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15 most eye-popping performances from this year’s X Games

By Nicole Bosco

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 19: Kris Foster of Canada practices for the Moto X QuarterPipe High Air event during the ESPN X-Games at U.S. Bank Stadium on July 19, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 19: Kris Foster of Canada practices for the Moto X QuarterPipe High Air event during the ESPN X-Games at U.S. Bank Stadium on July 19, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 19: Moto Shibata of Japan warms up prior to competing in the Skateboard Vert Final event during the ESPN X-Games at U.S. Bank Stadium on July 19, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 19: Moto Shibata of Japan warms up prior to competing in the Skateboard Vert Final event during the ESPN X-Games at U.S. Bank Stadium on July 19, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

14. Skateboard vert competitor Moto Shibata’s second run in the vert final

Skateboard Vert is one of the oldest events in the X Games. It was on the halfpipe that skateboard pioneers such as Tony Hawk and Bob Burnquist made this sport what it is today. Some of the original skaters that graced the ramps in the ’90s are still cutting it up with the next generation of up and coming athletes. One of this new breed of skateboarders is Moto Shibata out of Japan.

Shibata took home the gold medal last year at the 2017 Summer X Games in Minneapolis. Although he could not achieve a repeat this year, he threw down one of the most impressive runs of the night and was able to lock up the silver to add to his trophy case.

The pressure was on as Shibata dropped into his second run. He put together a set that was saturated with flawless tricks such as a varial 540, a fakey to fakey nose grab 540, and a frontside front foot impossible. He also once again trotted out his signature original trick, the Kamikaze, that he debuted in 2017.

Walking away with second place is no small accomplishment. Shibata is one of the most talented young skaters in the game today and should have a long career ahead of him. Whatever competition he finds himself in he is always pushing the limits and pushing those around him.

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