Final tricks decide winners at the first stop of the 2021 SLS Championship Tour
It all came down to the last trick. For Rayssa Leal, the win was in her control, land the trick, she would win. For Gustavo Ribeiro, he had to wait for Nyjah Huston’s last attempt to secure his win.
But, for both athletes, the winning emotion was the exact same as friends and other competitors lifted each skater into the air as tears flowed down their faces.
The event marked the return of SLS’ annual competition, which has been held since 2010 with the exception of 2020, when the tour was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the opening stop of SLS’ 2021 series, Ribeiro battled reigning 2019 SLS World Champion Nyjah Huston, the most decorated skater in SLS history – deep in the finals. Huston skated with his trademark skill and style throughout, but on his last trick of the day Ribeiro landed an incredible 360 flip nose blunt for a stellar 9.4 score, launching him to first place in the Men’s division. Alex Midler, took third place.
The Women’s division went down to the wire as well. Leal, fresh off earning silver at the Tokyo Olympics, contended with Tokyo bronze medalist Funa Nakayama and Roos Zwetsloot. The outcome remained in doubt until the very end.
Prior to her last attempt, Leal exhorted the passionate crowd to get event louder, then landed an extraordinary kickflip frontside boardslide. Ecstatic, Leal threw her board in the air and celebrated with her fellow skaters before the judges awarded her an 8.5, sealing her victory. Nakayama and Zwetsloot finished second and third, respectively
Ribeiro’s dramatic win is the first time he has topped an SLS podium. For Leal, this marks her second SLS win following her 2019 breakout victory in Los Angeles at just 11-years old.
Ribeiro, who in 2021 has had to overcome a shoulder injury to continue to skate, said afterwards, “This is a dream – never stop dreaming. It’s all about perseverance. Because if you practice, train and never stop believing in yourself, anything is possible.” He added, “I’m super-stoked that SLS is back. Finally, we can skate contests again. SLS gives more visibility to the sport and pushes more companies to support it.”
Leal said, “It was always my dream to win at Street League. And now to get my second win, I’m so stoked. Street League means a lot to skateboarding. I grew up watching SLS and seeing my idols. Now, to be in it is so amazing. It’s not just a competition, it’s like a family. Everyone is together, supporting one another and pushing skateboarding forward.”
Fans worldwide also watched Ribeiro’s and Leal’s stunning performances on YouTube, DAZN and MCS. Live linear TV broadcasts were carried by ProSieben (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), Fox Sports (Australia) and Globo (Brazil).
2021 SLS CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR: SALT LAKE CITY PRESENTED BY VISIBLE
OFFICIAL RESULTS:
Men’s Division:
|
Rank |
Last Name |
First Name |
Nat. |
Line |
Trick 1 |
Trick 2 |
Trick 3 |
Trick 4 |
Trick 5 |
Trick 6 |
Total |
|
1 |
Ribeiro |
Gustavo |
POR |
6.3 |
9.0 |
0.0 |
9.2 |
8.2 |
0.0 |
9.4 |
27.6 |
|
2 |
Huston |
Nyjah |
USA |
8.9 |
0.0 |
9.0 |
8.3 |
9.3 |
8.9 |
0.0 |
27.2 |
|
3 |
Midler |
Alex |
USA |
8.0 |
8.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
8.8 |
8.6 |
0.0 |
25.4 |
Women’s Division:
|
Rank |
Last Name |
First Name |
Nat. |
Line |
Trick 1 |
Trick 2 |
Trick 3 |
Trick 4 |
Trick 5 |
Trick 6 |
Total |
|
1 |
Leal |
Rayssa |
BRA |
4.5 |
5.7 |
6.6 |
5.9 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
8.5 |
21.0 |
|
2 |
Nakayama |
Funa |
JPN |
4.1 |
7.1 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
7.0 |
6.6 |
0.0 |
20.7 |
|
3 |
Zwetsloot |
Roos |
NED |
3.1 |
5.7 |
6.7 |
4.6 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
7.2 |
19.6 |
UP NEXT:
The 2021 SLS Championship Tour will head to Florida as the competition heats up. Ribeiro and Leal will look to build on their standings lead at SkateBird Miami October 29 and 30. With only the top four skaters in total season standings guaranteed a spot in the Final, every point is crucial. Miami will then pave the way for the SLS Super Crown Championship, coming to Jacksonville Landing the weekend of November 13.
2021 SLS Championship Tour
- SLS Championship Tour: Miami: Friday, October 29 – Saturday October 30 (SkateBird Miami)
- SLS Super Crown Championship: Jacksonville: Saturday November 13 – Sunday November 14 (Jacksonville Landing)
TICKET INFORMATION:
Tickets for the SLS Super Crown Championship are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit StreetLeague.com/Tickets.