Ok... well being there... it was crazy! There was a lot more excitement it seemed this year than last year. I think the way it is getting portrayed is slightly different though. They are trying to make it a little more mainstream and get more viewers. Apparently it is working quite well.
I know no one really feels like action sports should be "mainstream" but with out it, all the companies we love are eventually going to stop growing. I think X-games is going to less of a player in the competion world in the future and competitions are going to be tour based internationally. At least that was the vibe at the action sports conference yesterday.
mainstream = profit = more money to put back.
Maloof money cup plans on actually building skate parks for their competitions in the upcoming years that will remain in place.
X-games is considering going international with the first suggestion being in south africa.
Aside from your complaints on big air for skate. Seeing it in person.... 70 foot ramp to 50 foot gap to massive rail to massive vert. It was INSANE.
Burnquist doing the switch stance on a skateboard at that speed on that rail... it was really amazing and the crowds reaction was nothing to scoff at.