Skateboarding is more than a sport. It’s a way to live, move, and express yourself. It started on the streets of California in the 1960s and has grown into a global culture. Over time, skateboarding moved from the streets to the big stage. In 2021, it became part of the Olympics in Tokyo. Some pro skateboarders have helped shape this journey.
They’ve made history with their skills, style, and passion. They’ve inspired millions of young skaters around the world.
In this guide, I’ll show you the top 10 professional skateboarders shaping the sport today. These are the legends and rising stars who continue to push the limits of what’s possible on a skateboard.
So, are you ready to meet the best in the game? Let’s dive into the top pro skateboarders you should know.
Top Pro Skateboarders Signature Skateboards
How to Become a Pro Skateboarder?
Becoming a professional skateboarder takes time and effort. Firstly, you need to build a strong skill base. Learn tricks, ride different terrains, and skate every day. Secondly, film your progress. Good video parts help you get noticed.
In addition, enter local contests. It’s a way to gain exposure. Brands look for skaters who stand out. Therefore, networking with local shops and skaters helps. Get sponsored and keep skating at a high level. As a result, you may earn a spot on a pro team.
Pro skateboarders often get signature boards or shoes. They also travel and compete. However, consistency, style, and hard work matter most.
The List of Professional Skateboarders [Top 10 Best Pro Skaters]
In this section, I’ll show you the top 10 best pro skateboarders making waves in the sport today. These skaters have earned their spots through big wins, game-changing tricks, and years of dedication. Each one has a unique style, a strong story, and serious skills. Let’s dive in and meet the pros leading the way.
01. Tony Hawk: The Best Skateboarder Of All Time
Tony Hawk became a pro skateboarder in the 1980s. He was a pioneer in vert skating. In 1999, he landed the first 900 during a contest, which changed the sport forever. His “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater” video game helped make skateboarding popular worldwide.
Tony also created the Tony Hawk Foundation to build skateparks in underprivileged areas. He made skateboarding part of mainstream culture. As a result, he’s more than a famous skateboarder, and that’s why he’s a legend. His legacy helped shape how many people view professional skateboarding.
Here’s Tony Hawk’s Signature Gears Below:
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02. Rodney Mullen: The Most Influential Skateboarder of All Time
Rodney Mullen is one of the most creative and technical skaters in history. He invented over 30 tricks, including the kickflip and heelflip. Everyone hailed him as “The Godfather of Street Skating.” These are now basics in street skating. Rodney began in freestyle and later shifted to street skating. His style was unique and full of balance.
Mullen’s video parts changed how people saw skateboarding. Moreover, he focused on innovation, not just fame. He helped shape modern street skateboarding. Many pro skateboarders today were influenced by him. He’s proof that creativity can lead to greatness.
Let’s See Below Rodney Mullen’s Signature Gears:
03. Nyjah Huston: The Best Street Skater Of All Time
Nyjah Huston turned pro at a very young age. He’s won more Street League Skateboarding titles than anyone else. His tricks are powerful and consistent. He skates massive handrails with ease. Nyjah has also earned gold medals at the X Games. Sponsors noticed his skills early.
Consequently, he became one of the highest-paid professional skateboarders. His style is clean, and his work ethic is strong. Huston helped push street skating to a new level. He continues to set high standards in pro skateboarding contests.
Here’s Nyjah Huston’s Signature Gears Below:
04. Bob Burnquist: The Skate Wizard
Bob Burnquist is known for his smooth switch stance and creative lines. He often rode switch better than most skaters ride regular. His mega ramp performances amazed fans worldwide. Bob was the first to land the fakie 900. He pushed vert and big air skating to new limits.
He’s also known for building eco-friendly skateparks. For example, his Dreamland ramp is both massive and sustainable. In addition, Bob won over 25 medals in the X Games. He’s a true innovator and role model in professional skateboarding.
Let’s See Below Bob Burnquist’s Signature Gears:
05. Ryan Sheckler: Best of Both Street and Park Terrain
Ryan Sheckler became a pro skateboarder at just 13 years old. He won his first X Games gold medal shortly after. Ryan blends technical tricks with smooth park flow. He’s known for his control and confidence. Brands loved him, and he became a public figure with his TV show. However, he always stayed focused on skating.
Ryan helped make skateboarding more visible to the public. His career shows how a skater can balance fame and passion. He remains one of the most respected names in pro skateboarding.
Here’s Ryan Sheckler‘s Signature Gears Below:
06. Steve Caballero: The Record of Highest Air on a Halfpipe
Steve Caballero turned pro in the early 1980s. He was part of the iconic Bones Brigade team. He invented the Caballerial, a trick still used today. Caballero once held the world record for the highest air on a halfpipe over 11 feet. His style was smooth and powerful. Steve skated both street and vert.
He also helped design the Half Cab shoe, which became a staple in skateboarding. Steve’s career has lasted over 40 years. He’s a true pioneer who inspired generations of skaters.
Let’s See Below Steve Caballero’s Signature Gears:
![6. Independent [Stage-10] 215mm Silver Skateboard Trucks](https://safeskateboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/6.-Independent-Stage-10-215mm-Silver-Skateboard-Trucks.png)
07. Yuto Horigome: The Best Professional Skateboarder from Japan
Yuto Horigome made history by winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He was the first to ever do so in skateboarding. Yuto grew up skating in Tokyo and turned pro before his 20s. He’s known for his smooth style and technical skill. For instance, he can land hard tricks with ease under pressure.
He represents Japan’s strong rise in professional skateboarding. Asics Skateboarding supported his growth, showing how brands can help develop talent. Yuto inspires many young skaters around the world with his calm, focused style.
Here’s Yuto Horigome‘s Signature Gears Below:
08. Leticia Bufoni: Best Female Pro Skateboarder
Leticia Bufoni is one of the top female professional skateboarders. She started skating in Brazil and became a global name. She’s won multiple X Games medals and broken many barriers for women in skateboarding. Leticia is known for big tricks and fearless style.
In addition, she was the first female skater signed by Nike SB. Her influence helped increase visibility for female pro skateboarders. She also promotes skateboarding in schools and the media. Bufoni has shown that skill and confidence have no gender limits.
Let’s See Below Leticia Bufoni’s Signature Gears:
09. Jagger Eaton: A Rising Star in the World of Skateboarding
Jagger Eaton began skating in a family-owned skatepark. He turned pro while still a teen. Jagger competes in both park and street skating. He won bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. His versatility makes him stand out. For example, he handles vert ramps and street rails with equal skill.
In 2020, he joined the Heart Supply team. Eaton continues to grow as a professional skateboarder. He represents the next generation of pro skaters. His energy and dedication show how skateboarding keeps evolving.
Here’s Yuto Horigome‘s Signature Gears Below:
10. Chris Cole: Dominator of Big Tricks and Big Wins
Chris Cole is famous for his bold style and big tricks. He won major events like Street League and Tampa Pro. His video parts include huge stair sets and perfect flip tricks. Chris turned pro due to his fearless talent and consistent performance.
He was also part of Zero Skateboards and later started his own brands. Chris played a key role in shaping modern street skating. Off the board, he mentors younger skaters and supports skate brands. His impact is felt both in contests and in the community.
Let’s See below Chris Cole’s Signature Gears:
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Frequently Asked Questions for the Famous Skateboarders
Who is the best pro skateboarder right now?
Nyjah Huston is often seen as the best active street skater. Yuto Horigome is also at the top, especially after his Olympic gold.
How do you become a pro skateboarder?
Practice daily, film your tricks, join contests, and seek sponsorships. Stay consistent and make your name known.
Are there any Black pro skateboarders in the top 10?
Yes, Nyjah Huston is one of the most famous and successful Black pro skateboarders.
Who are the most famous skateboarders of the 80s and 90s?
Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, and Steve Caballero dominated in those decades.
What’s the difference between a pro and amateur skateboarder?
A pro gets paid, has sponsors, and often has signature products. Amateurs are still building their careers.
Do all pro skateboarders have their own signature decks or shoes?
Not all, but many top pros do. It depends on their sponsors and popularity.
Can female skateboarders go pro and compete at the same level?
Yes. Female pro skateboarders like Leticia Bufoni have proven their talent on the global stage.
How young can someone turn pro in skateboarding?
Some skaters turn pro as early as 14 or 15. It depends on skill and exposure.
Final Words
Skateboarding has come a long way. From simple tricks in empty pools to big moves on the world stage, it keeps growing. The pros on this list have helped shape that journey.
Each skater has their own style. Some made history. Others are just getting started. But all of them push limits and inspire the next generation.
Whether you skate for fun or dream of going pro, these legends show what’s possible. They prove that with passion and practice, anything can happen on a board.
So, What are you waiting for? Grab your skateboard, hit the pavement,
And write your own skateboarding story!
