X Games facts for kids
 |
|
| Sport | Action sports |
|---|---|
| Founded | April 12, 1994 |
| Owner(s) | 1995–2022: ESPN 2022–present: MSP Sports Capital |
| Notes | |
|
|
The X Games are exciting events where top athletes compete in action sports. These sports include skateboarding, BMX, freestyle motocross, skiing, and snowboarding. Athletes from all over the world show off amazing tricks and skills. They aim to win bronze, silver, and gold medals.
The X Games started in 1995. They were created by ESPN Inc.. Today, MSP Sports Capital owns the events. You can still watch them on ESPN, ABC, and the Roku Channel. Besides sports, X Games events also feature live music and fun activities for families. They even use biodiesel fuel and organize recycling to be eco-friendly!
Many famous athletes have made history at the X Games. For example, Tony Hawk landed the incredible 900 in skateboarding. Shaun White performed the Double McTwist 1260 in snowboard. Travis Pastrana amazed everyone with a double backflip in freestyle motocross. These events are known for showcasing new and daring tricks.
Contents
Winter X Games: Snow and Ice Action
The first Winter X Games happened in 1997 in Big Bear Lake, California. These events bring together the best athletes in winter action sports. They compete in thrilling events like skiing and snowboarding.
Over the years, the Winter X Games moved to different places. They were held in Colorado and Vermont. Since 2002, the town of Aspen, Colorado has been the main home for the Winter X Games every year. In 2002, the event was shown live on TV for the first time. This helped even more people watch the amazing competitions.
The Winter X Games are always full of incredible moments. For example, in 2015, cameras on drones were used to get cool aerial views of the athletes. This made watching the events even more exciting for fans.
X Games: Around the World
The X Games are not just in the United States; they are a global event! X Games Asia has been held every year since 1998. This shows how popular action sports are worldwide.
In 2003, a special Global Championship brought together athletes from five continents. They competed in many different sports. This event took place in places like San Antonio, Texas in the USA and Whistler, British Columbia in Canada. Teams from the United States, Europe, Australia, Asia, and South America all competed.
Over the years, the X Games have visited many countries. Cities like Barcelona, Spain; Munich, Germany; and Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, have hosted events. Winter X Games Europe has been held in Tignes, France, and also in Norway. In 2018, Sydney, Australia, hosted an event. More recently, Chiba, Japan, hosted its first X Games in 2022.
The X Games League: Team Competition
In 2026, a new and exciting part of the X Games began: the X Games League (XGL). This league turned the X Games into a year-round competition with city-based teams. The first teams were from Los Angeles, New York City, São Paulo, and Tokyo.
In March 2026, the first XGL draft took place. Each team picked 10 athletes, five men and five women. These athletes competed together throughout the season. The team with the most points at the end of the season became the X Games League champion. The first XGL championship was held in June 2026 in Sacramento, California. Team New York won this first-ever summer XGL championship!
Exciting Sports and Events at the X Games
The X Games feature a wide variety of thrilling sports, both in summer and winter. Athletes compete in different styles and challenges within each sport.
Summer Sports
Some of the most popular summer sports include:
- BMX Freestyle: Riders perform amazing tricks on bikes in events like Vert, Park, Street, Big Air, and Dirt.
- Moto X: Motorbike riders show off their skills in events like Best Whip, Quarterpipe, and Best Trick.
- Skateboarding: Skaters compete in Vert, Park, Street, and Big Air, performing incredible flips and grinds.
- Esports: In recent years, video game competitions like Call of Duty and Rocket League have also become part of the X Games.
Winter Sports
When the snow falls, the X Games bring out incredible winter action:
- Skiing: Skiers compete in Big Air, Slopestyle, and Superpipe, flying high and performing complex tricks.
- Snowboarding: Snowboarders also tackle Big Air, Slopestyle, and Superpipe, showing off their unique styles.
- Snowmobiling: Athletes perform freestyle tricks and race in Speed and Style events on snowmobiles.
Past Events and New Challenges
Over the years, the X Games have introduced and sometimes retired different events. This keeps the competitions fresh and exciting. Some past events included aggressive inline skating, rally racing, and even surfing. The X Games are always looking for new ways to challenge athletes and entertain fans!
Memorable Moments and Athletes
The X Games are famous for incredible performances and record-breaking tricks. Here are some highlights:
- In 1999, Tony Hawk made history by landing the first-ever 900-degree spin in skateboarding.
- Travis Pastrana won the first Moto X Freestyle event in 1999. He later performed the world's first double backflip on a dirt bike in 2006.
- In 2000, Dave Mirra landed the first double backflip in BMX competition.
- Mike Metzger performed the first backflip in Moto X history in 2002.
- Ryan Sheckler became the youngest X Games gold medalist in Skateboard Park in 2003, at just 13 years old.
- In 2006, Nyjah Huston became the youngest athlete to compete in X Games at 11 years old.
- Shaun White achieved a perfect score of 100 in Snowboard Superpipe in 2012. He also won six consecutive gold medals in that event.
- In 2013, Mitchie Brusco landed the first body varial 900 in Skateboard Big Air. He later landed the first 1080 in Skateboard Big Air.
- Alana Smith became the youngest X Games medalist at 12 years old in 2013, winning silver in Women's Skateboard Park.
- In 2016, Jamie Bestwick won his tenth gold medal in BMX Vert, a truly amazing achievement.
- Marcus Kleveland landed the first quadruple cork in Snowboard Big Air in 2017.
- In 2019, Kokona Hiraki became the youngest X Games medalist ever at 10 years old.
- Also in 2019, Gui Khury became the youngest competitor at an X Games. He later landed the first 1080 in a skateboard vert competition in 2021.
- In 2022, Alex Hall landed the first 2160 in Men's Ski Big Air.
- In 2024, Mia Kretzer became the youngest competitor and youngest gold medalist at an X Games, at just 9 years old.
Sadly, in 2013, snowmobiler Caleb Moore passed away due to injuries from a crash during the Winter X Games. His memory reminds everyone of the risks athletes take.
X Games Movies
Two exciting movies have been filmed at the X Games. Ultimate X: The Movie was filmed at the 2001 X Games in Philadelphia. X Games 3D: The Movie was filmed at the 2008 X Games and Winter X Games in Los Angeles and Aspen. These movies let you see the action up close!
See also
In Spanish: X Games para niños
