For nine years and running, the Kia World Extreme Games has been a Shanghai spring tradition. Last year, Asia’s largest action sports competition drew a record 71,600 spectators – a mark that organizers expect to shatter in 2015, with events taking place at the Oriental Pearl TV and Radio Tower from April 28-29 and the KIC Jiangwan Sports Center from May 1-3.
Nearly 200 action sports athletes from almost 30 countries and regions will be in town, competing in BMX freestyle, skateboarding and speed climbing competitions. A new ‘Revolution Arised Street Course’ debuts at KIC Jiangwan Plaza, while Vert on the Bund will feature elite competitors attempting to steal the title from defending skateboarding champion, the 21-year-old Jimmy Wilkins, in front of the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Other confirmed attendees include 13-year-old sensation Trey Wood (pictured above) who will defend his gold medal in the Skateboard Mini-Mega Competition. It’s not all fresh-faced young guns taking part. Three-time double-gold BMX Vert and Mini-Mega medals winner Vince Byron returns for the sixth time after last year’s stellar performance, and BMX legend Mat Hoffman pulls double-duty as event ambassador and head judge for the category.
Meanwhile, competitors in the speed climbing competition will race each other on a newly designed wall. Top notched freestyle motocross (FMX) riders and inline athletes will perform exhibitions as well, and a multi-sports Mini-Mega jam is also scheduled.
With a prize purse of USD200,000 and perpetually record-breaking crowds, the Kia World Extreme Games has become an essential stop for fans and participants.
“I enjoy China,” Byron says. “As much chaos and as many people as there are, everything seems to work. People are friendly and riding around the city and markets, some of the things you see are extraordinary.”
// Apr 28-29, 2-4.30pm, RMB30-100. Oriental Pearl Tower, 1 Shibo Dadao, by Lujiazui Huan Lu 世纪大道1号, 近陆家嘴环路. See event listing, tickets.
// May 1-3, 11am-4pm, RMB60-200 (RMB580 for Grand Stage seats). KIC Jiangwan Sports Center, tickets. See event listing.
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