Ever wondered who dominates the skatepark with their flips and grinds?
From vert ramp veterans to street skating icons, these 15 legends have shifted the landscape of skateboarding.
Grab your deck as we drop into the stories of these skateboarding giants, one legendary trick at a time.
For more skateboarding insights, tune into the best skateboarding podcasts.
Best Skateboarders:
- Tony Hawk
- Rodney Mullen
- Mark Gonzales
- Nyjah Huston
- Stacy Peralta
- Danny Way
- Bob Burnquist
- Chris Cole
- Eric Koston
- Lance Mountain
- Paul Rodriguez
- Steve Caballero
- Bucky Lasek
- Andrew Reynolds
- Daewon Song
Table of Contents
#1 Tony Hawk
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: May 12, 1968
- 🛹 Position/Role: Professional Skateboarder
- 🏆 Career Highlights: First to land a 900, 12x World Champion, X Games medals: 10 Gold, 3 Silver, 2 Bronze
Known as “The Birdman,” Tony Hawk is a pioneer who reshaped modern skateboarding. His ability to defy physics with aerial stunts and his groundbreaking 900 at the X Games elevated the sport’s prominence. Hawk’s innovation and influence led to a significant expansion of skateboarding into mainstream culture.
Hawk’s entrepreneurial ventures, including the Tony Hawk Pro Skater video game series, have left an indelible mark on the industry. His philanthropy through the Tony Hawk Foundation, which builds skateparks in underprivileged areas, reveals his commitment to community and the progression of skateboarding. Beyond the board, Hawk’s legacy extends as an advocate for youth and entrepreneur.
#2 Rodney Mullen
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: August 17, 1966
- 🛹 Position/Role: Professional Skateboarder
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Over 30 professional contest wins, invented numerous tricks, including the flatground Ollie and Kickflip
Rodney Mullen, often called the “Godfather of Street Skating,” revolutionized skateboarding with his invention of foundational tricks and unparalleled technical skills. His creativity spawned a new skateboarding style that is practiced worldwide. Mullen’s freestyle skateboarding expertise solidified his status as a key figure in the sport.
Despite facing injuries and evolving through different eras of skateboarding, Mullen has continued to innovate. He has significantly influenced board design and technology through his company, Almost Skateboards. Mullen’s intellectual and philosophical approach to skating and life continues to inspire skateboarders and thinkers alike.
#3 Mark Gonzales
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: June 1, 1968
- 🛹 Position/Role: Professional Skateboarder
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Thrasher Magazine’s Skater of the Century (1999), influential video parts in ‘Video Days’ and other films
Mark Gonzales, affectionately known as “The Gonz,” is esteemed for his innovative, free-spirited approach to skateboarding. He’s celebrated as an avant-garde figure who has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible on a skateboard, often combining artistic expression with athletic prowess.
Gonzales is not only a skateboarding icon but also an accomplished artist and designer. His contributions help bridge the gap between skate culture and the art world. Additionally, Gonzales is the founder of the influential skateboard brand Blind and continues to inspire new generations with his creativity and ingenuity both on and off the board.
#4 Nyjah Huston
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: November 30, 1994
- 🛹 Position/Role: Professional Skateboarder
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Multiple-time Street League Skateboarding champion, X Games medals: 13 Gold, 4 Silver, 2 Bronze
Nyjah Huston is recognized for his technical proficiency and consistency, dominating the competitive skateboarding scene. As the youngest-ever X Games competitor, Huston has made a name for himself with his intense competitive spirit and ability to land extremely difficult tricks under pressure.
Off the deck, Huston has established a non-profit organization called Let It Flow, which aims to provide clean and safe drinking water to communities in need. His fierce competitive nature and philanthropic work reflect a dual passion for excellence in skateboarding and making a positive difference in the world.
#5 Stacy Peralta
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: October 15, 1957
- 🛹 Position/Role: Former Professional Skateboarder, Director, and Entrepreneur
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Original member of the Zephyr Competition Team, influential director of skateboarding films
Stacy Peralta gained fame as a member of the legendary Zephyr Competition Team, also known as the Z-Boys, who were vital in the evolution of modern skateboarding with their aggressive style and surf-inspired moves. Following his competitive career, Peralta transitioned into film-making, where his documentaries have chronicled skateboarding history and culture.
As a co-founder of Powell-Peralta and the Bones Brigade team, Peralta has been crucial in discovering and mentoring some of the most prominent skaters in history. Beyond his skateboarding and business endeavors, Peralta’s influence as a storyteller has immortalized the sport’s legacy for future generations.
#6 Danny Way
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: April 15, 1974
- 🛹 Position/Role: Professional Skateboarder
- 🏆 Career Highlights: First to jump the Great Wall of China on a skateboard, X Games medals: 8 Gold, 4 Silver, 1 Bronze
Danny Way is celebrated for pushing the physical limits of skateboarding, as evident by his death-defying stunts, such as the jump over the Great Wall of China. His constant desire to innovate helped elevate extreme skateboarding, particularly with the development of the Mega Ramp.
Despite numerous injuries that stemmed from his daring style, Way has made remarkable comebacks, showcasing his resilience and commitment to the sport. Danny’s influence extends to his role in co-founding the skateboarding company Plan B, as well as his dedication to advancing skateboarding technology and infrastructure.
#7 Bob Burnquist
- 🌍 Nationality: Brazilian-American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: October 10, 1976
- 🛹 Position/Role: Professional Skateboarder
- 🏆 Career Highlights: X Games medals: 14 Gold, 8 Silver, 3 Bronze, First to land a fakie 900
Bob Burnquist is known for his inventive and bold vert ramp performances, including being the first to land a fakie-to-fakie 900. His creativity and fearlessness have earned him numerous victories and iconic status within the sport.
Burnquist is also a committed environmentalist and has worked on various initiatives to promote sustainability. His skateboarding achievements, combined with his passion for environmental issues, demonstrate the multi-dimensional nature of his impact on the world around him, both within and away from the ramp.
#9 Eric Koston
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: April 29, 1975
- 🛹 Position/Role: Professional Street Skateboarder
- 🏆 Career Highlights: X Games Gold Medalist, Multiple-Times Street League Skateboarding Winner
Eric Koston, recognized for his precision and technical skills, has been influential in the progression of street skating. Known for pushing the boundaries of tricks and consistently displaying innovation, Koston’s style is smooth and effortless. He’s also known for landing some of the first-ever skateboarding tricks, maintaining a place as a legend in the sport.
Off the board, Koston has contributed significantly through his entrepreneurial ventures, co-founding brands like The Berrics, and engaging in partnerships that help evolve skate culture. His personality, savvy business sense, and role in advancing skateboarding’s acceptance as a mainstream sport underscore his lasting legacy.
#10 Lance Mountain
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: June 13, 1964
- 🛹 Position/Role: Professional Skateboarder, mainly Transition
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Influential Member of the Bones Brigade, Skateboarding Hall of Fame Inductee
Lance Mountain is celebrated for his creative and adaptive approach to skateboarding, especially within the vert and bowl disciplines. His contributions during the 1980s cemented his place as an iconic figure, and he continues to skate with the same enthusiasm to this day—a testament to his enduring passion for the sport.
Mountain’s impact is also evident in his artistic talents, from designing skateboards to engaging in multimedia projects. He inspires skateboarders of all ages with his positive attitude and commitment to the joy of skateboarding. His legacy is multifaceted, encompassing not just athletic prowess but also a rich contribution to skateboarding culture.
#11 Paul Rodriguez
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: December 31, 1984
- 🛹 Position/Role: Professional Street Skateboarder
- 🏆 Career Highlights: X Games Gold Medalist, Founder of Primitive Skateboarding
Paul Rodriguez, often referred to as P-Rod, has marked his territory in the skateboarding world with technical finesse and a steady string of competition wins. His skateboarding style is characterized by intricate flip tricks and precise grind combos. Rodriguez has been an influential figure in bridging the gap between skating and mainstream culture.
Through his company Primitive Skateboarding, Rodriguez has not only provided quality gear for skaters but has also nurtured new talent and promoted the sport globally. His endeavors, both as a successful entrepreneur and as a positive role model, have elevated the awareness and appreciation of skateboarding.
#12 Steve Caballero
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: November 8, 1964
- 🛹 Position/Role: Professional Skateboarder, primarily known for Vert
- 🏆 Career Highlights: X Games medalist, Thrasher Skater of the Year, Skateboarding Hall of Fame Inductee
Steve Caballero is a legendary figure in skateboarding, renowned for his innovative aerials and inventing skateboard tricks like the Caballerial. His strength lies in both vert ramp skating and street skating. Caballero has remained actively involved in skateboarding and continues to inspire generations of skaters.
Away from competitions, Caballero is known for his artistic pursuits, motorcycle customization, and involvement in the music scene with his band, The Faction. His ability to permeate various subcultures while staying true to his skateboarding roots speaks to the breadth of his influence. His humble personality and enduring commitment to skateboarding culture have made him an enduring fan favorite.
#13 Bucky Lasek
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: December 3, 1972
- 🛹 Position/Role: Professional Skateboarder, specialism in Vert
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Multiple X Games Gold Medals, Vert Skateboarding Champion
Bucky Lasek is known for his vertical ramp prowess, displaying a mix of huge airs and innovative lip tricks. His consistency and competitive spirit have earned him numerous titles and recognition within the skateboarding community. Lasek’s skateboarding style is marked by both power and technique, making him one of the best vert skaters of all time.
In addition to his skateboarding career, Lasek has ventured into motorsports as a rallycross driver, showcasing his versatile athletic abilities. His dedication to skateboarding continues, with mentoring young skaters and participating in events, further marking his commitment to the growth of the sport.
#14 Andrew Reynolds
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: June 6, 1978
- 🛹 Position/Role: Professional Street Skateboarder
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Thrasher Skater of the Year, Co-founder of Baker Skateboards
Andrew Reynolds is fondly known as “The Boss” within the skateboarding community for his influence and his mastery of street skating. His signature moves include smooth, high-flying frontside flips and a clean, powerful style, which have earned him accolades and a significant following. Reynolds’ impact is not only based on his skating abilities but also his leadership within the industry.
Reynolds has contributed to skateboarding’s culture through the founding of Baker Skateboards, providing a platform for upcoming skaters and shaping the aesthetic of modern skateboarding. His commitment to sobriety and his open discussions about mental health have made him a role model for personal growth and resilience.
#15 Daewon Song
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: February 19, 1975
- 🛹 Position/Role: Professional Skateboarder, known for innovative Street Skating
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Thrasher Skater of the Year, Skateboarding Hall of Fame Inductee
Daewon Song is admired for his unreal technical skills and ability to skate unconventional spots. His ingenuity in using the environment to perform intricate tricks has set him apart in the world of street skating. Song’s imaginative approach often blurs the lines between skateboarding and art, making his videos a spectacle to behold.
Aside from pushing the boundaries of skateboarding, Song has been an inspiring figure through his work with brands like DVS Shoes and Almost Skateboards. His down-to-earth demeanor and relentless pursuit of innovation have solidified his status as an icon in skateboarding’s history.
FAQ
Who is the best Skateboarding player of all time?
Tony Hawk is the best Skateboarding player of all time. Here’s a link to our article on why we think Tony Hawk is the best Skateboarding player of all time. His revolutionary tricks and video game series profoundly impacted skate culture and its mainstream popularity.
Who are the top 10 greatest Skateboarding players of all time?
Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, Mark Gonzales, Nyjah Huston, Stacy Peralta, Danny Way, Bob Burnquist, Chris Cole, Eric Koston, and Lance Mountain are the top 10 greatest Skateboarding players of all time. These skaters have shaped the sport with their iconic styles, groundbreaking tricks, and significant contributions.
Who is the most famous female Skateboarding player?
Leticia Bufoni is the most famous female Skateboarding player. Renowned for her athletic prowess and multiple X Games gold medals, she has become a leading figure in the sport, inspiring female athletes worldwide.