X Games Announces X Games League (XGL) Winter Founder Athletes Ahead of X Games Aspen 2026 Driven by Jeep® and Winter League Debut in 2027
X Games has officially unveiled six Winter Founder Athletes for the highly anticipated X Games League (XGL), marking a major milestone ahead of X Games Aspen 2026 Driven by Jeep®, set to return to Buttermilk at Aspen Snowmass from January 23 to 25, 2026, for its 25th consecutive year.
The newly announced Winter Founder Athletes are some of the most influential names in action sports: Chloe Kim, Eileen Gu, Jamie Anderson, Mark McMorris, Scotty James, and Zeb Powell. Their inclusion follows last summer’s announcement of XGL’s Summer Founder Athletes, featuring skateboarding legends Leticia Bufoni, Nyjah Huston, Ryan Sheckler, and BMX innovator Ryan Williams, bringing the total number of Founder Athletes to ten global icons.
Together, these elite competitors will play a central role in shaping the future of the X Games League, which is set to debut its Winter League in 2027. The XGL aims to usher in a new era of professional action sports by emphasizing athlete-first competition, team-based formats, compelling storytelling, and year-round fan engagement.
As Winter Founder Athletes, Kim, Gu, Anderson, McMorris, James, and Powell will contribute directly to the league’s development. Their responsibilities include advising on competition formats, enhancing the athlete experience, and influencing the creative and cultural direction of the league and its teams.
“We couldn’t imagine ushering in this new era of action sports with a more iconic group. Welcoming them as XGL Founder Athletes underscores the mission of the X Games League: to propel action sports forward by building an athlete-first, team-powered, professional league that champions progression, fosters community, and inspires the next generation of fans around the world.”
said Annie Lokesh, Head of XGL
Meet the XGL Winter Founder Athletes
Chloe Kim – A global snowboarding phenom, Kim is an eight-time X Games gold medalist and two-time Olympic champion. She has redefined women’s Snowboard SuperPipe with her groundbreaking performances and worldwide influence.
Eileen Gu – One of the most dynamic figures in freeskiing, Gu boasts multiple X Games medals across SuperPipe, Slopestyle, and Big Air, along with two Olympic golds and a silver. She continues to reshape women’s freeskiing on a global stage.
Jamie Anderson – One of the most decorated snowboarders in history, Anderson has earned 21 X Games medals, including eight golds, as well as two Olympic gold medals in Slopestyle. Her creativity and longevity remain unmatched.
Scotty James – A seven-time X Games gold medalist and two-time Olympic medalist, James is celebrated for his technical precision, massive amplitude, and signature SuperPipe style. He serves as both an active athlete and strategic advisor within XGL.
Mark McMorris – The most decorated winter athlete in X Games history, McMorris holds a record 24 X Games medals, including 11 golds, across a remarkable 15-year career. He is also a three-time Olympic Slopestyle bronze medalist.
Zeb Powell – Known for his electric creativity and distinctive style, Powell broke out with gold at his X Games Aspen debut in 2020 and earned silver in 2024. His recent signing with Jordan Brand cements his status as a cultural icon in snowboarding.
Fans will be able to see some of these Winter Founder Athletes compete live at X Games Aspen 2026. As momentum builds toward the launch of the X Games League, XGL is set to redefine the future of action sports, placing athletes, creativity, and community at the heart of competition.