From July 4 to 5, 2026, “X Games Chiba 2026” took place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. Japanese athletes put on a phenomenal performance, capturing a total of 17 medals (5 Gold, 5 Silver, 7 Bronze). On a stage gathering the world’s top-tier athletes, Japanese competitors asserted a dominant presence across every discipline. The event gave birth to numerous records and memorable moments, including Ginwoo Onodera’s second consecutive gold medal, Mizuho Hasegawa becoming the first Japanese athlete to win three medals in a single edition, and Ema Kawakami becoming the youngest male gold medalist in history. Furthermore, the launch of the new professional league, “X Games League (XGL),” starting this year, accelerated the excitement even further.
In the skateboarding events, three disciplines were held: Street, Park, and Vert. This article provides a competition report focusing on the podium finishers in each event.
Men’s Street Sees Ginwoo Onodera Secure Second Consecutive Title; Chloe Covell Redeems Herself in Women’s Street
Women’s Street
Channeling the frustration of having to settle for silver at the Sacramento event the previous week, Chloe Covell (Australia / XC New York) entered her run filled with intense determination right from the start. However, an accident occurred mid-run when a field photographer blocked her path, forcing a re-run. Despite a situation that could easily disrupt anyone’s concentration, she remained completely composure.
Her “Frontside Blunt Slide Bigspin Out” on the rail possessed flawless precision, leaving no room for even the slightest misalignment as her trucks caught the rail. Additionally, her unique combo choice—such as a “Frontside 50-50 Grind to Boardslide” on the long rail—served as one of the major factors behind her high score. Her “Switch Kickflip” on the step-up, which she had struggled with during practice, was landed perfectly when it mattered most. Turning adversity into strength, her mental fortitude to stomp the only score in the 90s truly reflected the poise of a next-generation queen.
Carrying the banner for XC Tokyo, Coco Yoshizawa (XC Tokyo) made a powerful impact on both the judges and the crowd right from her first trick by landing her signature “Backside Bigspin Boardslide” on the central long rail. The core of her appeal lies in the effortless, “casual” feel of her riding. She consistently landed technical rail tricks like “Frontside Feeble Grinds” and “Frontside Blunt Slides” without a hint of instability. Although she narrowly missed out on gold after a failed attempt at a “Backside Tailslide Bigspin Out” near the end to boost her score, her unwavering consistency earned invaluable points for XC Tokyo.
Speed, height, and power—Ibuki Matsumoto’s (XC São Paulo) run pushed the boundaries of women’s skateboarding with sheer force. Her technical construction—routinely incorporating “flip-ins” such as a “Kickflip Backside Lipslide” on the rail and a “Kickflip Frontside 50-50 Grind” on the down hubba—represented a level of difficulty that poses a challenge even for top male pros. Her self-promotional ability to hype up the stands before her run and send the venue’s energy through the roof was equally striking. Though she finished in third place this time, her undeniable star quality in capturing the hearts of local fans will serve as a massive asset in future XGL competitions.
Men’s Street
Securing a gold medal following his victory in Sacramento the previous week, Ginwoo Onodera (XC New York) made taking top honors two weeks in a row on the global stage look completely routine for a 16-year-old. As the commentator noted, “I’ve never seen a rider who fails big tricks so rarely,” his trick execution and landing consistency were nothing short of breathtaking. His “Switch Backside Heelflip Noseslide” on the center ledge and “Kickflip Backside Tailslide Bigspin Out” followed flawless trajectories—from the board’s rotation to the precise catch and clean roll-out. Furthermore, almost every section he traversed during his run was packed with tricks. The underlying core strength shown in his “Backside Kickflip 360” and “Caballerial Kickflip” off the transitions highlighted his immense depth as a skater. The powerful roar he let out immediately after completing his first run clean revealed the immense sense of responsibility he carries as XC New York’s ace.
In his post-event interview, he humbly reflected, “I’m having fun skateboarding, attacking in my own way, and that’s leading to results. My approach doesn’t change from one contest to the next.” Yet, the incredible amount of relentless practice behind those words resonated through every movement he made.
The challenger from Yangsan, South Korea, Juni Kang (South Korea), etched his name onto the international stage once again. Choosing a “Laser Flip” right at the start of his line was more than enough to establish his top-tier skill level. For his final trick, he perfectly stomped a “Nollie 270 In Backside Noseslide 270 Out” (commonly known as the “Yutornado”)—the signature trick of two-time Olympic gold medalist Yuto Horigome—to seal a 2nd-place finish. The crowd erupted into near-frenzy cheers. Currently a free agent, he will undoubtedly be one of the most sought-after targets in next season’s draft. His rise signals a clear elevation of the Asian skateboarding scene.
One rider who drew some of the loudest cheers from the arena was Sora Shirai (XC Tokyo). His true essence shone through a run configuration peppered with tricks other competitors don’t attempt, such as a “Fakie Frontside Bigspin Boardslide” and a sky-high “Switch Kickflip.” Even when a mistake occurred, he never lost his smile, charging around the park as if treating the contest not as a “competition,” but as a pure “session.” While he took home the bronze this time, he shared a bright smile in his post-contest interview, stating, “The cheers from the crowd really gave me power. Bottom line, it was just super fun.”
Sky Brown Edges Out Mizuho Hasegawa for Gold in Women’s Park! Egoitz Bijueska Charges to Victory in Men’s Park
Women’s Park
Taking top honors in Women’s Park was Sky Brown (XC São Paulo), who holds roots in both Japan and the UK. Her incredible consistency—landing an oversized “Frontside 360” reminiscent of a backflip clean across all three runs—demonstrated the full scope of her talent. Tricks like her “Hand Blunt” and “Frontside Madonna Lean to Tail” carried a unique flair that only she can deliver, with an aerial posture unmatched by her peers.
Maintaining air time that left commentators marveling, “I didn’t think we’d see air like this in Women’s Park,” her fluid line connecting every section reminded everyone that skateboarding is an art form. The emotional moment when she and second-place finisher Mizuho Hasegawa embraced with mutual respect upon the confirmation of her victory was one of the most touching scenes of the tournament. Though fierce rivals, they acknowledge each other’s progression—a mindset representing the very tradition this culture has preserved.
Having captured gold in Vert and silver in Vert Best Trick, Mizuho Hasegawa (XC Tokyo) delivered a mind-blowing performance in Park as well. She launched a barrage of high-difficulty, high-altitude maneuvers like a “Transfer Backside Kickflip Indy Air” and a “Backside 360 Varial.”
Particularly notable was the sheer distance she covered on transfers between sections. Utilizing her masculine speed and power to maximize the course, she contributed massive points to XC Tokyo’s total. Had she cleanly landed the “Backside 540” in the deep end on her final trick, she could very well have threatened Sky Brown for the gold. Though she fell just short, her aggressive stance completely captivated the audience.
Claiming bronze in Women’s Park was Finland’s Heili Sirviö (XC New York). Her ability to skillfully weave together various transition tricks, such as a “Transfer Frontside Disaster Slide” and a “Frontside Crail Slide” on the extension, fully displayed her potential as a future top rider. The effortless manner in which she landed a “Backside 540” in the deep end suggested plenty of room to spare; with further refinement of her flip tricks, she will easily become a regular fixture on the podium.
Men’s Park
In the Men’s Park discipline, the prestigious gold medal went to 15-year-old rising star Egoitz Bijuesca (Spain). Outpacing battle-tested veterans to hold the lead from his very first run, his key to victory lay in his thorough utilization of every course section. His routine featured a “5-0 Grind” over the center extension and a “Switch Backside 180 Melon Grab” that no other rider attempted. His tactical vision—fully calculating the “originality” scored by judges—proved remarkable for a 15-year-old. After setting a high mark on run one, he refused to play it safe, continued his aggressive approach, and ultimately hung gold around his neck.
Delivering terrifying speed likened to “watching an F1 race” alongside high-air techniques forged in the vert ramp, Tom Schaar (USA / XC Los Angeles) launched consecutive 3-to-4-meter “McTwist 540s” to claim the silver medal. His unwavering stability gave off pure “legendary presence.” Sharpening his focus with his back against the wall on his third run to slide into 2nd place, his clutch performance presented a towering wall for the younger generation to overcome.
Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Keegan Palmer (Australia) blended his trademark speed with an exceptional variety of tricks. He effortlessly completed massive moves like a “Frontside Kickflip Melon Grab Air” and a stylish “Frontside 360.” Adding a “Frontside Blunt” and “Backside Noseblunt” on the extension as accents, he rounded out a high-level routine to finish 3rd. At just 23 years old, his absolute consistency makes him a skater to watch moving forward.
Japanese Duo Mizuho Hasegawa and Ema Kawakami Achieve Historic Feats in Vert!
Women’s Vert
After a disappointing silver in Sacramento the week prior, the Vert event served as the ultimate redemption stage for Mizuho Hasegawa (XC Tokyo), whose run stood out for its remarkable technical diversity. She successfully landed complex combination tricks involving both rotation and flips, such as a “Body Varial 540” and a “Varial Kickflip Indy Grab.” Beyond her creative lines incorporating backside, frontside, and alley-oop approaches, her vast repertoire—integrating both kickflips and heelflips into her routine—won over the judges and drove up her score.
In her post-victory interview, she stated with determination, “I’m so happy to stand alongside the skaters I’ve looked up to. I want to keep practicing so I don’t lose to them as rivals.” Her eyes already seemed set on the next milestone. This gold medal served as the memorable first step toward her historic 3-medal achievement (1 Gold, 2 Silver) at this tournament.
Launching dynamic, high-amplitude “Backside 540s” back-to-back that belied her small frame, Mia Kretzer (Australia / XC Los Angeles) secured the runner-up position. She caught both the audience and judges off guard by unleashing a “Christ Air”—the iconic signature trick of legend Christian Hosoi, and an extremely rare sight in women’s vert. Stomping a flawless run on her high-pressure third attempt revealed her profound pride as an athlete.
Overcoming a desperate situation involving a shoulder dislocation the day prior after entering as a reservoir competitor, Juno Matsuoka claimed the bronze medal. The flow from her dynamic early air tricks into a technical three-trick sequence—including a “Backside 360 Varial”—marked one of the most emotional moments of the tournament. The smile reflecting her personal growth left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance.
Men’s Vert
Halting absolute champion Gui Khury’s quest for a 4th consecutive title, 11-year-old Ema Kawakami stood atop the world stage. His riding displayed a level of refinement that can no longer be explained simply by his youth. Most notable was his high-difficulty “Body Varial 900.” Utilizing his light, flexible 11-year-old frame, he executed a razor-sharp, beautiful axis of rotation. The moment he seamlessly landed a “Fakie 720,” the crowd in the stands jumped to their feet. An 11-year-old boy defeating an absolute champion thrust both the infinite possibilities of action sports and the cold reality of a generational shift in front of the world. Becoming the youngest gold medalist across both Summer and Winter X Games history created one of the absolute highest peaks of excitement at the Chiba event.
Following Kawakami to earn the silver medal was Gui Khury (Brazil) of XC São Paulo. Riding as if to say “I have no interest in simple 540s,” he presented an otherworldly run. Weaving flips into the air as naturally as breathing—such as a “Backside Flip Indy 540” and a “Frontside Heelflip Indy Air”—he also landed a mid-air double rotation “Backside 900” with total ease. Though defeated, his presence as a rider who redefines the standard baseline of vert skating keeps him as a truly one-of-a-kind champion.
Taking a hard-fought bronze medal was Japan’s world-renowned vert pioneer, Moto Shibata (XC Tokyo). The impact of his signature “Kamikaze” (Frontside Impossible 540) launched on his first trick remains burned into memory. Incorporating a “Kamikaze” in a switch stance alongside a “Backside Kickflip Body Varial,” his riding was imbued with an unwavering commitment to originality. His performance provided a crucial source of points for XC Tokyo.
X Games League Standings
Following the results of this tournament, the XGL (X Games League) standings have turned into a fierce battleground.
▼ Team Points at the Conclusion of the Chiba Event:
1st Place (Tie): XC Tokyo ［1,770 pt］
1st Place (Tie): XC New York ［1,770 pt］
3rd Place: XC São Paulo ［1,610 pt］
4th Place: XC Los Angeles ［1,510 pt
After XC Tokyo’s massive medal surge on home soil in Chiba, XC New York—anchored by Ginwoo Onodera—chased them down fiercely, pulling into an exact tie for 1st place. A true dead heat for points. The final battleground for the inaugural club championship title moves to “X Games New Orleans 2026,” held from July 24 to 26. Being deadlocked at 1,770 points creates an unprecedented level of drama fitting for the league’s inaugural year.
Summary
“X Games Chiba 2026” not only highlighted the incredible success of Japanese athletes capturing 17 medals, but also showcased the present state and future possibilities of action sports. The newly launched X Games League (XGL) added team value to individual sports, drawing keen attention to battles fought for club prestige alongside individual rankings.
Furthermore, watching teenage athletes go toe-to-toe with the world’s top veterans while stomping ultra-complex tricks with high success rates gave a strong sense of the sport’s rapid evolution. From Ginwoo Onodera’s back-to-back gold, to Mizuho Hasegawa becoming the first Japanese athlete to win three medals at a single event, to Ema Kawakami becoming the youngest male gold medalist in history, Chiba served as the backdrop for countless historic moments.
The final stage now shifts to “X Games New Orleans 2026,” held from July 24 to 26. Will Japan’s momentum carry forward, or will international powerhouses mount a comeback? The battle for the inaugural league championship enters its ultimate climax.
Tournament Results
【Women’s Skateboard Street】
1. Chloe Covell (Australia / XC New York) ［93.33 pt］
2. Coco Yoshizawa (Japan / XC Tokyo) ［85.00 pt］
3. Ibuki Matsumoto (Japan / XC São Paulo) ［80.00 pt］
【Men’s Skateboard Street】
1. Ginwoo Onodera (Japan / XC New York) ［91.33 pt］
2. Juni Kang (South Korea) ［90.00 pt］
3. Sora Shirai (Japan / XC Tokyo) ［88.33 pt］
【Women’s Skateboard Park】
1. Sky Brown (UK / XC São Paulo) ［91.00 pt］
2. Mizuho Hasegawa (Japan / XC Tokyo) ［87.66 pt］
3. Heili Sirviö (Finland / XC New York) ［78.66 pt］
【Men’s Skateboard Park】
1. Egoitz Bijuesca (Spain) ［92.66 pt］
2. Tom Schaar (USA / XC Los Angeles) ［91.33 pt］
3. Keegan Palmer (Australia) ［91.00 pt］
【Women’s Skateboard Vert】
1. Mizuho Hasegawa (Japan / XC Tokyo) ［94.33 pt］
2. Mia Kretzer (Australia / XC Los Angeles) ［90.66 pt］
3. Juno Matsuoka (Japan) ［85.00 pt］
【Men’s Skateboard Vert】
1. Ema Kawakami (Japan) ［93.66 pt］
2. Gui Khury (Brazil / XC São Paulo) ［92.66 pt］
3. Moto Shibata (Japan / XC Tokyo) ［91.33 pt］