Fans Fill The Sambodromo do Anhembi As X Games Brazil Kicks Off In Sao Paulo

A Total of 17,861 in Attendance For The First Day Of Competition

Sao Paulo, Brazil – The inaugural X Games Brazil kicked off today in Sao Paulo as 17,861 screaming fans welcomed a world-class, international field of action sports athletes. The first day of competition showcased some of the world’s best action sports athletes competing in BMX Street, BMX Vert, Skateboard Street and Moto X Best Trick at the Sambodromo do Anhembi in Sao Paulo.

“We knew bringing the X Games to Sao Paulo would be big, but today significantly exceeded all of our expectations,” said Rick Alessandri, Senior Vice President, ESPN Consumer Products and X Games Franchise Managing Director. “The fans in attendance were treated to spectacular performances by all our athletes.”

BMX Freestyle Street Final

While Leandro Moreira of Brazil received the loudest ovation from his hometown, it was USA riders Garrett Reynolds, Sean Sexton, and Aaron Ross that swept the podium with several difficult combinations including Reynolds’ gold medal run which consisted of a no hander to ice pick grind, and then landing a 720 to flat at the buzzer.

“It was awesome to win this contest because we had such a high level of guys competing,” said gold medalist Garrett Reynolds. “Brazil is great and the fans were amazing.”

Skateboard Street Final

The fast pace of the Skateboard Street competition maintained the day’s momentum following the BMX Street Final. As the sea of spectators stayed glued to their seats, well-known Brazilian skater Lucas Carvalho showed why he was the hometown favorite as he flexed his skate street dominance by landing a big switch 180 off the double staircase. Brazil swept the podium when Rodolfo Ramos took home the silver and Paulo Correa won the bronze. “Winning a gold medal at the first X Games Brazil is sensational,” said Carvalho. “It was great to win in Brazil.”

Moto X Best Trick Final

The crowd kept up its momentum with the wave as the final competition concluded the evening. Although all of the Moto X Best Trick competitors received roars of approval from the fans, American rider Todd Potter took the gold medal with his best trick, a Cliff Hanger Backflip. Greg Hartman took home the silver medal and Brice Izzo won the bronze.

“The competitors, the course, and the fans were all incredible,” said Potter. “ I hope I can come back to Brazil next year.”

BMX Freestyle Vert Elimination

Simon Tabron secured the top spot going in to the final. Zack Warden placed second and Jimmy Walker finished in third.