Final Day Draws 20,000 Spectators With A Weekend Total of 44,626 In Attendance
Sao Paulo, Brazil X Games Brazil concluded today in Sao Paulo as 20,000 fans packed the Sambodromo do Anhembi to watch some of the worlds best action sports athletes compete in BMX Freestyle Vert, Skateboard Vert and Moto X Step Up. "The excitement at X Games Brazil this weekend reaffirmed the passion and continuing demand for action sports in Brazil," said Rick Alessandri, Senior Vice President and X Games Franchise Managing Director. "We are thrilled with the success of the event and look forward to a long future here in Sao Paulo."
Skateboard Vert Final
Bob Burnquist, Digo Menezes, and Lincoln Ueda demonstrated why skateboarding is practically a national pastime in Brazil as they swept the podium. All three amazed the fans with a variety of spins, huge boosts, and kickflips as they soared in the air. In the end, it was Burnquist who edged out his fellow countrymen with his last run comprising of a fakie 180 blunt to 180 end, then throwing a huge frontside 540. Brazilian competitor Digo Menezes launched high out of the vert ramp attempting difficult maneuvers such as a Stalefish 720, earning him silver. While crowds also cheered for Lincoln Uedas massive airs as well. Sandro Dias executed numerous high flying Christ-Airs and made multiple attempts at the 900 spin. Dias was unable to successfully pull the 900 during the competition but did land a 900 shortly after the contest was over. Digo, Lincoln and I have skated together since we were children and we all wanted to put on a good showing here at home said Burnquist.
The vibe and energy of Brazilians is the best in the world and the fans kept us going.
BMX Freestyle Vert Final
Simon Tabron of Great Britain, and USA riders Zack Warden and Jimmy Walker contended for the gold with intense energy in the BMX Freestyle Vert Final. The three were the dominant riders in the head-to-head jam format with the crowd erupting into cheers as all the riders attempted to one-up each other run after run. In the last moment of the contest, Tabron pulled a 720 to lock up the gold and the top spot on the podium. Zack Warden earned the silver and Jimmy Walker took home the bronze.
Moto X Step Up Final
Past two-time X Games Step Up gold medalist Matt Buyten claimed gold in the Moto X Step Up competition, finishing with a height of 22 feet. Last nights Moto X Best Trick gold medalist Todd Potter finished in second at 21.5 feet and Kyle Loza earned the bronze after just missing an attempt at 21 feet. It was amazing to compete in Brazil. The crowd was so enthusiastic and Im extremely happy to walk away with the gold, said Buyten.
