Ah, SOTY season. Once again, shops are buzzing with buzz, and everyone is convinced that their predictions are correct. When I was younger, the Skater of the Year award was decided out of nowhere. Sometimes, we didn't even know who won until the magazine came out. But now it's 2024, and it's like a presidential election. Skaters and brands are systematically releasing video segments leading up to December, throwing their names into the race.
Is this relentless barrage of content diminishing the quality of skate media year-round, or does it provide something for modern skaters to get excited about every fall? Maybe I'm just cynical about SOTY season, but I thought it might be fun to round up my favorite parts and top contenders for 2024. It'll make voting a little easier, and frankly, I think voting is a scam.
- Sam Goldberg-Jaffe
Top pick for 2024 Thrasher SOTY candidate
1. Jamie Foy
Foy dominated the skating world in 2024 with truly mind-blowing performances. His ender parts in Dickies' "Honeymoon" video and New Balance's "Intervals" were undoubtedly SOTY-worthy. He performed a fakie flip cloak on the handrail followed by a fakie cloak flip out. Then, in "Intervals," he landed a kickflip 50-50 on a massive kink rail and then a grind out of the "reverse battleship" rail for an unbelievable speed exit.
With his overwhelming amount of footage, Jamie has proven that he will remain the best skater in the world in 2024. Not only that, but at 1am after the LA premiere of Dickies, we saw him carefully driving his grandmother and family home safely in his Tesla. He also has a family-oriented side!
Honestly, I could end this article at this point, but I have no doubt Jamie will win SOTY this year, so I'm continuing for the sake of the content.
2. Elijah Burley
Elijah Barley is a controversial skater. He's always been criticized for some reason. Is it because he changed his style so many times throughout his career? Or is it because people think he's a "Dylan Rieder copycat"? Chill out, people. Elijah is one of the greatest skaters in the history of skating, and he's also a great person. Just shut up and watch him grind uncharted rails and nosegrind double kinks.
Honestly, Elijah probably won't be the SOTY this year, but his skating brings back fond memories of a time when the awards prize was based on quality rather than quantity.
3. Thiago Lemos
I'm a little biased because Thiago is one of my favorite skaters. As a Josh Kalis idol, he's the next evolution of the genre of skating I grew up admiring. He's allowed to push with switch mongo, which suits him perfectly.
His part on "Intervals" is a masterpiece. His skating, set to the sweet music of Ghostface Killah and Trife, is enough to give you goosebumps. His switchback noseblunt into Bay Blocks is a godsend. Still, no one can match Foy in the race for SOTY.
Personally, I think Thiago will be SOTY every year, so I hope that day will come someday.
4. Braden Hoban
Braden is so good at skateboarding, it's almost unfair, and while it's not his fault, he glides over the giant handrails with such ease that he looks like he's half asleep.
Braden is a skater who deserves the world's admiration. He's humble, friendly, and just has a genuine love for skating. Check out his four incredible parts. I don't think this will be his year of SOTY, but I wouldn't be surprised if he wins it sometime in the next decade. He definitely deserves to be in the top five.
5. Nishiya Kaede
Kaede released a video part this year that will stand the test of time. Her trick and spot selection is impeccable, and the footage of her traveling back and forth between Japan and Portland is breathtaking. Two of my personal favorites were her varial flip into the bank and her switch 270 front board onto the rail.
Kaede has a style that makes technical tricks look effortless, and it all looks so easy. I can't wait to see her perform in the next decade and beyond.
At the end of the day, skateboarding is subjective. You love what you love, that's the beauty of skateboarding. There are no rules or judges for the video part, it's up to you to decide. Thrasher has the final say, and the winner will go down in skateboarding history as "one of the best."
- Part of the Year: Antonio Durao in "Quickstrike"
