By: Matt Emma

Moscow’s Khodynskoye Pole was alive with energy on August 24, 2025, as thousands of fans gathered for the thrilling conclusion of the Grand Skate Tour. The men’s final became the centerpiece of the festival, showcasing not just athletic excellence but the spirit of creativity that defines skateboarding. Emerging above a field of over 250 athletes from 64 countries, Julien Agliardi, the Franco-American powerhouse, delivered a flawless performance that earned him first place with an astounding 181.00 points.

Trailing him closely were Angelo Caro of Peru with 171.67 points and Matias Dell Olio of Argentina, a finalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, who took the bronze with 157.33 points. Russian skaters Grigory Chepelev and Savva Vostokov added to the excitement with solid top-ten finishes.

For Agliardi, this win was more than a medal; it was the culmination of years of training, passion, and a vision of skateboarding as a universal language. After his victory, we spoke with Julien about his journey, his reflections on Moscow, and the philosophy that drives his skating.

Q. Julien, congratulations on your victory! What was going through your mind as you finished your final run?

Thank you! Honestly, I was trying to stay present in every second of that run. I knew I was skating against incredible talent — Angelo and Matias are both world-class, and the Russians were coming strong too. When I landed my last trick, I felt this wave of relief, mixed with pure joy. It wasn’t about beating anyone; it was about proving to myself that I could deliver under pressure.

Q. You scored 181.00 points, well ahead of the competition. How did you prepare for this event?

Preparation is everything. I spent months working on my endurance and refining my flow. Skateboarding isn’t only about tricks — it’s about connecting them in a way that feels natural and powerful. I worked a lot on transitions, creativity, and consistency. Also, mental preparation was key. Visualizing the course, visualizing myself landing every trick — that made the difference when it came time to perform.

Q. How did it feel to skate in front of more than 5,000 people in Moscow?

Unreal. The energy was insane. The crowd wasn’t just watching; they were part of the performance. You could feel the cheers pushing you forward, especially in those tough moments when you’re not sure if you’ll land a trick. Moscow surprised me. It’s such a vibrant city with a deep sense of culture and history, but also this young, creative energy. I felt at home here.

Q. Many athletes said the atmosphere was unique — more like a festival than a competition. Did you feel that too?

Definitely, the Grand Skate Tour is unlike anything else. I’ve been to Street League, X Games, World Skate events — all incredible, but GST is different. It’s by skaters, for skaters. It’s about culture, music, art, community, not just competition. You walk around the festival and see graffiti workshops, music performances, and kids skating their first boards. That’s the soul of skateboarding.

Q. Your rivals, Angelo Caro and Matias Dell Olio, had outstanding runs. How do you view their performances?

I have so much respect for both of them. Angelo is a beast — his energy is unmatched, and the way he connects with the crowd is amazing. Matias brings this beautiful mix of technical precision and creativity. Honestly, we push each other. When I see them land insane tricks, it fires me up to go harder. At the end of the day, we’re friends. We celebrate each other’s successes.

Q. Russia’s Grigory Chepelev and Savva Vostokov also had strong showings. Did you notice the local talent?

Of course. Grigory and Savva skated with so much heart. You could tell they were representing their home crowd. It’s exciting to see Russian skateboarding growing at this level. Competitions like GST give local skaters the chance to shine on a global stage, and they really did.

Q. What challenges did you face during the Tour?

The weather was tricky. Moscow gave us some storms during practice, and that always tests your focus. Skating in changing conditions makes you adapt fast. But the biggest challenge was mental — staying calm, not letting nerves eat you alive. With so many fans, cameras, and the pressure of representing two countries — France and the U.S. — I had to remind myself: breathe, focus, enjoy it.

Q. What does this victory mean to you personally?

It means growth. Every contest is a mirror that shows you where you are, not just as a skater but as a person. Winning here tells me that I’m on the right path. But it’s also a reminder to stay humble and keep pushing. Skateboarding is endless — there’s always a new trick, a new style, a new way to express yourself.

Q. The President of the Russian Skateboarding Federation, Ilya Vdovin, said the festival proved “isolating Russia is impossible.” What’s your take on the global message of GST?

I think skateboarding doesn’t care about politics or borders. When we skate, we speak the same language. At GST, I met athletes from 64 countries, including Europe, the Americas, Asia — and we all connected instantly. That’s the beauty of this culture. It shows that no matter what’s happening in the world, there are spaces where unity is still possible.

Q. Fans loved your style. How would you describe your approach to skateboarding?

For me, it’s art. I don’t just want to land tricks; I want to tell a story with my run. The way you move, the rhythm, the creativity — it’s all part of it. Skateboarding is freedom, and I try to reflect that every time I step on the board.

Q. What advice do you give to young skaters looking up to you?

Stay patient. Skateboarding teaches you resilience like nothing else. You’re going to fall a hundred times before you land that one trick. Don’t see failure as defeat — see it as part of the process. And most importantly, skate for yourself, not for approval. When you skate with love, everything else follows.

Q. What’s next for you?

I want to keep pushing myself competitively, but also creatively. I have some projects in mind — filming a new video part, collaborating with musicians and artists, and mentoring younger skaters in both France and the U.S. The Grand Skate Tour is just the beginning. I want to help grow this culture worldwide.

Final Thoughts

Julien Agliardi’s performance at the Grand Skate Tour 2025 was more than just domination on the scoreboard. It was a reminder of the artistry and spirit that make skateboarding so powerful. With humility, vision, and unmatched talent, he has positioned himself not only as a champion but as a voice for the global skateboarding community.

As the lights dim on Moscow’s Khodynskoye Pole, the echo of wheels on concrete lingers. For Agliardi, and for the thousands who watched, GST was not an ending but a celebration of what skateboarding can achieve when passion and culture unite. And as he says with a smile: “The board always teaches you more than you expect. I’m ready for the next lesson.”