Ema Kawakami, an 11-year-old sixth-grade skater sponsored by Sakai Cycle, won the gold medal at X Games Chiba 2026 held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture on July 4, 2026. This victory has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records™ as the “Youngest X Games gold medallist (male).”

This latest title brings Kawakami’s total number of Guinness World Records™ to five.

Winning at age 11 marks a historic milestone as the youngest male gold medallist in X Games history across both summer and winter events. Each time he successfully landed high-difficulty tricks such as the “body varial 900” and “720 to fakie 720,” massive cheers erupted from the venue. He brought an end to the four-consecutive-win streak of Brazil’s Gui Khury, the reigning undisputed champion, to claim the new crown.

In 2024, Kawakami competed in X Games Ventura 2024 in the United States at the age of 9 years and 9 months, breaking the record for the youngest male competitor. The following year at X Games Salt Lake City 2025, he won a bronze medal in the men’s skateboard vert at 10 years and 293 days old, earning his Guinness World Record™ as the “Youngest X Games medallist (male).”

Furthermore, on June 27 local time this year, he won a bronze medal even in the “MOONPAY MEN’S SKATEBOARD VERT BEST TRICK” at X Games Sacramento 2026 held in Sacramento, California, steadily building an impressive track record against the world’s top riders.

Reflecting on securing his fifth Guinness World Record™, Kawakami shared his joy on Instagram: “Not only did I achieve my dream of winning a gold medal at the X Games, but another huge dream has come true. I am truly happy to leave behind such a record!” He also expressed his gratitude: “Thank you so much to all my sponsors, friends, family, and everyone who always supports me.”

He added enthusiastically about his future endeavors, “I will continue to never forget my sense of gratitude, cherish taking on ‘challenges,’ and grow in my own unique way.”

Growing attention from both Japan and abroad continues to focus on the unstoppable sixth-grade skater.

His 5 Guinness World Records™

Most backside 540 skateboard tricks in one minute (May 22, 2024: 13 times)

Most consecutive skateboard ‘900’ in competition (male) (June 15, 2024: 3 times)

Youngest X Games athlete (male) (June 28, 2024: 9 years, 294 days)

Youngest X Games medallist (male) (June 28, 2025 local time / 10 years, 293 days)

Youngest X Games gold medallist (male) (July 4, 2026: 11 years, 299 days)