Christian Hosoi, Steve Olson and David Hackett will compete in the Masters bowl category for prize purse of $5000 USD. Thanks to an extended seating area, the spectators will have a great chance to see real bowl skateboarding as it once begun in California.
early days
Christian Hosoi is considered as one of the best skateboarders of all time mainly for pulling huge aerials that no one was capable of at that time, at least not that high. Those of younger age might not be that hyped like the older generation of skaters but one could say that before X-Games there was Christian Hosoi. One of his "arch enemy" another skateboard legend Tony Hawk once stated that Hosoi skated "in a way you wished you could, but knew you would never achieve." I think that this is pretty much self-explanatory.
going big
Christian started skateboarding at famous Marina Del Rey Skatepark in Venice, L.A. turning pro at the age of 14 with Sims Skateboards. Some of the local legends like Shogo Kubo, the original Dogtown Zephyr team member remember a long hair kid blasting in the park; it was apparent young Christian has a plenty of talent and determination. He emerged on the competition scene making name for himself in 1980 at Vans contest at Del Mar Skate Ranch finishing first at the age of 11. The rest is a history. The rest is a history - throughout the 80's it was either Hosoi or Hawk winning the vert.
famous Rocket Air - one of Christian's signature tricks
Christ Air - Christian's most recognizable trick - nobody does it nowadays!
He shot to stardom when vertical skateboarding started growing in spectator popularity with prize money he could never dream of. It did not take long and first skateboard companies like Converse, Santa Cruz, Vision or Jimmy'Z started realize that Hosoi equals popularity (or money if you like) not just because of his aggressive and stylish skating but also for his rock'n'roll appearance and lifestyle. But as the old saying goes Christian's success had taken its toll. In January 2000, he was caught and imprisoned for carrying nearly pound and a half of crystal methamphetamine to Honolulu. He was sentenced to 10 years of which he served 4 and was released early in 2004 due to legal efforts of his family and close friends.
Christian still kills it today
Due to his drug escapades, he missed for example the first X-Games won by Tony Hawk and becoming an icon of the sport on that account. We will never know what would have happened if Christian showed up then. Since his parole, Christian has never touched the drugs again, became a dad and continues skating and entering world's competitions. One of the world's best competitions he will be seen at this summer is held in Prague, Czech Republic this July 2014. Do not miss the legend.
