SLS takes over the Santa Monica Pier

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – With the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop, thousands of action sports fans descended upon the iconic Santa Monica Pier for a truly unique skate contest. 

Held during Memorial Day weekend, Street League Skateboarding (SLS) unveiled its new ‘Takeover’ format, transforming the beach locale into a vibrant celebration of skate culture. The second stop on the 2025 SLS Championship Tour offered a free festival-style competition honoring the legendary Santa Monica Triple Set, by reconstructing it directly on the pier.

The day began with fifteen men competing in the Wildcard jam. After a blistering 30-minute session, Cordano Russell and Julian Agliardi advanced to the finals.

"We’re taking a chance and that’s exactly what skateboarding needs right now. While most companies play it safe, we’re leaning into risk, choosing to do something new, bold, and for the people,” said Tal Cooperman, CMO of Thrill One. “We’re bringing skateboarding back outside, right to the heart of a place packed with history, energy, and culture.” 

The Women's final took center stage shortly after, with fan favorite and Olympic athlete Chloe Covell (New South Wales, Australia) taking home the victory. She landed multiple heel flips down the large stair sets and was visibly hyped cementing the win on her last trick. 

“This is my first time here, it’s a real cool scenery the whole vibe here. I checked out the triple set yesterday. It’s really big, but I definitely want to try and hit it,” Covell told The Sporting Tribune.

In the Men’s final, a list of heavy hitters blasted over the stairs and rails, including Dashawn Jordan, Shane O’Neill, Braden Hoban, Alex Midler, Louie Lopez, Chris Joslin and Zion Wright. 

We nearly saw an Aussie sweep on the championship podium, as Shane O’Neill effortlessly stuck a switch 360-flip earning him 2nd place. Another standout was Deshawn Jordan, nailing his patent laser flip with ease.

In the end, 29-year-old Chris Joslin (Cerritos, Calif.) walked away with his first ever SLS victory. He landed a massive big spin on his final attempt, as the crowd roared in approval. He was visibly emotional in the aftermath, dedicating the win to his grandmother. 

Bonus Tricks

Spectators that stuck around past the official conclusion of the contest were rewarded with skaters launching themselves down the original Triple Set. Braden Hoban’s impossible capped off the impromptu session steps from the pier entrance.

What's On Tap

The next stop of the 2025 SLS Championship Tour rolls through Brasilia, Brazil on July 13.