On Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5, 2026, the world’s premier action sports international competition, “X Games Chiba 2026,” was held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. This event marked the beginning of a new era with the launch of the “X Games League (XGL),” the first team-based league in action sports history. Four team representing iconic cities—”XC Los Angeles,” “XC New York,” “XC São Paulo,” and “XC Tokyo“—clashed for a total prize purse of $500,000 and the title of inaugural champion, alongside individual competition results.
On the first day of the tournament, the traditional marquee event, “Moto X (Freestyle Motocross) Best Trick,” took place. Following a close battle among the world’s top riders, Rob Adelberg (Australia) claimed the gold medal. The excitement was not limited to the competition itself; on day two, popular artist “CHANMINA” performed to a massive, energetic crowd. Right before the music performance, top BMX Flatland riders Yohei Uchino and Moto Sasaki put on a special performance, and BMX and skateboarding trial booths organized in collaboration with FLAKE CUP were set up. Over the two days, attendees enjoyed a signature X Games festival experience where sports, music, and culture merged. This report recaps the intense action of Moto X and the array of exciting content that filled the venue.
Moto X Best Trick: Rob Adelberg Prevails in a Close Battle
The Moto X Best Trick held on day one was a fierce showdown with top riders from around the world executing their absolute best tricks.
Taking victory was Rob Adelberg (Australia). He nailed a “Frontflip Porti Air” to score 97.00pt and stand at the top of the podium. Having previously rewritten X Games history across numerous competitions, he proved his top-tier strength once again at this event.
Runner-up was Jose Canosa (Spain). He landed a high-difficulty “Lazyboy Frontflip to No Footer,” scoring 96.00pt. With a magnificent ride that brought him within just 1.00pt of Adelberg, he took home the silver medal.
In 3rd place was Ben Richards (Australia). He stuck a “Backflip Body Varial to Double Grab,” earning 93.33pt to make the podium. He delivered a consistent performance that stayed right on the heels of the top two finishers.
Event Results
【Moto X Best Trick】
1st Place: Rob Adelberg (Australia)［97.00pt］
2nd Place: Jose Canosa (Spain)［96.00pt］
3rd Place: Ben Richards (Australia)［93.33pt］
Music Live & DJ Times Turn the Arena into a Single Live Venue
The crowd was cheering loudly, maintaining and building upon their high energy from early morning when the events began. On day two, the crowd reached a fever pitch with the appearance of popular artist CHANMINA.
During the DJ times, DJ Mar Ski, who kept the atmosphere flowing throughout the event, took the stage. From instantly recognizable pop tracks to intense, battle-tailored selections matching the serious mood of the competition, his perfect reading of the crowd and skilled scratching accents created an exceptional live mix experience unique to the venue.
The lighting production of the venue is also worth noting. Just before official competition started, the lights were deliberately dimmed to heighten anticipation. From the scale of the ramps to these detailed production touches, the overall high quality of the X Games as an event stood out brilliantly.
Parents and Children Flock to the BMX & Skateboarding Trial Booths in Collaboration with FLAKE CUP
A trial booth set up in collaboration with FLAKE CUP allowed visitors to experience BMX and skateboarding firsthand. This year, professional skater Go Ueda served as the MC. Children captivated by action sports actively participated, keeping the booth bustling throughout the day.
By experiencing the sports directly, fans gain a deeper understanding and appreciation when watching the competitions. It was a content block highly recommended for both kids and adults to try at least once.
Special Performance by BMX Flatland Top 2 Precedes Live Music
On DAY 2 before the music performance, a BMX Flatland special showcase took place. Taking the stage were two of Japan’s representative BMX Flatland riders: Yohei Uchino (X Games Osaka 2025 Champion) and Moto Sasaki (X Games Osaka 2025 Runner-up). Familiar MC ISSY joined the action. Armed with numerous achievements in world competitions, the two showcased a powerful performance packed with high-level balance and extraordinary technique.
The impressive showcase by the top two riders in BMX Flatland fully displayed the allure and beauty of the sport.
Live Painting by Contemporary Artist Meguru Yamaguchi Featured at the Venue
A live painting session by contemporary artist Meguru Yamaguchi was also held on site. Born in Tokyo in 1984, Yamaguchi has earned international acclaim for his distinctive expression, elevating brushstrokes themselves into three-dimensional artworks.
Yamaguchi has handled the artwork for the domestic X Games events for five consecutive years since its initial staging in Japan. World-class action sports and the raw energy of live art creation coexisted in the same physical space. Peeking into the live painting area between competitions offered a special sight that can only be witnessed in person at X Games.
Food Area Features Popular Food Trucks Including Mos Burger and Chiba Black Burger
Next to the Moto X venue, the food area gathered numerous food trucks, including Mos Burger and Chiba Black Burger. Serving food and drinks perfect for enjoying while watching the events, it functioned as a great rest spot for spectators.
XGL Team Merchandise Appears in the Merchandise Area
In the merchandise area next to the MUSIC STAGE, X Games merchandise was sold alongside merchandise for each team in the newly launched “X Games League (XGL).” Spectators could be seen buying merchandise for their favorite teams to show support, introducing a new way to enjoy the event by cheering for teams in addition to individual athletes.
Having expanded its scale year after year as the ultimate stage for skaters and riders, X Games introduced a new league format this year, offering spectators an even broader range of ways to enjoy the event. Beyond the fans, a new sense of unity was born among the athletes as they supported their teammates and competed representing their respective teams.
Sacramento, Chiba, and the final stop in New Orleans. Which team will claim the glory of becoming the first-ever league champions? Keep your eyes on X Games moving forward.
Event Overview
Event Name: X Games Chiba 2026
Dates:
July 3, 2026 (Fri): Official Practice / Press Conference Day
July 4, 2026 (Sat): Doors Open 9:00 / Start 9:30 – End 21:00
July 5, 2026 (Sun): Doors Open 9:00 / Start 9:15 – End 19:00
(Friday was open only to authorized personnel, invited guests, and media. General admission was open Saturday and Sunday.)
Venue: Makuhari Messe (2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture)
Disciplines: 15 events across 3 sports (10 Skateboard, 4 BMX, 1 Moto X)
Athletes: 77 athletes from 17 countries
New Format: Round 2 of the X Games League (XGL) (Round 1: Sacramento, USA; Round 3: New Orleans, USA)
Organizer: X Games Japan Organizing Committee
Managing Body: Chiba City | Co-organizer: Chiba City Sports Association
Supporters: World Skate Japan, Japan Skateboarding Federation, Japan Freestyle BMX Federation, Motorcycle Federation of Japan, TEAM JAPAN MX PROJECT, J-WAVE (81.3FM), The Yomiuri Shimbun |
Global Partners: MoonPay, Stake
Sponsors: Monster Energy, Murasaki Sports, Mos Food Services, Jichodo
Cooperation: X Games Japan Chiba Supporters Association, FLAKE CUP, Premium Water, Motocross International