A young skateboarder in a white shirt with red and blue stripes stands focused in the center of a crowded indoor skate event, surrounded by spectators sitting and standing close together, some smiling and others watching intently.
Juni Kang at Skatepark of Tampa in Tampa, Florida on Credit: Screengrab via Skatepark of Tampa / YouTube

Boasting big-name winners like Donny Barley (1996), Felipe Gustavo (2007), Luan Oliveira (2008 & 2009), Dashawn Jordan (2016), and 2024 Olympic medalist Nyjah Huston (2005), Tampa Am is solidified as a stepping stone for professional careers.

Juni Kang, the 16-year-old who took home first place in 2024 said his win changed everything and has him looking forward to representing South Korea in the 2028 Olympics.

This month, the tournament crowns new kings and queens of the sport.

Now in its 31st year, Tampa Am is back and technically kicks off on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Skatepark of Tampa with contestant practice open to the public for free.

Nightlife, per usual, is a hallmark of the weekend and happens both on site at the famed warehouse and at SPoT’s official Ybor City clubhouse The Bricks. Finals go down Sunday, Oct. 19 and are available to stream if you miss out on a ticket.

Tickets to Tampa Am 2025 happening Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 16-19 at Skatepark of Tampa are still available and start at $15.

YouTube video

31st Annual Tampa Am Skateboard Contest

Time Thu., Oct. 16, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri., Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat., Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 19, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 2025

Location Skatepark of Tampa, 4215 E Columbus Dr, Tampa

Description Over the span of its 31 year history, Tampa Am has established itself as the ultimate battleground for the world’s elite amateur skateboarders, setting the stage for future professional careers. Tampa Am is an institution that’s accepted as the Global Amateur Championship. As the level of skating continues to rise, so does Tampa Am’s reputation


Read his 2016 intro letter and disclosures from 2022 and 2021. Ray Roa started freelancing for Creative Loafing Tampa in January 2011 and was hired as music editor in August 2016. He became Editor-In-Chief...