A LOOK BACK AT X-GAMES “REAL SERIES”
X Games first introduced the Real Series in 2010 with Real Street Skateboarding, breaking new ground by shifting the competition from the traditional contest setting to the streets. Instead of a timed run in front of judges, skateboarders teamed up with filmers to create highly curated, next-level video parts, showcasing their best tricks and creative lines in real-world environments. The success of Real Street sparked a movement, leading to the expansion of the series with Real Snow in 2011, Real Moto and Real BMX in 2016, and Real MTB in 2021. Each edition carried the same raw, unfiltered energy, emphasizing not just athletic skill but also storytelling, cinematography, and the unique collaboration between athlete and filmer. Since its launch, the Real Series has remained one of the most respected and progressive platforms in action sports, pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible in competitive video-based riding.
When Real Moto last dropped in 2020, it delivered another all-time lineup, with Colby Raha taking GOLD, Josh Hill claiming SILVER, and Jackson Strong securing BRONZE. But in the years since, the absence of Real Moto has left a noticeable gap in the moto community. Now, with fresh video parts surfacing—like Jason Borosky’s TODAY, which has sparked conversations and reignited excitement—the big question on everyone’s mind is:
Will Real Moto be back?
In addition, if you grew up in skate culture, you know just how monumental a video part was for us. Whether it was shot by a professional or a homie with a scratched-up fisheye lens on a beat-up VX1000, skate videos weren’t just clips—they were our stories, our struggles, our victories. The hours spent battling a single trick, the local spots that became legendary in our minds, the slam reels that were somehow just as important as the landed tricks—we captured it all.
It wasn’t just about stacking clips. It was about progression, style, and community. Those grainy, late-night clips at the local curb spot or that one clean line at the perfect golden hour—these moments fueled the fire and kept us pushing. And now, with X Games keeping the spirit alive through Real Street, Real Skate, and other street-based contests, that same energy is being passed down to a new generation.
Seeing pros still out there, grinding—literally and figuratively—to put out the best video parts keeps the next wave of skaters and riders hyped to push their own limits. Whether it's on a deck, pegs, or wheels, the drive to create, progress, and document it all is still at the heart of action sports.
So, as conversations heat up around the possible return of Real Moto, one thing is clear—video parts will always be the rawest, most creative expression of action sports, and we need competitions like this to keep the culture thriving. Will X Games answer the call? The streets, the trails, and the riders are ready.
It would be amazing to see X Games bring back some of the BMX and Moto divisions to the Real Series, along with returning Real Street Skate to a production like it once was. Over the years, these contests have been more than just competitions—they've been a showcase of raw talent, creativity, and dedication that define action sports.
Of course, opinions may be split. Some riders and fans appreciate the in-person Real Street format, where anyone can throw down their best tricks for a chance at glory. There’s something pure about that raw, open-ended style of competition. But others—especially those who grew up on traditional Real Series edits—see the Athlete x Filmer duo as an essential part of what makes these contests so special. The chemistry between rider and filmer, the way angles and editing can elevate a trick from mind-blowing to legendary, and the deeper storytelling behind a well-crafted video part? That’s what makes Real Series edits feel timeless.
BMX and Moto, in particular, thrive in this kind of format. These sports are built on vision—finding lines, spotting setups, and executing tricks that seem impossible until someone makes them happen. And when you pair a top-tier athlete with a filmer who understands their style and strengths, the result is next level.
Bringing back Real Moto and Real BMX, alongside a revamped Real Street Skate, could strike the perfect balance—giving riders the space to push boundaries, filmers the chance to bring their artistic vision to life, and fans the opportunity to experience action sports in its purest, most creative form.
So, will X Games answer the call? The riders are ready, the filmers are waiting, and the fans are more than hyped to see what’s next.
