The 24th edition of X Games Aspen kicked off with a spectacular first day, thrilling fans and making history with jaw-dropping performances under the lights. Featuring the world’s top snowboard and freeski athletes, Day One brought the heat with the Men’s and Women’s Ski Knuckle Huck, Women’s Pacifico Snowboard Big Air, and the Men’s Monster Energy Snowboard SuperPipe finals. The energy was electric as records were shattered, legendary tricks were landed, and new champions emerged.
Ski Knuckle Huck Finals: Creativity Unleashed
Women’s Final
Rell Harwood (USA), known for her stylish and creative approach, clinched her first-ever X Games gold in the Women’s Ski Knuckle Huck Final. Harwood, who took silver in 2024, wowed the judges with her seamless combination of flips and taps on the knuckle.
“Last year, I was just happy to be here. This year, I wanted to do well, but I didn’t expect to win. It’s unreal!”
Drawing inspiration from X Games icon Henrik Harlaut, Harwood expressed her disbelief at her triumph:
Tereza Korabova (CZE) earned silver with a cleanly executed backflip, while Finland’s Anni Karava took bronze, showcasing technical precision and creativity.
Men’s Final
Alex Hall (USA) delivered a standout performance in the Men’s Knuckle Huck Final, earning his 12th X Games medal and sixth gold. Hall’s winning trick—a switch right cork butter 180—highlighted his playful yet technical mastery.
“Knuckle Huck is all about having fun and feeding off the energy of the other riders,”.
Hall said
Austria’s Matej Svancer secured silver with his dynamic style, while Juho Saastamoinen (FIN) took bronze, capping off an exciting contest that left the crowd in awe.
Women’s Pacifico Snowboard Big Air: Anna Gasser Makes History
At 33 years old, Anna Gasser (AUT) proved she’s still at the top of her game. Gasser claimed her fourth Big Air gold, breaking Christy Barrett’s record for the most medals in the discipline. Her Cab triple cork 1260 with a truckdriver grab was executed with precision, earning her a hard-fought victory.
“The new generation inspires me so much. To win gold here after a tough couple of years is unbelievable,”.
said Gasser
Reira Iwabuchi (JPN) pushed Gasser to the limit, landing a double tail grab 1440 to earn silver, while Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (NZL) rounded out the podium in third.
Men’s Monster Energy Snowboard SuperPipe: Scotty James Stuns with Triple Cork 1440
The Men’s SuperPipe Final delivered one of the most memorable moments in X Games history as Scotty James (AUS) landed the first-ever triple cork 1440 in competition. His run—featuring a Switch chicken wing McTwist and other jaw-dropping tricks—earned him a near-perfect score of 96.33 and his seventh X Games gold.
“I’m snowboarding more than ever, and this one’s for my little boy, Leo. Landing the first triple cork in competition feels incredible!”
said an emotional James
Japan’s Yuto Totsuka edged out his compatriot Ayumu Hirano for silver, while Hirano settled for bronze. Rising star Lucas Foster (USA) impressed with a fourth-place finish.
Looking Ahead
With two days of competition remaining, X Games Aspen 2025 promises even more adrenaline-filled action. Fans can look forward to major events in slopestyle, big air, and snowmobile disciplines as the world’s best athletes continue to push boundaries.
Stay updated with live coverage and results at extremesportsaction.co.za.
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