.
The BMX Dirt Final witnessed history, with Australia’s Ryan Williams landing the first-ever triple backflip to dirt in competition, earning him a well-deserved gold. Williams, known for pushing boundaries, celebrated with fans and Moto X icon Travis Pastrana after stomping the "Never-Been-Done" trick on his second run. He spoke of his pride in landing even a double backflip to fakie, setting the stage for his monumental effort. Local hero Brady Baker, the two-time defending Dirt gold medalist, was pushed to silver by Williams's audacious run, while Daniel Sandoval secured bronze, reaffirming his consistent presence in the sport.
Credit : X-Games
The Moto X Best Trick final delivered gravity-defying moments and a second Australian podium sweep. Rob Adelberg, 36, entered as the heavy favorite and solidified his dominance with a near-perfect double backflip, clinching his 10th career gold. He reflected on the special nature of the win, especially with a podium full of fellow Australians. The biggest surprise came from X Games rookie Tom Richards, who, competing alongside his older brother Benny Richards, stunned fans with a perfectly executed trick in his final attempt, earning him silver. Benny Richards rounded out the sweep with bronze, confirming the rise of two new stars from down under.
In the Moto X QuarterPipe High Air Final, Colby Raha arrived fresh off a world-record stunt where he cleared 23 BMWs. He then proceeded to boost 52 feet 6 inches in the air, securing his seventh X Games medal and another gold. He spoke of digging deep and risking it all, reflecting the profound mental fortitude required for such feats. Spain’s Guillem Navas took silver, and Corey Creed, who had meticulously lightened his bike and himself for the competition, earned bronze.
The Moto X Best Whip final was an electric display of style and amplitude. Belgium’s Julien Vanstippen claimed the top spot, adding his fifth X Games medal and second gold in the discipline. His precision and consistency kept him in the hunt throughout the event. Veteran Tom Parsons secured silver, continuing his legacy as one of the most stylish whip riders, while Australia’s Jarryd McNeil, a favorite with 15 X Games medals, finished with bronze, a testament to his enduring dominance.
Beyond the individual victories, X Games Salt Lake City 2025 was a stage for significant milestones. Nyjah Huston'ssilver in the Monster Energy Men’s Skateboard Street Final marked his 25th X Games medal, breaking a three-way tie for second-most all-time, placing him just behind the legendary Bob Burnquist. In the Men’s Skateboard Park Final, Tom Schaar's bronze marked his 17th career X Games skateboard medal, officially surpassing Tony Hawk in the medal count, adding another chapter to his already legendary resume.
The X Games concluded with the SONIC Dave Mirra BMX Park Best Trick Final, honoring the late pioneer. Kevin Peraza delivered a gold-medal performance after a heavy fall, showcasing masterful use of the course and a high-risk, creative line. He spoke of the pure love for BMX, regardless of medals. Justin Dowell earned his second medal of the weekend with silver, and Bryce Tryon secured bronze with a technically advantageous 540 flair lookback, highlighting the diverse talent shaping the sport.
X Games Salt Lake City 2025 was a testament to the relentless evolution of action sports. It wasn't just about the tricks landed or the medals won; it was about the stories etched into the Utah dirt and concrete: the audacious youth, the resilient veterans, the brotherly sweeps, and the sheer audacity of individuals pushing the boundaries of what's physically possible. The energy of the packed crowds, amplified by live musical performances, underscored the cultural resonance of these events, reminding us that adrenaline, skill, and the pursuit of mastery will always find an audience.
Credit : X-Games
