Italy's best skateshops challenged each other at Vans Shop Riot 2024

This weekend, the Pinbowl DIY Skatepark in Pero, Milan, hosted the Italian final of the Vans Shop Riot 2024, the fourteenth edition of a Vans signature event created to celebrate the skate community and local skateshops. During the national qualifications, which took place throughout the year in the main European metropolises, the best skateshops in each country were able to field a team of four skaters. Last weekend's Italian stage counted on the participation of no less than seventeen teams from all over the country, who were able to put themselves to the test by following different challenges throughout the day. After two hours of open practice where the skaters could warm up, the event kicked off with the Team Contest , a challenge divided into three ‘Heat Street Contests’, where each of the competing teams had two minutes to complete as many tricks and combos as possible in the main skate park. During the first hours of the Vans Shop Riot 2024, the teams tested their synergy, having to present the judges with performances that combined performance, brilliance, fun and execution. In addition, the Heat Street Contest offered a unique opportunity for each competing skateshop to dress up their team in matching flashy looks to add eye-catching details to each trick.

After the Team Contest the Team Challenges started : while in the Vans AVE Picnic Table Contest the skaters had to show off their best tricks on a Vans branded picnic table, in order to accumulate points from the judges, in the Death Race each team had to focus on speed, completing a four-person course in the shortest possible time, without pushing themselves, but only by ‘tapping’ on the wheels, definitely an unconventional speed contest. Immediately afterwards, the Vans team brought the Wheel of Fortune, on which the names of some impossible tricks were written, to the centre of the Pinbowl DIY Skatepark ramps . Once the wheel was turned, the participants had to perform the indicated trick in the shortest possible time, a real competition of speed and skill that ignited even more the spirit of challenge that had been created during the event. Finally, at the Vans Shop Riot 2024 skaters were able to refresh themselves with a Waffle Eating Contest, a competition to see who could eat as many waffles as possible within one minute. After hours and hours of skating, each participant was finally able to rest on a chequered picnic table, put on a branded bib and enjoy themselves with the crowd, amidst caramel, whipped cream and chocolate cream.

Taking home the trophy and the chance to compete in the European Grand Finals in February 2025 was the Eight Ball team from Bassano del Grappa, which distinguished itself by winning three of the four Team Challenges. Also on the podium were the East Wind team from Lignano Sabbiadoro, finishing second, and the Frisco Shop team from Brescia, who came third. Against the backdrop of the Pinbowl DIY Skatepark in Pero, Milan, which was decorated for the occasion with classic Vans motifs, from chess to the brand's mascot, the winners were awarded by judges Davide Penzo, Luca Babič, Arianna Battista and Andrea Marangoni, while DJ Redbeard continued to liven up the day with a selection of records customised for the event. At the end of the day, after the awards and celebrations, the Vans community, including skaters, fans and insiders, then moved to theOstello Bello Centrale for an afterparty full of energy. To the tune of You Nico ‘s records, the contest teams and their fans were able to indulge and celebrate their victories, from the most successful tricks to the waffles they were able to stuff themselves with. With the participation of a community that always wants to have fun and share real emotions, the Vans Shop Riot 2024 returned to confirm the core value of skateboarding, the same value that has always characterised the spirit of Vans: passion.