Winter X Games 15 Halfpipe Recap and Photos

January 31

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Shaun White wins the Winter X Games 15 Halfpipe. P: Ryan Hughes

Words: Laura Austin

Can you say Shaun White show? Apparently Shaun White is the 2nd most marketable athlete in the world, and ESPN obviously realizes that. Want to know how Shaun can go so high in the pipe? ESPN breaks it down with one of their sports scientists. Want to know why Shaun White is even at the X Games? Well we won’t bring that up… all I can say is cash for gold.

Kevin Pierce on the Winter X Games 15 halfpipe podium with 1st place Shaun White, 2nd place Scotty Lago, and 3rd place Louie Vito. P: Ned Cremin

But when it comes down to it, Shaun deserved to win. Throwing down a run that some may only dream about, with smooth style that would make it seem like it was just another day in the pipe. But contrary to what other platforms may have put out there, Shaun wasn’t the only one riding the halfpipe last night, a slew of other riders threw down. Kazu Kokubo in particular. According to one of the announcers, style doesn’t matter in the X Games. But if it did, Kazu would have been in contention for that gold medal without a doubt. With the amount of amplitude and style Kazu had, he could have given Shaun a run for his money.

R: Kazuhiro Kokubo. P: Ryan Hughes

Scotty Lago and Louie Vito trailed the Red Tomato or The Animal… who keeps up with celebrity gossip these days? They each put down solid runs, but the amplitude, one of the most overused words in halfpipe competitions, so we’ll say height…. was lacking. When it comes down to Scotty Lago’s case, the wire, the Winter X Games 15 superpipe snowboard competition is one of the most watched events in this week of craziness. And for good reason, these athletes are putting their life on the line for you, they deserve respect. Some may have higher expectations and ask when the quad cork is going to come out. But I will be content and say that the amount of progression that has come out of the men’s superpipe in the last year is mind boggling.

R: Kazuhiro Kokubo. P: Ryan Hughes

Winter X Games 15 Halfpipe Results
1. Shaun White
2. Scotty Lago
3. Louie Vito
4. Markus Malin
5. Kazuhiro Kokubo
6. Peetu Piiroinen
7. Matieu Crepel
8. Matt Ladley

R: Kazuhiro Kokubo P: Ryan Hughes

R: Matt Ladley. P: Ned Cremin

R: Peetu Piiroinen. P: Ryan Hughes

R: Peetu Piiroinen. P: Ned Cremin

R: Markus Malin. P: Ryan Hughes

Louie Vito about to drop at Winter X Games 15 Halfpipe. P: Ned Cremin

R: Louie Vito. P: Ryan Hughes

R: Louie Vito. P: Ryan Hughes

Scotty Lago showing his wired grill at Winter X Games 15 Halfpipe. P: Ned Cremin

R: Scotty Lago. P: Ryan Hughes

R: Shaun White. P: Ryan Hughes

R: Shaun White. P: Ryan Hughes

R: Shaun White. P: Ryan Hughes

SNOWBOARDER Photo Editor Ryan Hughes snapped this pic. Usually we'd have a witty caption, but we are going to let you write the caption for this photo in the comments below. The best 3 captions will receive one of our ultra limited edition beanies.