Industry News
Australian snowboarder Scotty James etched his name in the history books on Thursday, January 23, as he claimed a record-breaking fourth consecutive X Games superpipe title at Aspen’s Buttermilk Mountain, Colorado. The two-time Olympic medalist’s victory not only cemented his dominance in the sport but also saw him surpass snowboarding legend Shaun White’s three-title streak from the late 2000s.
Not only is this James’ fourth consecutive X Games Gold Medal, it also marks his seventh overall X Games Gold Medal. With a 96.33, Scotty’s four-peat win in Aspen comes on the heels of another huge Gold Medal Win at the 2025 LAAX Open, where he successfully defended his 2024 title and earned his 10th career World Cup victory.
Donning his trademark red boxing gloves, James dazzled fans and judges alike with a masterful performance. He secured his win with a jaw-dropping 96.33-point first run in the final, a display of technical brilliance that featured a switch McTwist, cab triple cork 1440, frontside 1260, backside 1080, and switch back 1200. His second run, which scored 93.00, further underscored his unmatched consistency and flair. Under the lights at Aspen, James hauled in his seventh X Games gold medal, bringing his total X Games halfpipe medal count to 10—equaling White’s record.
“Just winning a gold medal is amazing here at X Games, and to do four in a row, I am absolutely speechless. The triple cork is the one; it’s the trick I feel you have to have in the mix to have any intention of making any damage on the podium. So to put it in my run and do it switch and try and put in my own flair at the start feels good for the soul.”
— Scotty James
With the gold medal already assured before his second attempt, James treated spectators to a celebratory victory lap, gliding down the halfpipe with a triumphant smile. His performance follows a World Cup triumph at the Laax Open in Switzerland the previous weekend, further solidifying his reputation as the world’s premier halfpipe snowboarder.
James faced stiff competition from Japan’s Totsuka Yuto and Beijing 2022 halfpipe gold medalist Hirano Ayumu, who claimed second and third place, respectively. Totsuka delivered a remarkable second run that earned him 93.66 points, while Hirano rounded out the podium with a 92.33-point performance.
Scotty James is arguably the world’s best active snowboarder, boasting an impressive resume that includes two Olympic medals, three World Championships, and six X Games gold medals. With his podium finish in January, James is on track to tie Shaun White for the most overall halfpipe medals at the X Games. Beyond the X Games, James has his sights set on the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics in February 2026, where he is the projected gold medal favorite and expected to lead Australia’s charge in the Italian Alps.
The win marks James’ seventh X Games superpipe title and tenth X Games medal overall. His streak of consecutive victories began in 2022, adding to earlier wins in 2017, 2019, and 2020. While Shaun White’s legacy remains monumental—with eight X Games superpipe crowns and 15 total X Games titles across snowboarding and skateboarding—James’ latest feat signals a new era of dominance in the sport.
Scotty’s passion lies in working to strategically push the sport forward, inspire the next generation of snowboarders, and leave a legacy, all while still actively competing at the top of his game. Named a strategic advisor to the X Games in 2023, he’s now helping to launch X Games League – a bold, new global format that will provide the next generation of action sport athletes with new levels of stability and enhanced opportunities.
The high-octane action at the X Games continues through January 25, with snowboard and freestyle skiing events set to light up Aspen’s slopes. For James, however, Thursday night will undoubtedly stand as a career-defining moment and a benchmark in snowboarding history.
