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Following the cancelation of the 2020 X Games in Minneapolis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ESPN action sports showcase will return in 2021 and in a truly unique fashion.
For the first time in history, X Games will host BMX, Skateboard and Moto X competitions from three unique athlete training facilities around Southern California from July 14 – 18.
The Moto X portion will be held at seven-time X Games medalist Axell Hodges “Slayground” compound.
“Hosting X Games at my Slayground is a huge opportunity for the entire sport,” said Hodges. “From day one, Slayground was all about pushing the progression of freestyle motocross. I know everyone is ready to come back after an entire year without contests ready to send it and we’ll push the progression to the next level. Thanks to ESPN, Monster Energy and all my sponsors for making this happen. Let’s go!”
“We are thrilled to produce an X Games this summer and once again showcase the premier athletes in the world across the ESPN and ABC networks,” said Tim Reed, vice president, programming and acquisitions. “This year will be different – we’re excited about the unique opportunity to partner with our athletes to showcase some incredible facilities. We have no doubt that the Dreamyard, Slayground and CATF will put us in a great position to create memorable moments.”
Here is more from the announcement.
X Games 2021 Venues
“Dreamyard”
What began in 2013 as a basic backyard ramp when X Games BMX medalist Pat Casey purchased his first house at 18 years old has now become a private, full-scale technical dirt and park course. At nearly 10,000 square feet, Casey’s “Dreamyard” has been the stage for four epic video parts. BMX Park, Dave Mirra’s Park Best Trick and BMX Dirt competitions will take place at Dreamyard.
“Slayground”
Growing up just outside the surf and skate mecca of Encinitas, California, X Games Moto X medalist Axell Hodges’ “Slayground” originated at his childhood home. Though the property has always included a racetrack, Hodges’ Slayground is now a full compound complete with steep turns, quarterpipes, kicker ramps, wallrides, manual pads and massive dirt jumps. The third and latest installment of Hodges’ Slayground video part series was filmed entirely at the compound. Slayground will play host to Moto X Best Trick, Best Whip, Freestyle, QuarterPipe High Air and a new 110s racing discipline.
CATF
The CA Training Facility is the first and only high-performance training center developed for skateboarding. CATF features both a full-sized concrete Street and Park courses created by the designers of X Games Street and Park courses. The CATF will be home to the BMX Street and Skateboard Street, Park, Vert, Vert Best Trick and Street Best Trick competitions.
Virtual X Fest
New to the summer event will be a virtual experience, bringing the excitement of X Games to fans at home. The virtual X Fest experience is back and moving to the beach. The immersive, interactive environment that brings the fun and excitement of being at the X Games into homes of fans around the globe launches July 14. Fans will have the opportunity to customize their own avatar, explore the boardwalk filled with virtual experiences, watch live X Games competitions, and best of all win valuable prizes. Experiences inside the virtual X Fest will include a custom X Games shop, interactive skate and BMX course, and an all-new ‘Story Mode’ where fans will have a chance to complete a mission to get the X Games medals to the stage on time! Go to XGames.com/XFest on June 14 to pre-register and enter for the chance to win an X Games skate deck signed by X Games athletes.
Real Series
Following the blowout success of Real Mountain Bike, Real BMX and Real Street return to the Real Series lineup for 2021. On July 5, eight skateboard and six BMX athletes drop never-before-seen video parts on XGames.com, which will air during the X Games 2021 telecasts on ABC. The Real BMX athletes are: Chad Kerley, Julian Molina, Broc Raiford, Jake Seeley, Courage Adams and Felix Prangenberg. The Real Street athletes are: Axel Cruysberghs, Ducky Kovacs, Matt Berger, Frankie Spears, Milton Martinez, Chris Colbourn, Alexis Ramirez and Jake Anderson.
X Games 2021 Sport Disciplines
Skateboarding: Park (Men’s and Women’s), Street (Men’s and Women’s), Street Best Trick, Vert, Vert Best Trick
BMX: Dirt, Dirt Best Trick, Park, Dave Mirra’s Park Best Trick, Street
Moto X: Best Trick Best Whip, Freestyle, QuarterPipe High Air, 110s
More than 15 hours of the best X Games 2021 competitions will air July 14 – 18 on ESPN, ABC and ESPN2, as well as the ESPN App. All competitions will stream live on @XGames digital and social media platforms, in addition to behind-the-scenes, athlete-curated and complementary content. X Games content will also be presented across the globe through international syndication partners.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, X Games 2021 will be closed to the public and produced with comprehensive COVID-19 risk mitigation protocols in place for participants and staff.
Main image: Monster Energy
