From August 1 to 3, 2025, Chișinău once again became the beating heart of Eastern European skateboarding with the second edition of the Moldavian Rookie Fest 2025. Hosted at the Valea Trandafirilor Skatepark, the event marked a historic step forward for the local scene, bringing together 56 under-18 riders from Romania, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and the Republic of Moldova, including five girls – a new national record for skateboarding competitions in Moldova.
Organised by ACS Extrem Rivulus (Romania) and the Roller Sports Federation of the Republic of Moldova, with the strong support of Red Bull Moldova, the event was an official stop of the World Rookie Tour. More than just a contest, it became a cultural showcase for the host city and a platform to connect Moldovan skaters with the global skateboarding community.
Alongside the competition, the riders were welcomed by the Moldovan Olympic Committee, discovered Chișinău through guided visits, and joined in various social activities. These moments off the board highlighted the festival’s main mission: to create opportunities for Moldovan skaters to grow and to integrate them into the international skateboarding family.
The atmosphere throughout the weekend was electric, with a large and passionate crowd, national TV coverage, and live streaming that reached audiences far beyond Moldova. The result was media exposure far exceeding expectations and a genuine celebration of youth, culture, and skateboarding.
The program unfolded over three intense days: arrival and warm-up on Friday, qualifications and finals on Saturday, followed by a DJ party at the skatepark, and on Sunday, a street session in the city centre that blended filming, skateboarding, and local culture.
On the competitive side, the level was nothing short of impressive. In the Rookie division (15–18 years), Patric Iluț (Romania) claimed the top spot and secured a Golden Ticket all-inclusive package for the World Rookie Tour Finals in Velenje, Slovenia. Since he had already qualified earlier in the season, the ticket was reassigned to Marci Karpati (Hungary), while Oskar Sikk (Estonia) took third. In the Groms (10–14 years), Benjamin Schikorojan (Germany) earned his Golden Ticket, ahead of Akira Cotaddini (Italy) and local hero Vlad Moldovan (Moldova). In the Girls division, Emma Addele (Italy) stood on the top step of the podium, followed by Petra Merimaa (Estonia) and Vera Serjan (Moldova).
With international riders, strong results, and flawless organisation, the Moldavian Rookie Fest 2025 set a new benchmark for skateboarding in the region. It not only showcased Chișinău as an emerging destination for action sports but also strengthened the presence of the World Rookie Tour in Eastern Europe. The journey of Moldovan skateboarding has just begun – and its future looks brighter than ever.
