Skateboarding has always been about pushing limits. However, few events capture that spirit quite like Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert. In 2026, the competition returned to the Jon M. Huntsman Center at the University of Utah, and it did not disappoint. From jaw-dropping aerial maneuvers to breathtaking best trick moments, this year’s event reminded the world why vert skateboarding deserves a front-row seat in action sports.
Whether you are a lifelong skate fan or a curious newcomer, this article covers everything you need to know. We break down the format, the star athletes, the most memorable tricks, and the bigger story behind this incredible annual event.
What Is Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert?
Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert is a professional vert skateboarding competition held annually in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was founded in 2021 by the legendary Tony Hawk himself. At the time, Hawk felt that vert skateboarding was being overshadowed by street and park disciplines. Street League Skateboarding events were filling arenas, but vert competitions were shrinking. He decided to do something about it.
So, through a partnership with the Utah Sports Commission, Hawk launched Vert Alert. The competition is contested on his personal vert ramp, which is transported from his private skatepark in Vista, California. That ramp matters. It has smooth walls, clean surfaces, and none of the imperfections that have plagued other competition setups. The result is a course that lets athletes truly fly.
Additionally, the event is free for the public to attend. That alone makes it stand out. In a world of expensive sports tickets, Vert Alert invites everyone to watch the world’s best skaters without paying a cent.
The 2026 Venue: Jon M. Huntsman Center
The 2026 edition took place at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on the campus of the University of Utah. This venue has hosted the competition since 2024, following years at the Utah State Fairpark and the Delta Center. The indoor arena offers excellent sight lines and a controlled environment. Therefore, the wooden ramp stays in perfect condition throughout both competition days.
The indoor setting also means fans get an immersive, crowd-fueled atmosphere. When a skater launches ten feet above the lip of the ramp, the roar of the crowd echoes through the arena. That energy feeds the athletes. You can see it in their runs.
How the Competition Works
Understanding the format helps you appreciate just how difficult this event is.
The main vert competition splits riders into groups of eight. Each group gets a 25-minute jam session. Skaters take turns running the ramp, and after the first 30 seconds of each run, they are no longer penalized for bailing on a trick. Judges score each athlete on their overall impression across all runs combined. This means consistency, creativity, and commitment all factor in equally.
The best trick session works differently. Riders get 20 minutes to attempt and land a single trick of their choosing. The trick can be anything. If a skater cannot complete it in time, judges often grant extra time. However, those extra runs do not count toward the official score. This rule has led to some of the most dramatic moments in the event’s short history. The crowd holds its breath every single time.
Judging focuses on three core elements:
- Commitment to the trick
- Creativity in trick selection
- Use of the full ramp and its features
This structure rewards athletes who think boldly, not just those who play it safe.
The Athletes Who Stole the Show
Vert Alert 2026 brought together the best vert skaters on the planet. The men’s field was stacked with talent, and the women’s division continued to prove that it belongs at the very top of action sports.
Gui Khury: The Back-to-Back Champion
Brazilian skater Gui Khury entered 2026 as the defending men’s champion, having won in both 2024 and 2025. At just a teenager, Khury became famous for landing a 1080 on a vert ramp, a feat that once seemed physically impossible. His style combines technical precision with fearless aggression. Additionally, his ability to connect complex combinations mid-run makes him one of the most exciting athletes to watch in any discipline.
Arisa Trew: Reigning Queen of the Ramp
On the women’s side, Arisa Trew of Australia has been dominant for years. She claimed gold in 2023, 2024, and 2025, making her the most successful women’s vert competitor in Vert Alert history. Trew made global headlines at the 2023 event when she became the first woman ever to land a 720 on a skateboard during a post-competition run. Her combination of height, technical tricks, and consistent execution has set the bar impossibly high. Therefore, her performance in 2026 was one of the most anticipated storylines of the entire event.
The Legends Demo: A Walk Down Memory Lane
One of the most beloved parts of Vert Alert is the Legends Demo. This segment features veteran skaters who helped define the sport. Names like Andy Macdonald, Christian Hosoi, Steve Caballero, and Bob Burnquist have all graced the ramp. Tony Hawk himself often participates, showing that even at his age, he can still command a crowd with style and grace. The Legends Demo is not about competition. It is about celebration. It reminds the younger generation where vert skateboarding came from.
The Best Trick Session: Where Legends Are Made
The best trick competition consistently produces the most viral moments. At Vert Alert, athletes are encouraged to attempt tricks they may never have successfully landed in public. The risk is real. The reward is massive.
In recent years, best trick winners have included names like Ao Nishikawa and Arisa Trew, both of whom claimed the honor in 2025. In 2026, the bar was raised once again. Skaters attempted high-difficulty combinations, including double McTwists, 900s, and technical lip tricks that pushed the boundaries of what the ramp allows.
What makes the best trick session special is the rawness of it. There are no polished run sequences. There is no choreography. Just a skater, a ramp, and one trick they believe in. The crowd can feel the pressure. Sometimes, a skater will attempt the same trick five, six, or seven times. When they finally land it, the arena explodes.
Prize Money and Equal Pay
Vert Alert has built a reputation for taking prize equity seriously. The competition offers equal prize money across the men’s and women’s divisions. In 2025, the champion in each category took home $10,000, the runner-up received $5,000, and third place earned $4,000. Best trick winners received $5,000.
This commitment to equal pay is not just a talking point. It is embedded in the structure of the event. It sends a clear message: vert skateboarding values all of its athletes equally. In a sport that has historically undervalued women’s competitions, Vert Alert stands as a refreshing exception.
Why Vert Skateboarding Matters in 2026
When Tony Hawk launched Vert Alert in 2021, vert skateboarding was on the fringe. Street and park skateboarding had dominated Olympic coverage and mainstream media for years. However, something has shifted.
Vert Alert gave vert skating a home. It gave the discipline credibility, consistency, and a world-class stage. Over five years, it has helped attract new fans and inspire young skaters to pick up vert as a serious pursuit. The numbers tell the story. The event’s YouTube livestream on the RIDE channel draws massive viewership each year, introducing global audiences to the magic of aerial skateboarding.
In 2026, the message is clear. Vert skateboarding is not a relic of the past. It is alive, growing, and evolving faster than ever.
How to Watch and Get Involved
Vert Alert is a free event, which means anyone can show up and watch in person. However, if you cannot make the trip to Utah, the competition is livestreamed on YouTube through the RIDE channel. Past replays are also available on the official Vert Alert website and YouTube page, so you can catch up on any year you may have missed.
If you want to follow the action year-round, the official Instagram account @thvertalert regularly posts clips, behind-the-scenes content, and event updates. The hashtag #THVertAlert is also active during competition weekends, making it easy to join the conversation from anywhere in the world.
Conclusion
Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert 2026 once again proved that vert skateboarding is in excellent hands. From the smooth ramp surface to the jaw-dropping tricks, every detail of the event reflects Tony Hawk’s passion for keeping this discipline alive. The competition format rewards creativity and commitment. The athletes, from reigning champions like Gui Khury and Arisa Trew to the iconic legends on demo day, bring the very best of themselves to Salt Lake City each year. The free admission, equal prize money, and global livestream make this event accessible to everyone. Additionally, the growing fanbase suggests that vert’s best days may still be ahead.
If you have never watched Vert Alert, now is the time to start. And if you are already a fan, 2026 gave you plenty of reasons to keep coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert?
Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert is a professional vert skateboarding competition held annually in Salt Lake City, Utah. Founded by Tony Hawk in 2021, it features a main vert competition and a best trick session for both men and women.
Is Vert Alert free to attend?
Yes, the event is completely free for the public to attend in person. It is presented by the Utah Sports Commission and held at venues on or near the University of Utah campus.
Where can I watch Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert online?
The competition is livestreamed on YouTube via the RIDE channel. Replays and highlight videos are also available on the official Vert Alert website and their YouTube playlist.
Who are the most successful athletes in Vert Alert history?
Arisa Trew of Australia has been the most dominant women’s competitor, winning three consecutive gold medals from 2023 to 2025. Gui Khury of Brazil has led the men’s division with back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025.
Does Vert Alert offer equal prize money for men and women?
Yes. Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert is known for offering equal prize money across both divisions. The 2025 champion in each category received $10,000, which reflects the event’s commitment to fairness and equity in action sports.
