YUTO HORIGOME: FROM THE STREETS OF TOKYO…
Yuto Horigome: From the Streets of Tokyo to Global Skateboarding Dominance
Meet the Japanese Double Olympic Champion and Two-Time Tampa Pro Winner Who Nearly Claimed a Historic Third Title.
In the world of professional skateboarding, few names command as much respect as Yuto Horigome. At 26, the Tokyo-born skater has cemented his place among the sport’s all-time greats, narrowly missing out on a historic third consecutive Tampa Pro title in 2025. Finishing second, Horigome added yet another impressive result to an already overflowing collection, reinforcing his dominance in both competition and the wider skateboarding culture.
The Tampa Pro, known for its intense competition and status as one of the most prestigious events in street skateboarding, has become a proving ground for elite skaters. To win it once is a career milestone; to win it three times in a row is the mark of a true generational talent. Although he came just short of that distinction in 2025, Horigome’s runner-up finish was a statement that he remains at the peak of his powers and cemented his status as one of the greats.
Discover the story behind his rise to skateboarding’s elite in our exclusive Q&A with Yuto, offering a rare glimpse into the mindset, discipline, and passion that drive his success.
Q&A
Q: You have won many contest titles. Are there still titles you want to win in the future?
Yuto Horigome: Yes, one title I haven’t won yet is the Street League Super Crown. Since I was a kid, it has been my dream contest. Now that I can compete in it, I feel incredibly motivated. Competing with top pro skaters and improving together is a special experience.
Q: Why were you so focused on winning Tampa Pro?
YH: TAMPA PRO is unique because only pro skaters can compete in it. Many skaters who don’t usually compete in Street League or the X Games gather for TAMPA PRO. It isn’t just a competition; it’s a fun event where all the pros come together. But at the same time, new skaters are emerging, and the level of competition keeps rising. The course is also different from other contests, emphasising flow and speed and allowing me to showcase different skills.
Q: Where do you think you need to improve ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games?
YH: There’s still a lot I need to improve. I need to keep creating new tricks, but not just any tricks – I want to find stylish and cool moves that suit me. I want to keep improving in my own way.
Q: As skateboarding continues to evolve, how far do you think it can go in the future?
YH: I think by the time of the LA Olympics, the level of skateboarding will be two or three times higher than in the 2024 Paris Games. Tricks will become even more advanced. To win, skaters will have to include not only their best tricks but also even harder ones within a 45-second run. I love pushing myself, skating with younger riders, and constantly improving.
Q: Contests and street riding are completely different, but how do you feel about them both?
YH: Many people see contests and street skating as completely separate, but I don’t. I started skating in a small park and gradually improved until I could compete in contests. To me, contests are just an extension of street skating. I love both, and I see value in each. While street skating has its unique culture, contests have their own culture, too. With more competitions like the Olympics emerging, there are even more opportunities to explore.
Q: How do you feel about the possibility of winning Skater of the Year (SOTY), and what does the award mean to you?
YH: No Asian skater has won it yet. It’s a special award because it’s not based on contest results. It’s about contributing to street culture and pushing the boundaries of skateboarding. I would love to win it, but rather than focusing too much on the award itself, I want to create videos that truly represent my vision for skateboarding. If those videos lead me to win SOTY, that would be amazing.
Q: As young riders grow, so does the skateboarding scene. How do you identify and support promising young skaters?
Yuto Horigome: I always check out the skateboarding scene, watch videos, and follow skaters on Instagram. If someone catches my eye, I reach out to them. My business partners and friends also help me find promising young skaters. I’ve experienced both successes and failures in my career, and I want to use that knowledge to help young skaters avoid mistakes and grow in the best possible environment.
After winning a historic gold medal in the first-ever skateboarding competition in the Olympics, and achieving one of the biggest feats in the sport at just 22 years old, where do you possibly go from there? For Yuto Horigome, it’s a question that he’s spent the last year trying to answer. It has meant going back to his roots – skating in parks and hanging with his hometown friends – and redefining what “success” really means, especially when sporting success comes with a price. As his star rises, and so does his fame, every podium placement might mean sacrificing another degree of freedom for a young skater still deeply passionate about the culture.
As Yuto Horigome extends his Tampa Pro legacy with another standout performance, his story continues to unfold. With LA 2028 on the horizon, he has the chance to become the first three-time Olympic skateboarding champion, cementing his legacy among the sport’s greats. However, his focus goes beyond titles – progression, creativity, and inspiring the next generation drive him, alongside his commitment to ensuring skateboarding thrives in both competitions and the streets where it began.
