Category: Skateboard

Iztok Šumatič takes the lead at World Cup Skateboarding

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Big news for the international skateboarding community! Iztok Šumatič, Skateboarding Technical Director of the World Rookie Tour, is stepping into a new leadership role at World Cup Skateboarding (WCS) alongside legendary skateboarder and event organizer Dave Duncan.

The announcement marks an exciting new chapter for one of the most established organizations in competitive skateboarding.

A new chapter for World Cup Skateboarding

After more than 35 years shaping international skateboarding competitions, WCS founders Don and Danielle Bostick are passing the torch to Dave Duncan and Iztok Šumatič.

The transition officially began on October 13th, 2026, with the founders remaining involved for the next two years to ensure continuity and support the new leadership team.

As Don Bostick explained:

“We’ve had an incredible run shaping global competitive skateboarding for over three decades. But the timing is just perfect. We are ready, and more importantly, Duncan and Iztok are ready. They have the passion, the respect of the community, and the infrastructure to take World Cup Skateboarding to the next level. We’re excited to work alongside them during this transition.”

Founded in 1994, WCS has played a key role in developing professional skateboarding competitions worldwide. The new leadership aims to strengthen its international event calendar and introduce fresh concepts for 2027 and beyond.

From World Rookie Tour to global skateboarding leadership

For the World Rookie Tour family, this announcement has special significance.

As Skateboarding Technical Director of the World Rookie Tour, Iztok brings extensive experience in international event production, judging and competition management.

His expertise and involvement in high-level competitions, including Olympic-level events, have earned him recognition throughout the global skateboarding community.

His new position at WCS represents another important milestone in his career and highlights the international expertise within the World Rookie Tour organization.

Congratulations from the Black Yeti family!

The entire World Rookie Tour and Black Yeti family congratulates Iztok on this exciting new adventure!

We are proud to see our Skateboarding Technical Director taking on such an important role in international skateboarding.

Congratulations, Iztok! Keep pushing skateboarding forward! 🛹

World Rookie Skateboard Finals 2026: Ian Rengel and Dora Gasperini crowned in Celje

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49 riders from 16 countries closed the World Rookie Tour skateboard season at the new Celje Skatepark, Slovenia. The Men’s Street final was decided by one point.

The 2026 World Rookie Skateboard Finals delivered exactly what a season finale should: a new park, a packed international field and a Street final decided by the narrowest of margins. Held September 25th–27th, 2026, at Celje Skatepark, built this year by Chris Khan, the event hosted its first international contest with riders from 16 countries, including Brazil and Venezuela, who crossed the Atlantic for the title.

Park Finals

Saturday opened with Park, and the Men’s title went to Brazil. João Henrique Marsa Costa linked frontside 5-0, backside nosepick and kickflip to win, ahead of Ian Rengel (VEN), who answered with a backside 360, and Cis Van Oevelen (BEL).

Women’s Park went to Lela Helfenstein (SUI), mixing mute grabs with 50-50s and a lipslide on the coping. Tzvetelina Hristova and Plamena Raeva (both BUL) completed the podium.

Street Finals

A few hours later, Ian Rengel (VEN) took his revenge. The Men’s Street Grom final was a Grom takeover: the Venezuelan won with a second run stacking a switch frontside 270 boardslide with a frontside 50-50 grind 360 flip out. Marsa Costa answered with a backside 360 nosegrind and the same 50-50 flip out. Max Messerschmidt (GER) completed the podium with a frontside flip nosegrind 180 out and a varial heelflip over the gap.

In the Rookie Men ranking, Alberto Chakalev (BUL) took the title, followed by Elliot George and Tiago Barcik (both SUI).

On the women’s side, Dora Gasperini (ITA) won Grom Women with a run packed with rail work: frontside boardslide, 5-0, kickflip backside 50-50 and backside lipslide, all in one line. Noor Crevels (NED) and Benny Roquette (PRT), who, at just ten years old, landed on a World Finals podium, completed the podium.

The Rookie Women title went to Ilka Rogers (GBR), followed by Hristova and Amalie Liskova (CZE).

Ilka Rogers, winner of Street Rookie Women, Celje Skatepark

Prizes and wildcards

Rengel and Gasperini, the two Street champions, earn the Red Bull Experience, the Golden Ticket for the entire 2027 World Rookie Tour and wildcards for Mystic Sk8 Cup 2027 and Slamfest 2027 in Belgium. Marsa Costa and Helfenstein claimed the Park Golden Tickets. All podium riders collected Mystic Sk8 Cup wildcards or free entries to a 2027 WRT event, plus product prizes from Blue Tomato, TSG and Aneema.

Medals and trophies came from MW Skateboards, crafted from broken decks: a second life for boards that have already done their job. As a World Cup Skateboarding event, the Finals also handed out WCS ranking points to every participant.

Podiums

  • Street Grom Men: Ian Rengel (VEN), João Henrique Marsa Costa (BRA), Max Messerschmidt (GER)
  • Street Rookie Men: Alberto Chakalev (BUL), Elliot George (SUI), Tiago Barcik (SUI)
  • Street Grom Women: Dora Gasperini (ITA), Noor Crevels (NED), Benny Roquette (PRT)
  • Street Rookie Women: Ilka Rogers (GBR), Tzvetelina Hristova (BUL), Amalie Liskova (CZE)
  • Park Men: João Henrique Marsa Costa (BRA), Ian Rengel (VEN), Cis Van Oevelen (BEL)
  • Park Women: Lela Helfenstein (SUI), Tzvetelina Hristova (BUL), Plamena Raeva (BUL)
Street Grom Men podium with Ian Rengel, João Henrique Marsa Costa and Max Messerschmidt

The full results are available on Comma.

Missed it live? Rewatch the full livestream on worldrookietour.com

The World Rookie Skateboard Finals 2026 were made possible by Red Bull, Blue Tomato, TSG, Aneema, MW Skateboards, Black Yeti SSD and the City of Celje.

World Rookie Skateboard Finals 2026: Watch the Street Finals LIVE on WRT YouTube!

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The World Rookie Skateboard Finals 2026 are almost here! From September 25th to 27th, Celje Skatepark will host the next generation of skateboarders battling in Street and Bowl for the World Rookie titles and a place in the Hall of Fame.

With international wildcards and ranking points up for grabs, the showdown is ON! Watch the Street Finals LIVE on WRT YouTube on September 26th!

Watch the Street Finals LIVE on YouTube!

Can’t make it to Slovenia? We’ve got you covered!

The Women’s and Men’s Street Finals will be broadcast LIVE on Saturday, September 26th, starting at 4:00 PM (CEST) on the World Rookie Tour YouTube channel.

World Rookie Skateboard Finals 2026 – Programme

Friday, September 25th – Arrival & Practice

  • 10:00–22:00 – Official Arrival Day & Open Practice
  • 16:00–19:00 – Race Office open

Saturday, September 26th – Contest Day

PARK schedule:
–  9:00 – 12:00 Open practice
– 12:00 – 13:00 PARK FINALS, starting with girls, followed by boys

STREET schedule:
–  9:00 – 12:00 Open practice
– 13:00 – 13:30 Women Street practice
– 13:30 – 14:00 Women Street qualifications
– 14:00 – 14:30 Men Street practice
– 14:30 – 15:30 Men’s Street qualifications
– 15:30 – 16:00 Women Street finals practice
– 16:00 – 17:00 Women’s Street finals
– 17:00 – 17:30 Men’s Street finals practice
– 17:30 – 18:30 Men’s Street finals
– 19:00 Prize Giving Ceremony

Heats & live scoring: at the following LINK

Sunday, September 27th – Weather & Media Day

  • All day – Weather Day / Photo & Video Shooting

The programme may change depending on weather conditions and the number of athletes.

DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE EVENT INFOSHEET

See you in Celje. The final battle is ON!

World Rookie Skateboard Finals 2026: last call for Celje

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The countdown is on. The World Rookie Skateboard Finals 2026 will take place at the brand-new Celje Skatepark in Slovenia, from September 25th to 27th, and registration closes on September 22nd.

A brand-new park, built this year

Built this year and designed by Chris Khan, the mind behind a skatepark in Velenje and the course for this year’s O Marisquino World Cup Skateboarding contest in Vigo, Celje Skatepark will host the best young skaters from around the world for the season’s grand finale. Set between Ljubljana and Maribor, Celje is Slovenia’s third-largest town, founded by the Romans as Celeia: the perfect backdrop for a weekend of skateboarding.

Young skater riding the brand-new Celje Skatepark, venue of the World Rookie Skateboard Finals 2026 in Slovenia

Points, wildcards and prizes

The finals count as a World Cup Skateboarding event, so every participant earns both World Rookie Rank points and WCS ranking points. The World Rookie Skateboard Champions 2026 will be crowned, with wildcards up for grabs to international top events like the Mystic Sk8 Cup 2027, plus prizes from partners Blue Tomato and TSG.

Who can compete

Rookies (boys and girls) born between 2007 and 2010, and Groms born in 2011 and younger. Riders qualify through the World Rookie Ranking, national quotas, the top 3 from previous international stops and OC wildcards.

Schedule

Watch it live

Can’t make it to Slovenia? The Street Finals will stream live on the World Rookie Tour YouTube channel.

Register now

Registration is only through the official online form and closes on September 22nd. Entry packages (Skaters €60, Coach/Parents €30, cash only on site) include 2 meals on site, plus a goodie bag for riders.

Don’t just watch it. Ride it. Register now

DOWNLOAD HERE THE COMPLETE INFOSHEET

Sofia Rookie Fest 2026: the World Rookie Tour is back in Bulgaria

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Saturday, September 19th, 2026. Brand-new skatepark, Severen Park, Sofia. Every podium takes a qualification ticket for the Celje Finals, and the best girl and best boy of the day go all-inclusive.

The World Rookie Tour is coming back to Sofia. On Saturday, September 19th, 2026, the Bulgarian capital hosts the Sofia Rookie Fest 2026 at the brand-new skatepark in Severen Park: a full day of skateboarding, adrenaline and good music, six days before the season’s showdown.

Contest Format

The session starts early. Open practice runs from 10:00 to 12:00, giving every rider time to get dialled in on fresh concrete. Qualifications for all categories follow from 12:30 to 15:30, the finals light up the park from 16:00 to 17:00, and prize giving is set for 17:30.

New park, new lines, no reference points: in Sofia everyone starts from scratch, and that practice session is going to matter.

Qualification and Prizes

This is where Sofia gets serious. Every rider who lands on a podium walks away with a qualification ticket for the World Rookie Skateboard Finals in Celje, Slovenia, on September 25th–27th, 2026 — the last big one of the season.

And there is more on the table: the best girl and the best boy of the day take home an all-inclusive package for the Finals. One contest, one podium, and the whole Celje experience is covered. That is the World Rookie Tour doing what it does best — opening doors for the next generation, from a local park straight onto the global stage, all the way down the #RoadToLA28.

Registration

There is no online registration for the Sofia Rookie Fest. All riders sign up on site, on the day of the contest. Show up early, put your name on the list and use the full open practice window — the jam waits for nobody.

Partners

Sofia Rookie Fest 2026 is made possible by Board Shop Sofia, Contrabanda, Stinky Socks and Red Bull Bulgaria, together with all the partners featured on the official event poster.

Saturday, September 19th. Severen Park, Sofia. One day, one podium, a ticket to Celje. Be there. 🛹🔥

"Sofia Rookie Fest 2026 official poster — World Rookie Tour skateboard contest at Severen Park skatepark, Sofia, September 19th 2026"

Garda Rookie Fest 2026: skateboarding takes over Riva del Garda

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From September 11th to 13th, Garda Rookie Fest 2026 brought the World Rookie Tour back to Go Fast Skatepark for a weekend of skateboarding, creativity and progression, with the road to the World Rookie Skateboard Finals in Celje getting hotter.

Friday: skateboarding beyond competition

Friday opened with an inclusive skateboard deck workshop involving around a dozen participants from Anffas Trentino and approximately fifteen Garda Rookie Camp riders.

Guided by tattoo artist Nino Pasquarella, participants drew, painted and customised decks together, turning one of skateboarding’s most iconic objects into a shared canvas.

Saturday: Murroni doubles up in Best Trick

Saturday was all about sending it.

Mattia Murroni dominated the Skateboard Best Trick Contest, winning both sessions. On the ramp, he landed a frontside 50-50 flip out, before moving to the street area and throwing down a kickflip down the stairs for his second victory of the day.

Sunday: contest day

Sunday brought the official World Rookie Tour contest, with riders getting two 45-second runs and the best run counting.

In Skateboard Grom, Mattia Murroni stayed on top with an 87-point run featuring a backside melon, backside indy transfer, 5-0, frontside disaster, alley-oop, nollie backside disaster and backside disaster revert.

Mateo Hochmuth finished second with 70 points, while Francesco Barigazzi took third with 60.

In the Girls category, Celeste Vassena scored 65 points, linking a 5-0, lipslide, backside disaster, smith, feeble, backside melon and blunt fakie.

The skateboard podium riders earned qualification for the World Rookie Skateboard Finals in Celje, September 25th–27th, while Murroni also claimed the all-inclusive Finals package.

One crew, one unforgettable weekend

The Garda Rookie Fest brought together competition, creativity and the international rookie community thanks to Red Bull, Black Yeti SSD, Smallwheels ASD, FrontOcean BMX Distribution, TSG, Blue Tomato, Aneema, Front Yard, Moon srl, Go Fast Skatepark, ApT Garda Trentino, Trentino Marketing srl and event partner Modena Skateboard School.

Registrations for Celje are still open. The final showdown is coming. Who’s ready?

Skateacademy.ch Rookie Fest 2026: next-gen skateboarders take over Elgg

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The Skateacademy.ch Rookie Fest 2026 is officially in the books. Last Saturday, Elgg Skatepark, Switzerland, welcomed the World Rookie Tour for the third edition of the event, bringing together more than 30 young skateboarders for a full afternoon of competition.

The action kicked off around 1:00 PM with the qualification rounds. Riders competed in three-minute jam sessions, with two skaters in the park at the same time, ready to showcase creativity, consistency and style.

The top eight riders in each group advanced to the finals, which started at 3:30 PM. From there, the level stepped up again, with close battles in both the U16 Grom and U21 Rookie categories.

Before the awards ceremony, there was still time for one final showdown: the Best Trick contest on the kinked rail. Groms and Rookies threw down their best tricks, with Micha Kowner from Zurich eventually taking the Best Trick win.

Skateacademy.ch Rookie Fest 2026 Podiums

Girls Podium, Viktorie Marešová

Girls

Viktorie Marešová took the top spot in the Girls category, claiming the win at the 2026 Skateacademy.ch Rookie Fest.

Grom Men Podium, Fabian Rechsteiner

Grom Men U16

In the Grom Men U16 category, Fabian Rechsteiner from St. Gallen delivered the strongest performance of the day and secured first place.

Rookie Men Podium, Kevin Loi 

Rookie Men U21

The Rookie Men U21 battle went to Kevin Loi from La Tour-de-Peilz, who came out on top and claimed the Rookie victory in Elgg.

Another Swiss Rookie Fest is wrapped, but the World Rookie Tour skateboard season isn’t done yet.

Next stop: World Rookie Skateboard Finals in Celje, Slovenia, September 25–27, 2026.

The race to Celje is ON!

Portugal Rookie Fest 2026: Pacal Teixeira and Natalia Muñoz take the overall titles

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49 riders from 10 countries, big tricks and a packed weekend of skate culture at Boa Sombra.

The Portugal Rookie Fest 2026 brought the World Rookie Tour back to Peniche for two days of next-generation skateboarding. On August 29th and 30th, Boa Sombra welcomed 49 registered riders from 10 countries and more than 500 spectators and visitors, turning the venue into an international meeting point for young skaters, families and the local community.

Two days of Skateboarding and community vibes

Saturday kicked things off with a Best Trick Challenge on the new obstacles at the outdoor plaza. Riders from different countries shared the spot, pushed each other and warmed up for Sunday’s main competition.

The weekend went well beyond the contest. Street-art workshops, the Snow Lab, parkour demonstrations, live graffiti, fingerboard activities and live bands brought together skateboarding, creativity and street culture.

On Sunday, the competition moved into full swing. Clean lines, technical tricks and consistency made every run count as riders battled for the Portuguese titles and qualification towards the World Rookie Skateboard Finals.

Portugal Rookie Fest 2026 results

ROOKIE BOYS

🥇 Diogo Costa (POR)
🥈 Ruben Carlos (POR)
🥉 Alai Ruiz Chavez (ESP)

ROOKIE GIRLS

🥇 Natalia Muñoz (ESP)
🥈 Maria Leonor Rodrigues (POR)
🥉 Luz Mesquita (POR)

GROM BOYS

🥇 Pacal Teixeira (POR)
🥈 Kayden Cantoni (ESP)
🥉 Sahar Toledo (POR)

GROM GIRLS

🥇 Carmo Gautier (POR)
🥈 Vega Santa Maria (ESP)
🥉 Sarah Gonzalez (ESP)

Overall Champions: Pacal and Natalia

Portugal’s Pacal Teixeira, winner of Grom Boys, and Spain’s Natalia Muñoz, winner of Rookie Girls, were crowned Overall Champions after standout performances against a strong international field. Both delivered the style, consistency and level needed to rise above the competition.

The podium finishers across all four categories earned qualification for the 2026 World Rookie Skateboard Finals, taking place in Celje, Slovenia, from September 25th to 27th.

Portugal delivered the riders, the crowd and the vibes. Now the road leads to Slovenia, where the next generation will battle for the World Rookie titles.

The next generation keeps rolling. See you in Celje!

Garda Rookie Fest 2026: sport, art and inclusion take over Trentino

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The next generation of action sports heads to Riva del Garda for a historic BMX debut, an inclusive art workshop and a weekend of skateboarding progression.

 

From September 11th to 13th, 2026, the Garda Rookie Fest will bring international young riders to Go Fast Skatepark in Riva del Garda, turning Trentino into a meeting point for sport, creativity and the next generation.

The event marks a new chapter for the World Rookie Tour, with BMX Freestyle joining the circuit for the first time. But this weekend is about more than competition.

Art, Skateboards and Inclusion in Action

On Friday, September 11th, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, Italian tattoo artist Nino Pasquarella, founder of Made in Milano Tattoo, will lead an inclusive art workshop alongside Anffas Trento.

Participants from the Garda Rookie Camp and Garda Rookie Fest will join people supported by Anffas to draw and customize skateboard decks. The workshop will turn an iconic piece of skate culture into a shared creative experience, connecting people through art and breaking down barriers.

BMX makes history, skateboarders chase the Finals

The contest features Ramp competitions for Skateboard and BMX, with Rookie and Grom categories for boys and girls. The first-ever official WRT BMX event opens a new chapter for young riders and the international action sports community.

For skateboarders, all podium finishers qualify for the 2026 World Rookie Skateboard Finals, taking place September 25th–27th in Celje, Slovenia. The Rookie winner also receives free accommodation and registration. Podium riders in both disciplines will receive prizes from FrontOcean BMX Distribution, TSG and Blue Tomato.

The Weekend Program

Friday, September 11: Free training, registration and inclusive art workshop (2–4 PM).

Saturday, September 12: BMX Ramp qualifications and evening Skateboard & BMX Best Trick Contest.

Sunday, September 13: Skateboard Ramp qualifications, BMX & Skateboard Finals and prize giving.

The World Rookie Camp starts the Experience

From September 10th–13th, the first World Rookie Tour camp in Italy combining BMX and Skateboard brings four days of coaching, progression, video shooting and community vibes to Riva del Garda. Camp and contests can be joined independently.

Online pre-registration is open until Friday morning, September 11th. The entry fee is €30, payable in cash on site.

Skateboard registration: HERE

BMX registration: HERE

The countdown is on. See you in Riva del Garda!

BDTSK8 2026: Alois Dolezal and Lela Helfenstein take the World Rookie Tour win in Chemnitz

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Three days of skateboarding, international riders and community vibes marked the 15th anniversary of Bring da Truckaz in its brand-new home.

The 15th edition of BDTSK8 – Bring da Truckaz is officially in the books. From August 21st to 23rd, 2026, skateboarders from across Europe took over the new Druckbude Skatehalle Chemnitz for a weekend packed with Street, Bowl and plenty of sessions.

This year’s edition was extra special: BDTSK8 celebrated its 15th anniversary, bringing together Kids, Girls, Rookies and Pros and mixing the next generation with experienced riders and the international skate community.

Once again, the World Rookie Tour was part of the action, with young talents battling for valuable points for the World Rookie Rank and their chance to continue the road towards the season finale in Slovenia.

Alois Dolezal and Lela Helfenstein top the WRT rankings:

In the WRT Boys ranking, Alois Dolezal took the top spot, ahead of Pavel Pokorny in second and Karel Lukas in third. The same three riders also claimed the podium in the Rookies Street contest, in the same order.

In the WRT Girls ranking, Lela Helfenstein finished on top, ahead of Eliska Rezakova in second and Lina Sager in third. Lela also took the win in the Girls Bowl contest, with Eliska second and Lina third. In the separate Girls Street contest, the victory went to Lou Steiner, followed by Lela Helfenstein and Lily Jäger.

With Street and Bowl competitions running across different BDTSK8 categories throughout the weekend, the WRT rankings remained the key results for the World Rookie Tour, counting towards the road to the 2026 World Rookie Skateboard Finals in Celje.

 (Ph. Pierre Graupner)

Next stop: the road to Celje continues

With Chemnitz behind us, the World Rookie Skateboard Tour is entering the final stretch of the 2026 season.

The ultimate destination is getting closer: the World Rookie Skateboard Finals, scheduled for September 25th–27th in Celje, Slovenia, where the next World Rookie Champions will be crowned.

And BDTSK8 is already looking ahead: the 16th edition is confirmed for 2027.

Chemnitz delivered. Now the race to Celje is on.

Ph. Pierre Graupner

SKATEACADEMY.CH Rookie Fest 2026: Switzerland is ready to shred

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The World Rookie Tour is heading back to Switzerland! On September 12th, 2026, the SKATEACADEMY.CH Rookie Fest will take over Skatepark Elgg, Zurich, bringing the next generation of Swiss skateboarders together for a full day of street action, good vibes and the chance to secure a ticket to the World Rookie Skateboard Finals.

Now in its 7th edition, the Swiss WRT stop is all about progression, community and having a great session with the crew. But there’s plenty at stake too: the Top 3 riders in each category will qualify for the World Rookie Skateboard Finals, while cash prizes, vouchers and product prizes are waiting for the best riders.

Categories & Contest Format:

The competition is open to boys and girls in two age groups:

  • Groms U16: born in 2011 or later
  • Rookie Shredders U21: born between 2005 and 2010

The contest will go down in Street format.

Qualification: 3-minute Jam Session with 2 skaters
Final: 2 x 1-minute runs + 1 Last Trick – best run counts

If a category has fewer than five riders, categories may be combined.

Event Schedule: September 12th

11:00–13:00 – Registration & Open Training
13:00 – Riders Meeting
13:05–15:00 – Qualifications
15:30–17:00 – Finals
17:15 – Prize Giving
17:30–18:30 – Chillout around the Skatepark

Registration:

Spots are limited, so riders are strongly encouraged to register online in advance through the official SKATEACADEMY.CH event page.

The entry fee is CHF 15, payable via TWINT or cash.

Register for the SKATEACADEMY.CH Rookie Fest

One day, one sick street session and a shot at the World Finals. Switzerland, it’s time to show us what you’ve got! 

Registrations are open for the 2026 World Rookie Skateboard Finals in Celje

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The countdown is on! Registrations are officially open for the 2026 World Rookie Skateboard Finals, taking place from September 25th to 27th at Celje Skatepark, Slovenia.

The best young skateboarders from around the world are getting ready to meet in Celje for the final showdown of the season, where the 2026 World Rookie Skateboard Champions will be crowned in Street and Bowl.

Once again, the Finals will be part of the World Cup Skateboarding circuit, giving all participants the chance to collect valuable WCS ranking points. On top of the titles, riders will compete for prizes from World Rookie Tour partners and wildcards to top international events, including the Mystic Sk8 Cup and other World Cup Skateboarding events.

The Street Finals will also be broadcast LIVE, bringing the action from Slovenia to the global skate community.

Who Can Join?

The Finals are open to Rookies born between 2007 and 2010 and Groms born in 2011 or later.

Riders can qualify through the World Rookie Rank, with the Top 10 Rookie Girls, Top 10 Rookie Boys and Top 10 Grom Boys qualified by the September 22nd deadline, through national quotas, results from previous international WRT stops or dedicated wildcards.

How to Register:

There are now two ways to sign up for the World Rookie Skateboard Finals, and both of them count as a valid pre-registration.

1. Online, in two minutes. Fill in the registration form in the registration section of worldrookietour.com. This is the fastest option: you complete everything from your phone, you get an instant confirmation by email, and there is nothing to print. Riders under 18 will be asked for their parent or legal guardian’s contact details.

2. By accreditation form. Download the official accreditation form, fill it in, sign the disclaimers and email it to iztok@wcsk8.com. This is the way to go for coaches and team managers who are registering several riders at once.

Riders who already won an all-inclusive ticket can use either option, and must specify the number of people joining them for accommodation.

Pre-registration closes on September 22nd. All skaters, including those who pre-registered, have to finalize their registration at the Riders Office in the skatepark: Friday September 25th from 16:00 to 20:00, or Saturday September 26th from 09:00 to 12:30.

Entry Packages:

The Skater Package costs €60 and includes the contest entry fee, two meals on site and a goodie bag. A Coach/Parent Package is available for €30 and includes the same two meals.

Payments on site are cash only, in euros. Riders travelling from outside Europe who cannot pay in cash should email iztok@wcsk8.com in advance to receive the bank details for a wire transfer.

👉 For full registration details download the official Infosheet here

Weekend Schedule:

Friday, September 25th – Riders arrival, registration and open practice at Celje Skatepark.

Saturday, September 26th – The big contest day: Street and Bowl competitions, with qualifications, finals and the Prize Giving Ceremony.

Sunday, September 27th – Weather backup day plus photo and video shooting.

The road to the World Rookie Skateboard title ends in Slovenia. Registrations are open. Secure your spot and get ready for the Finals! 

See You in Celje!

Sea & Ride Rookie Fest 2026 heads to Bulgaria: bowl skateboarding returns to the Black Sea

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The World Rookie Skateboard Tour is ready to bring another unforgettable stop to the 2026 season with the Sea & Ride Rookie Fest, taking place on 9th August 2026 at the spectacular X Challenge Park in Tsarevo, Bulgaria. Nestled in a beautiful pine forest on the Black Sea coast, the venue features one of the region’s best concrete bowl facilities and promises an action-packed day of world-class youth skateboarding.

Open to Rookies (born 2007–2010) and Groms (born 2011 and later), the event is part of the official World Rookie Rank and offers young riders the chance to qualify for the 2026 World Rookie Skateboard Finals in Celje, Slovenia.

The top three riders on each podium will secure their place at the World Rookie Finals, while the best two Rookie riders will receive all-inclusive tickets to compete against the world’s best young skateboarders. Riders will also battle for prizes from Blue Tomato, Etnies, TSG, and other World Rookie Tour partners.

Event Schedule – Sunday, 9th August

  • 10:00 – 14:00: Training
  • 18:00 – 18:30: Warm-up
  • 18:45 – 19:30: Qualifications
  • 19:45 – 20:00: Finals
  • 20:15: Award Ceremony

Schedule may be adjusted in case of weather or organizational needs.

Participation is completely free, but online registration is mandatory before 7th August 2026. National Team athletes may also be entered directly by their National Skateboard Association.

Beyond the competition, riders and families can enjoy the unique atmosphere of X Challenge Park, featuring a street plaza, pump track, mountain bike lines, adventure park, music, food, Red Bull, and the relaxed vibe that has made the World Rookie Tour the leading international action sports series for the next generation.

Registration and information

  • Registration deadline: 7th August 2026
  • Register now – Inscription Form: HERE
  • Event hotline: +44 7342 197576
  • Accommodation: X Challenge Park Camping
  • Event information: hello@xchallengepark.com

The road to the 2026 World Rookie Skateboard Finals continues on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.

👉🏻 Download the official Event Info Sheet for complete event details: HERE 

See you in Tsarevo. The future is here!

Finland Rookie Fest 2026 keeps the road to the World Rookie Skateboard Finals rolling

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The journey to the 2026 World Rookie Skateboard Finals is officially heating up, and the Finland Rookie Fest 2026 added another exciting chapter to this year’s race. Held at Grip Skatepark in Tampere, the event welcomed Finland’s most promising young skateboarders, who battled for valuable World Rookie Rank points and qualification spots for the Finals in Celje, Slovenia.

Despite a smaller field than usual, the level of skateboarding remained high throughout the day, with riders making the most of the technical street course and delivering consistent performances in front of an enthusiastic local crowd.

Selim Heiskanen leads the Rookie division

The standout performance of the event came from Selim Heiskanen, who not only claimed victory in the Rookie Boys category but also earned the highest overall score of the competition. His confident runs secured the top spot ahead of Noa Juhantalo, while Eetu Nivukoski completed the podium after a solid contest.

Rookie Boys Podium
🥇 Selim Heiskanen (FIN)
🥈 Noa Juhantalo (FIN)
🥉 Eetu Nivukoski (FIN)

Rookie Boy Podium

Young Talents Shine in the Grom Categories

In the Grom divisions, Finland’s youngest riders showed plenty of potential for the future of the sport. Lulu Numminen took the victory in the Grom Girls category, while Ukko-Veikka Halttunen claimed first place among the Grom Boys after a strong and consistent performance. He was joined on the podium by Armas Nikkilä and Arttu Kekäläinen.

Grom Girls Podium
🥇 Lulu Numminen (FIN)

Grom Girl Podium

Grom Boys Podium
🥇 Ukko-Veikka Halttunen (FIN)
🥈 Armas Nikkilä (FIN)
🥉 Arttu Kekäläinen (FIN)

Grom Boy Podium

The Race to Celje is on

With the Finnish stop now completed, the battle for qualification is becoming increasingly exciting. Every event and every point can make the difference as riders compete for a place at the 2026 World Rookie Skateboard Finals, where the world’s best young skateboarders will meet in Celje, Slovenia, from 25th–27th September 2026.

The Finland Rookie Fest once again confirmed the country’s commitment to developing the next generation of skateboarders, and several Finnish riders are already preparing to challenge the international field later this season.

The road to Celje is officially on. See you at the next World Rookie Tour stop!

The World Rookie Tour golden ticket: where Rookie results turn into real opportunities

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This is what the World Rookie Tour is built for.

Win a WRT event, and the doors open. Real doors. Direct entries to some of the most prestigious contests in the world, exposure to top industry names, access to stages that most young riders can only dream about. That’s not a promise, that’s what happens every single season on this tour.

The proof? Look at what just went down in Prague.

Irene Panzavolta won the WRT finals in Velenje, earned her golden ticket to the Mystic Sk8 Cup 2026 and came home with the Street category title. A WRT rookie, standing on top of one of Europe’s most iconic contests. Yara Backx (NED), another WRT champion from Velenje, pushed all the way to the finals and finished 5th in her category. Two riders. Two golden tickets. Two statements made on the biggest stage.

This is the WRT effect.

MYSTIC SK8 CUP – LADIES STREET

Every season, across snow and urban disciplines, the World Rookie Tour gives the next generation of action sports athletes something no other platform offers: a real pathway. From first competition to international podium. From unknown rookie to name on the start list at elite events worldwide. Golden tickets, industry connections, global exposure — all built into the tour DNA.

The riders grinding on the WRT circuit right now are the ones who’ll be standing under the Olympic rings in Los Angeles in 2028. The talent is here. The momentum is building. And the World Rookie Tour is the bridge between raw potential and global opportunity.

The road to LA28 starts here. Are you on it?

4 WRT CHAMPIONS. ONE SKATEPARK. ONE EPIC SESSION.

Portugal Rookie Fest 2026 returns to Peniche: registrations are now open!

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The Portugal Rookie Fest 2026 is back on the World Rookie Tour Skateboard calendar and registrations are officially open.

Taking place on August 29–30, 2026, at Boa Sombra Skatepark in Peniche, Portugal, the event will once again bring together the next generation of skateboarders in one of Europe’s most iconic surf and skate destinations. Following a hugely successful debut in 2025, the Portuguese stop promises another weekend packed with world-class skateboarding, workshops, music and summer vibes.

Event Information:

The competition is open to riders under 20 years old and features four official categories:

  • Grom Boys & Girls (born in 2011 or later)
  • Rookie Boys & Girls (born between 2007 and 2010)

The contest is limited to 80 riders, so early registration is highly recommended.

Besides the competition, participants can enjoy free practice sessions, a Best Trick contest, workshops, live music and plenty of opportunities to meet riders from all over Europe.

Registration:

Pre-registration is available until August 28, 2026 for €25.

On-site registration will take place on Saturday, August 29, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at a cost of €30.

To secure a spot, riders must complete the official registration form and send it to boasombraskate@gmail.com 

or via Whatsapp +351 920 180 896

 👉  Download the Info Sheet: HERE  

Important: Even pre-registered riders must complete the final on-site check-in before competing.

Prizes & Qualification

The Portugal Rookie Fest is an official World Rookie Tour qualifying event.

Top riders will earn qualification spots for the 2026 World Rookie Skateboard Finals, while also competing for prizes offered by the event’s official partners.

The World Rookie Tour has launched the careers of many of today’s top skateboarders, offering access to prestigious international events including Simple Session and Mystic Sk8 Cup.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

Peniche is much more than a contest venue. Known worldwide for its surf culture and laid-back atmosphere, it offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable summer skate trip.

Whether you’re chasing a place at the World Rookie Finals or simply looking to experience one of Europe’s coolest skateboard events, Portugal Rookie Fest 2026 is the place to be.

Registrations are now open. See you in Peniche!

 

World Rookie Champions shine at Mystic Sk8 Cup: Irene Panzavolta wins Women’s Street

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MYSTIC SK8 CUP – LADIES STREET

The 2026 Mystic Sk8 Cup, held in Prague, Czech Republic, delivered another major milestone for the World Rookie Tour. Irene Panzavolta (ITA) claimed victory in the Women’s Street competition, just one year after being crowned 2025 World Rookie Skateboard Tour Champion. Facing one of the strongest international fields of the season, Irene secured a memorable win, once again proving that the World Rookie Tour is a true pathway to the highest level of competitive skateboarding.

The Women’s Street event also featured two more former World Rookie Tour champions among the top five. Laura Zackova (CZE), 2024 Overall World Rookie Skateboard Champion, finished third, while Yara Backx (NED), World Rookie Grom Girl Street Champion, secured an impressive fifth place.

With three former World Rookie Tour champions in the Top 5, the Mystic Sk8 Cup once again showcased the World Rookie Tour as a launchpad for tomorrow’s international skateboarding stars.

 Irene Panzavolta, 1st Place

Strong performances from the World Rookie Tour family:

Several other World Rookie Tour champions also represented the tour in Prague with impressive performances.

Mattia Murroni (ITA) fought his way into the Men’s Street Finals and finished in an excellent 11th place, competing against one of the strongest fields in European skateboarding.

Pascal Texeira (POR), the 2025 Overall World Rookie Skateboard Champion, finished 14th in the Men’s Street competition after another solid performance against a world-class lineup.

Beau Brunclair (BEL), 2025 World Rookie Skateboard Champion, concluded the event in 18th place. While the final ranking didn’t reflect his full potential, Beau once again demonstrated the passion, commitment and progression that define the World Rookie Tour spirit.

Congratulations to Irene and to all the World Rookie Tour riders who proudly represented the tour at one of Europe’s most prestigious skateboarding events. Their results continue to demonstrate that the World Rookie Tour is more than a competition, it’s a pathway to the international skateboarding scene.

Garda Rookie Camp 2026 is ON: first-ever BMX & Skate camp in Italy hits Riva del Garda

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From September 10th to 13th, 2026, the World Rookie Tour drops something completely new: the Garda Rookie Camp, landing in Riva del Garda for four days of pure skate and BMX progression.

And here’s the big one: for the first time ever in Italy, a World Rookie Tour camp will feature both BMX and SKATEBOARD together. Same spot, same vibe, same next-gen energy.

Hosted by Black Yeti and part of the official WRT circuit, this camp is built for riders who want to level up, connect with other rookies from different countries, and ride one of the cleanest setups in Northern Italy: Go Fast Skatepark.

What’s the plan? Expect daily sessions with qualified coaches, video shooting, side activities — and a full weekend of contests to close it out:

Two events, one location, zero excuses.

Important: Camp and contests are independent. You can join the full camp experience, compete in one or both Rookie Fests as a day rider, or do both. Nothing is mandatory, you choose your level of commitment.

Not just a camp. It’s a full experience.

The camp is open to riders aged 7+, with at least a basic riding level (no first-timers here). Safety is taken seriously: helmet mandatory, 24/7 supervision, and certified coaching staff.

Price & what’s included
The participation fee is €370, and includes:

  • 3 nights accommodation (shared rooms, half board)
  • Daily training sessions
  • Contest entry (BMX + Skate)
  • Photo & video coverage
  • Full supervision

Not included: travel, lunches, insurance (available for €30 if needed), and personal extras.

Registration & deadlines
You can secure your spot by:

  • Paying full fee upfront
  • Or splitting: €200 deposit by July 20 + €170 by September 4

Spots are limited, and after September 4th, cancellations mean full fee is lost—so don’t sleep on it.

Why this matters:

This is more than a new camp. It’s a shift.
WRT is pushing harder into urban action sports, building a real bridge between mountain culture and street culture.

If you’re into progression, crew vibes, and stacking clips while riding one of Italy’s best locations… this is your move.

See you in Riva. Bring your best tricks.

Rules, details and accreditation form (ENG): HERE 

Regole, dettagli e accreditation form (ITA): QUI

Finland Rookie Fest 2026 returns to Tampere: registrations are now open!

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The World Rookie Tour is heading back to Finland for another exciting stop of the 2026 skateboard season. On July 10th, 2026, the Finland Rookie Fest will take place at the brand-new Grip Skatepark in Tampere, welcoming the country’s best young skateboarders for a day of progression, competition and international opportunities.

Part of the global World Rookie Tour, the event is open to riders under 20 years old and offers a direct pathway to the 2026 World Rookie Tour Skateboard Finals, scheduled in Celje, Slovenia, from September 25th to 27th, 2026.

The Finland Rookie Fest follows the Finnish Skateboarding Federation and Varala Skate Camp, giving participants the perfect chance to sharpen their skills before competition day.

Amazing Prizes Up for Grabs

The Top 3 riders in each category will earn a coveted spot at the World Rookie Tour Skateboard Finals 2026 in Slovenia.

In addition, the best overall female and male rider of the event, based on the highest scores achieved during the competition, will receive free registration and accommodation for the World Rookie Tour Finals.

Thanks to local partner MANANA Skateshop, competitors will also have the chance to win additional prizes and giveaways during the event.

Event Format & Categories

The competition will take place on the Street Course of Grip Skatepark and will follow a simple format designed to give every rider the opportunity to showcase their best tricks.

Each competitor will have:

  • 3 runs of 1 minute each
  • Best run counts for the final ranking
  • Riders’ meeting before every category
  • Judging based on difficulty, variety, consistency, style, speed, use of obstacles and overall execution

The event is open to riders under 20 years old and will feature the following divisions:

Grom Girls – born in 2011 or later
Grom Boys – born in 2011 or later
Rookie Girls – born between 2007 and 2010
Rookie Boys – born between 2007 and 2010

Categories are determined by birth year. If fewer than three riders enter a category, organizers may merge it with the next age division.

Registration & Contacts

Date: July 10th, 2026
Location: Grip Skatepark, Tampere, Finland
Entry Fee: €25 (includes access to Grip Skatepark on competition day)

👉 Registrations are now open through the Finnish Suomisport platform: HERE

👉 Registration Deadline: July 6th, 2026

For registration details and event updates:

Website: www.rullalauta.fi
Organizer: Finnish Skateboarding Federation
Email: info@rullalauta.fi

Follow the Finnish Skateboarding Federation on social media for schedule updates and additional event information.

Every legend was once a rookie. See you in Tampere!

Registrations Open for the Garda Rookie Fest Skateboard Contest 2026

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The World Rookie Tour is heading to Italy for one of the most exciting stops of the 2026 skateboarding season. From September 11th to 13th, the brand-new Garda Rookie Fest will take place at Go Fast Skatepark in Riva del Garda, bringing together the next generation of skateboarders for a weekend of progression, competition and community.

The event is open to male and female riders in two age categories:

  • Rookie: born between January 1st, 2007 and December 31st, 2010
  • Grom: born after January 1st, 2011

All athletes must compete in the category corresponding to their year of birth.

The skateboarding program includes free training sessions on Friday and Saturday, followed by the Skateboard Ramp Contest Qualifications on Sunday morning and the Finals on Sunday afternoon. A special Best Trick Contest for both Skateboard and BMX riders will take place on Saturday evening.

The stakes are high: all skateboard athletes finishing on the podium in their category will qualify for the 2026 World Rookie Tour Skateboard Finals, while the winner of the Rookie category will receive a free entry package including accommodation and registration for the Finals. Additional prizes from event sponsors will also be awarded.

Event Schedule

📅 Friday, September 11th
Free Training & Registration

📅 Saturday, September 12th
Free Training, BMX Qualifications & Best Trick Contest

📅 Sunday, September 13th
SK8 Qualifications, BMX & SK8 Finals, Prize Giving

Registration

Online pre-registration is mandatory:

👉 https://www.worldrookietour.com/registration/

Entry fee: €30, payable in cash during on-site registration confirmation.

👉 Download the Garda Rookie Fest 2026 Info Sheet: HERE (ENG)

👉 Scarica l’InfoSheet di Garda Rookie Fest 2026: HERE (ITA)

Important Requirements:

  • Valid personal accident and liability insurance
  • Valid medical certificate according to the regulations of your country
  • Helmet mandatory for all minors during training and competition

More Information:

Marco Sampaoli
WhatsApp only: +39 340 328 5569
Email: info@worldrookietour.com

See you in Riva del Garda!