X Games announces new format from 2026

The X-Games is changing format from the current biannual competitions to a new league-based format.

In the current format, individual athletes compete in different winter and summer action sports disciplines. The summer event includes skateboarding, BMX and motocross competitions. During the winter event, athletes compete in freestyle skiing and snowboarding. There is also a skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking video competition in which athletes perform tricks in an urban environment.

In a press release, X-Games officials unveiled the new league-based competition system on June 13. The new system will be implemented in 2026 and is inspired by Formula 1.

In the new format, athletes compete in teams on a schedule throughout the year; however, summer and winter sports disciplines will remain distinct. The two different leagues will be the X-Games Summer League and the X-Games Winter League.

Teams will be made up of different athletes competing in individual disciplines. In these disciplines, they can collect points for their team. Similar to Formula 1, investors will back the team.

X-Games is taking this step to make action sports competition a global event and allow athletes to earn more money through competitions. Currently, athletes receive a share of a $2.4 million prize bag based on their position.

The new format grants more money to athletes since they can earn money through individual competitions as well as team competitions. Competitors can also earn money through sponsorship from the team’s investors.

Scotty James, nine-time X-Games gold medalist and strategic advisor to the competition, said in an official press release: “As an active athlete and X Games advisor, I am excited about the opportunities this new format presents. The long-term vision aims to not only grow action sports globally, but also provide athletes with greater safety than ever before. For the first time, we will be able to focus on performance while benefiting from a stable and sustainable professional career in action sports.

Athletes have previously criticized the X-Games due to poor payment to competitors. X-Games only pays $1,000 to athletes ranked tenth or lower. This is not enough to cover the travel costs of international competitors. The new format is supposed to improve this situation.

X-Games was founded in 1995 and has been one of the biggest action sports competitions ever since. The 2023 Summer X-Games attracted more than 50,000 visitors. The disciplines have changed over the years and once included things like bungee jumping and inline skating.

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