If you think snowboarding is a sport then Rider of the Year is something like our Most Valuable Player. If you think snowboarding is an art then it probably makes sense to think of it like the Oscar for best actor or actress. And, if you hate labels, well I can only assume that you don’t care very much for awards then either.
MIA BROOKES — It’s a testament to her riding that at just 18 years old, Mia Brookes is nominated for rider of the year, not rookie. But the contest results don’t lie. Every few years on the contest circuit, there’s always one kid that comes along and makes the established pros shake in their boots a bit. Right now, that kid is Mia Brookes. With a first-place finish at X Games Slopestyle in Aspen, a win at Dew Tour Street Style in Copper, and a dominant performance at the World Cup Big Air in Beijing, she’s not just proving herself—she’s setting a standard.
ANNA GASSER — Anna Gasser has been a defining force in competitive snowboarding for years, and 2024 was no different. Landing on the podium at nearly every major contest—third place at the LAAX Open Slopestyle, X Games Big Air, World Cup Big Air, and World Cup Slopestyle—she reminded everyone why she’s one of the most consistent forces in the game. But her presence isn’t just felt in the contest scene. With a Pleasure Mag cover and standout footage in Schnitzel Time 2, Anna continues to blend style, technicality, and dominance, proving that her influence extends far beyond the podium.
ELENA HIGHT — Year after year, Elena Hight continues to stand out, carving her own path in backcountry snowboarding with a blend of precision and power. In 2024, her riding was showcased in Aesthetics by Jones Snowboards and Every Island Has a Name by Arc’teryx, further cementing her reputation as one of the most influential riders in the mountains.
KOKOMO MURASE — Kokomo Murase has built a reputation for delivering when it matters most, and 2024 was no different. With dominant wins in X Games Big Air, Knuckle Huck, and the World Cup Slopestyle in Tignes, she claimed more first-place finishes than any other woman in competition this year. Adding second-place finishes in X Games Slopestyle and the World Cup Slopestyle in Silvaplana, her season was a masterclass. With a trick selection that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, Kokomo isn’t just winning—she’s redefining the level.
JILL PERKINS — Jill Perkins continues to shape snowboarding on her own terms, bringing a mix of raw power and style that sets her apart. Her riding in SEARCH PARTY was a standout, reinforcing her status as one of the most influential street riders today. Off the board, she used her platform to address sexual harassment in the industry on The Bomb Hole podcast, sparking important conversations within the industry. With the release of her pro model boot for Vans, Jill’s impact isn’t just in the streets—it’s in the culture.
Iris Pham — Last year’s Rookie of the Year, Iris Pham, wasted no time proving she’s here to stay. Keeping her momentum strong, she delivered standout footage in Bittersweet, landed a SLUSH cover and interview, and secured major sponsorships with The North Face and Nitro.
Emma Crosby — Emma Crosby’s riding in My Clay Angel showcased her ability to navigate technical spots with creativity and control, while her feature interview in Torment offered a deeper look into the mind behind the approach. Capping off the year by turning pro for Mountain Hardwear, Emma’s presence in snowboarding keeps growing—not just through her riding, but through the way she carries herself in the space.
Kennedi Deck — Kennedi Deck has been a fixture on this list for years, and somehow, each season, they find a way to outdo the last. Their riding in Blitz! was yet another reminder of their effortless style and precise execution. Adding to their legacy, Kennedi dropped a well-deserved pro model with K2, further cementing their influence in the culture.
RENE RINNEKANGAS — You cannot compare Rene to anybody because Rene rides and films in a way that is truly his own. He has somehow evolved the seemingly impossible to evolve “stunt boarding.” You know, the type of boarding people like Dan Brisse did in the era of “Real Street.” Rene has taken that type of riding to a whole new level and his project Heaven, is a reflection of just what is possible on a snowboard.
JARED ELSTON — Jared Elston rides with a level of grit and fearlessness that makes you wonder if he even registers consequence. Emerging as one of snowboarding’s full-throttle backcountry destroyers, he’s quickly carving out a spot among the sport’s most unshakable riders. His riding in Screwdriver and Every Island Has a Name put his full-throttle approach on display—steep lines, massive sends, and zero hesitation. Earning a pro spot with Arbor was a testament to the kind of year he had, solidifying his place in the new class of backcountry snowboarders pushing the limits. And when it came time for Natural Selection Finals Day, Jared wasn’t just another name in the mix—he was a real threat, proving he thrives when the stakes are high.
KAS LEMMENS – Kas is always somebody we look forward to watching, but his presence in snowboarding extends beyond actual time on board. As the founder of Time for Service, he's also helping create a better space for dealing with mental health problems for people in the industry. Couple that with standout clips in Transparent and it makes sense why Kas earned a nomination.
REID SMITH — Reid Smith had a year. He busted his chops in the street and, this fall, he started working his way down the checklist for a ROTY nomination. Hmm, ok, let’s see. He got a cover this year. Check. He got an ender this year. Check. He went pro this year. Check. If that isn’t a nominee then we don’t know what is.
MIKE CICCARELLI — Mike Ciccarelli took a leap—and it paid off. After years in the slopestyle circuit, he questioned whether it was time to step away from contests. Turns out, shifting gears was exactly what he needed. In 2024, he won Natural Selection, taking down Nils Mindnich in the finals, and played a key role in Torstein Horgmo’s film Return. If there was any doubt about his decision, this year made it clear—he’s right where he’s supposed to be.
VICTOR DE LE RUE – Victor exists on a different plane than most people. Or maybe it's a different continent since Victor is practically the only snowboarder who would go down to Antarctica and ride icebergs. If you haven't seen the footage yet just know it is absolutely as crazy as it sounds.