X Games China brings world-class talent to Shanghai
The X Games, which have been held all over the world for almost 25 years, are coming to Shanghai this summer. The sports events will feature some of the world's best exponents in skateboarding, Moto X and BMX. X Games China will also bring a carnival of musical performances, art installations and a festival experience.
Unlike the Asia Tour before, this is the first time to see both summer and winter events staged in China in the same year under the X Games banner.
A competitor in a skateboard event
Skateboarding skills on show at an X Games event
As the first in China, X Games China will have a distinctly Chinese flavor, showcasing the nation's culture in everything from the course designs to the medals, and highlighting the youth and sports culture in Shanghai throughout the festival village and live coverage.
Meanwhile, ESPN, the action sports content provider and creator of the X Games, announced it has reached a multi-year agreement with REnextop Entertainment, an action sports platform in China, to collaborate on X Games China summer and winter events.
The inaugural X Games China winter event is slated for late November to early December, and has begun a search for a host city and venue partners.
In addition to local Chinese broadcasts and ESPN's US media, X Games China competitions will be televised on ESPN networks around the world and distributed via other international media outlets and local television broadcasters in various markets.
Saori Kanda, a Japanese painter, in action at the launch of X Games China
A rider takes to the skies during a BMX Big Air event.
A competitor negotiates an obstacle on Skateboard Street during an X Games event.
“It’s a great honor to be among the first athletes invited to help announce X Games China,” said Cai Xuetong, two-time X Games snowboard medalist and the first Chinese athlete to win a medal at the X Games.
“It is a great spectator event that is popular with young people all over the world, and is a great expression of their vitality and potential. For me, the X Games represent realness and limitless possibility. I am looking forward to the arrival of the X Games in China and dedicating the amazing and outstanding performances to our Chinese friends.”
“We are thrilled to announce the partnership with REnextop to produce both summer and winter X Games events in China,” said Tim Reed, vice president of ESPN X Games.
“We are proud to bring the X Games to China and produce world-class events showcasing the top action sports athletes in the world as well as the music, art and culture that connects so well with the youth and sports lifestyle,” said Chen Ye, CEO of REnextop.
The full schedule, venue and ticket information for the X Games China 2019 summer event will be announced later.
