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The world’s premier action sports competition kicked off for its third year in the Twin Cities, where spectators came out to see the best in Skateboard, BMX and Moto X in Downtown Minneapolis. Top action sports skateboard and BMX athletes took their talents to the Pacifico Vert ramp, moved to The Armory this year for the first time, and Moto X riders showed off their skills outside in X Fest.
The first day of competition kicked off on ESPN with Pacifico BMX Vert from The Armory. After stealing the BMX Vert throne from legend Jamie Bestwick in 2017, Vince Byron entered the competition looking to become only the third athlete in X Games history to win three consecutive gold medals. The youngest in the field at 29, Byron was trailing Jamie Bestwick after he laid down an impressive first run to move into the top spot. However, in the final run of the competition, it was Byron who once again proved his dominance with a run highlighted by a downside tailwhip to superman seatgrab Indian air and a 540 flair cork 900. Bestwick took second place and Mykel Larrin once again took the bronze medal.
Fan favorite SoFi Moto X Step Up was moved outdoors to X Fest this year, where riders pushed the bar up to 40 feet. Jarryd McNeil not only took gold, but also became the first Moto X athlete to win four consecutive gold medals and the most medaled Australian athlete in X Games history. Although it took two attempts, McNeil nailed the 40-foot height to edge out Bryce Hudson and Ronnie Renner.
The night closed out with Skateboard Vert back in The Armory. Jimmy Wilkins defended his gold, the third of his X Games career. In the new jam format, fans saw an impressive bag of tricks from Jimmy Wilkins, however it was Mitchie Brusco’s 900 which might have won best trick of the night and earned him silver. Clay Kreiner rounded out the podium with a bronze, his first X Games Vert medal.
In The Real Cost Skateboard Big Air competition, Edgard Pereira qualified first with a best run of an ollie backside 360 over the gap and then heelflip body varial 540 off the quarterpipe. The Real Cost BMX Dirt saw defending gold medalist Dawid Godziek take the top spot with his first run score in the elimination. Over on the Street course, Momiji Nishiya qualified first with the best bag of tricks in the women’s skateboard competition to take a commanding first position with her first run.
While the SoFi Moto X Step Up competition kicked off in X Fest, fans at The Armory were treated to the first musical performance of the weekend from Oakland-formed SWMRS. Following Pacifico Skateboard Vert competition, Chevy Metal closed out the night at The Armory. Competition continues to heat up tomorrow, with Day Two including Next X Skateboard Park and Street, Women’s Skateboard Park, The Real Cost BMX Big Air, Moto X QuarterPipe High Air, Moto X Freestyle and a Men’s Monster Energy Skateboard Street Elimination. In addition to action sports, fans can catch the first-ever EXP Invitational – Apex Legends, as well as musical performances from P.O.S and Wu-Tang Clan at The Armory.
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Media Contacts:
Danny Chi ESPN Communications, 310-500-5699, [email protected]
Grace Coryell ESPN Communications, 818-585-3696, [email protected]
Olivia Wilson ESPN Communications, 904-303-3538, [email protected]
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