The revving of engines, soaring bikes, and skateboards charged up Chiba as X Games Japan 2025 brought the action sports phenomenon of Asia into the limelight once more. This full of action event was held from April 18 to 20 at the iconic ZOZO Marine Stadium. It was a three-day thrill ride of mind-blowing stunts, close competitions, and record-breaking attempts that left audiences at the edge of their seats.
Rivals did insane stunts such as 900s on the vert ramp. BMX competitors executed their first-ever combination of tricks in Street. The competition forced riders beyond what anyone believed was possible. Thousands attended daily, and millions more viewed on the internet. Japan demonstrated that it is capable of staging elite-level extreme sports competitions.
This article brings you the highlights of X Games Japan 2025. We congratulate the winners and consider what this hectic weekend signifies for action sports in Japan and globally. Whether you have been an action sports fan for decades or heard about it recently, there is much to appreciate.
Event Overview
Hosted in the vibrant city of Chiba, just beyond Tokyo, X Games Japan 2025 returned to ZOZO Marine Stadium. The renowned sports and entertainment complex once again became a vibrant arena for skating, biking, and dirt biking. The organizers introduced new ramps, rails, and dirt tracks specifically for the event, generating a whirlwind of energy in the air.
The 2025 event brought in new competition styles and attracted world-class athletes from over 20 nations. The fans witnessed stunning performances in skateboarding, BMX Freestyle, and Moto X, replete with style and finesse.
New regulations for the year involved more time allowed for Street runs and a new system of judging. More emphasis was placed on creativity and flowing smoothness. Both veterans and first-time riders benefited from these alterations, being able to perform their best and provide their own particular style.
Skateboarding Highlights
Skateboarding events during X Games Japan 2025 presented a combination of veteran winners and new blood, with a display of exciting performances in both Street and Park categories.
Men’s Street: Japanese Dominance Continues
In the men’s street final, Sora Shirai of Japan took his first X Games gold with a solid final run. He completed a string of impressive tricks, among them a full Cab to backside tailslide to fakie down the 12-stair handrail. He also performed a high 360 flip over the pyramid and ended with a nollie bigspin backside tailslide bigspin out. These tricks earned him the first position. The podium finish was took by Kairi Netsuke and Ginwoo Onodera, which gave Japan a sweep. The 15-year-old Onodera won a bronze medal, contributing to his ever-growing tally of victories. His victory indicates Japan’s dominance in street skateboarding.
Women’s Street: Chloe Covell’s Resurgence
Australian skater Chloe Covell rebounded from a disappointing Olympic outing to claim her second X Games gold in Women’s Street. Her first attempt earned 87.33, a score nobody could surpass. Japanese skaters Ito Miyu and Akama Liz claimed silver and bronze, demonstrating the deep talent out of Japan.
Women’s Park: Arisa Trew’s Golden Streak
Arisa Trew of Australia rode well once more by taking the Women’s Park with 91.66 points. That score was high enough to defeat Britain’s Sky Brown and Finland’s Heili Sirvio, who received the silver and bronze medals. Japan’s Sakura Yosozumi came in fourth place, falling just short of the podium.
BMX Freestyle and Park Showdowns
X Games Japan 2025 presented a thrilling display of BMX talent, with athletes testing the limits in Street, Park, and Dirt categories. The competition boasted a combination of veteran champions and up-and-coming stars who wowed the crowd with face-melting tricks and competitive intensity.
BMX Street: Reynolds’ Record-Breaking Performance
In the BMX Street final, Garrett Reynolds of the United States won his 23rd X Games gold medal, a new record. His final run was a demonstration of skill, featuring a double peg up rail hard 180 double barspin, a 360 over the rail, and a fakie double peg grind up the rail with a full Cab 360 out to fakie. Reynolds’s daring actions pushed Devon Smillie and Courage Adams, who placed with silver and bronze respectively.
BMX Park Best Trick: Sandoval’s Career-First Gold
Daniel Sandoval claimed his first BMX Park Best Trick gold in a innovative trick: a double whip to late barspin on the quarter pipe. Jeremy Malott received the silver after landing a 180 double tailwhip to late barspin over the box in reverse. Christopher Marcus captured the bronze.
Emerging Japanese Talent: Joji Mizogaki
Japan’s Joji Mizogaki produced a solid performance in the BMX Street final, finishing eighth. His ride demonstrated that there are more Japanese competitors making an impact at global BMX competitions.
Moto X Madness
The roar of engines and the acrid smell of burning rubber filled ZOZO Marine Stadium at X Games Japan 2025. The competition brought Moto X to its finest, with riders from numerous nations executing breathtaking tricks in Best Trick, Freestyle, and QuarterPipe High Air competitions. Fans gazed in amazement as every risky maneuver played out.
In Best Trick, Australian rider Jackson Strong amazed all with a flawless, untucked no-hander frontflip. He won the gold and equalled the record for the highest number of golds accumulated in a single Moto X sport. Japanese legend Taka Higashino, renowned for inventing the “California Roll,” picked up a bronze medal. His mastery demonstrated how far he had influenced freestyle motocross.
The Freestyle competition had competitors performing challenging stunts such as backflip combinations and long Superman airs. Such performances depicted the level of progression the sport has achieved and the amount of work athletes put in to take the sport forward.
In QuarterPipe High Air, riders tossed their bikes high up into the air, more than 40 feet above the ramp. The fans in Japan clapped loudly whenever a rider landed safely. Their enthusiasm reflected how well-liked extreme sports have gained in Japan.
Winners and Medal Tally
X Games Japan 2025 concluded with Japan leading the medal table, indicating the nation’s increasing prowess in extreme sports. The competition attracted a diverse field of competitors, ranging from new stars to seasoned skiers and snowboarders. This reflected how the sport attracts individuals from across the globe and accommodates all levels of skill.
🏅 Gold Medalists by Category
- Men’s Skateboard Street: Sora Shirai (Japan)
- Women’s Skateboard Street: Chloe Covell (Australia)
- Men’s Skateboard Vert: Gui Khury (Brazil)
- Women’s Skateboard Park: Arisa Trew (Australia)
- Men’s BMX Park: Logan Martin (Australia)
- Men’s BMX Street: Garrett Reynolds (USA)
- BMX Park Best Trick: Daniel Sandoval (USA)
- Moto X Best Trick: Jackson Strong (Australia)
- Moto X QuarterPipe High Air: Corey Creed (Australia)
Medal Tally by Country
| Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Australia | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| USA | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Brazil | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Japan’s excellent performance in skateboarding is indicative of the nation’s emphasis on cultivating homegrown talent. Skaters such as Sora Shirai and Ginwoo Onodera have had success that creates renewed interest in the sport. Their success has contributed to skateboarding’s increased popularity and growth in Japan.
Breakout Stars
Sora Shirai (Japan, 22): Clinched his first X Games gold in Men’s Skateboard Street, leading a Japanese podium sweep.
Ginwoo Onodera (Japan, 15): Secured bronze in Men’s Skateboard Street, continuing his rise as one of the youngest elite skateboarders.
Arisa Trew (Australia, 14): Won her fourth X Games gold in Women’s Skateboard Park, setting a record for the most golds before turning 15
What’s Next After X Games Japan 2025?
After the huge success of X Games Japan 2025, fans and athletes are looking forward to the next big event. That event is X Games Sacramento 2025, set for August 22–24. It will mark the 30th anniversary of the X Games. This event will also introduce the new X Games League, a team-based contest starting in 2026.
Japan’s impressive showing in 2025 has made it a key center for extreme sports. The country has worked hard to develop talent and build top-quality facilities. X Games Chief Revenue Officer Eric Johnson says, “We’re very committed to Japan and will be for the foreseeable future.” His words show Japan’s important role in the growth of the X Games.
Extreme sports are growing fast in Asia. More young people are joining in, and there are better training centers. Sponsorships have also increased. This regional growth will likely impact where future events are held and the global sports scene.
Final Thoughts: X Games Japan 2025
X Games Japan 2025 will be remembered as a milestone in the evolution of global action sports — a high-octane celebration of skill, spirit, and international camaraderie. From Sora Shirai’s gold-winning street run to Jackson Strong’s gravity-defying Moto X Best Trick, this year’s event delivered unforgettable moments and raised the bar for future competitions.
The record-breaking shows and the swell of new, youthful talent, particularly from Australia and Japan, bode well for the scene — not only world-wide, but especially throughout Asia, where youth participation and investments in the facilities remain on the rise.
