By Hali Estrada
It was a Sunny California day when we showed up at Gate 5 of the OC Fair to witness the Maloof Money Cup for the third consecutive year. This year the Street course had way more transition but the nice Street obstacles made up for it. After getting some drinks we went to watch the practice and take some pictures.
Torey Pudwill, Adelmo Jr., Ishod Wair and Matt Miller were killing it at practice; Adelmo broke his elbow later that day but not before landing perfect Nollie Heelflips on the bump over the gap. Torey was doing perfect backside 360 full body Kickflips and later that day Corey Kennedy was landing every trick he tried. We got the chance to meet Fabian Alomar on the second day. He is back in the game after many years, and if you don’t know who is Fabian you better check out “20 Shot Sequence”, one of the best videos of the 90’s.
Alvaro Santillana, Fabian Alomar and Hali Estrada.
The Girls were better than last year and it was very refreshing to watch Alexis Sablone, Marisa del Santo, Lacey baker and specially the winner Leticia Bufoni landing a perfect Backside Smith on the big rail. The Amateurs were incredible as always; Theotis Beasley was landing every trick with a perfect style, Kechaud Johnson and Tom Asta didn’t disappoint and little Loui Lopez was landing perfect Switch Frontside Bigspin Heelflips on the bump.
Tom Asta, Nose Blunt.
Steve Caballero and Christian Hosoi were there for the Masters demo along with Sal barbier who landed a perfect Backside Nose Blunt on the Volcano area of the course. We also had the chance to meet young Skateboarder Youness Amrani from Belgium, a super talented down to earth kid who was at the Maloof contest for the frist time; we are sure you’ll be hearing more about him in the near future.( Good luck in New York man !!!) .
The Finals were unbelievable, Chris Cole and Nyjha Houston had an amazing performance. Bastien Salabanzi was super solid and Torey landed a Backside Smith to backside Kickflip out on the curved ledge….That was fucking insane. At the end the $100,000 went to Chris Cole once again and it was very sad to watch Nyjha crying; I imagine it was a tough decision for the judges, but politics always seem to get in the way.
Chris Cole , Back 180 Nose Grind.
Overall the event was amazing; the best Skateboarders in the world and surprise performances by Nelly, Ludacris and Lil John made the past weekend one to remember. We like to thank Brendi, Maya, Devin, Thea and Jennifer for all their help. You girls are the best :) also Tanya of security and Kish at the fair entrance for the laughs. It was a fun weekend around friends and great Skateboarding. We can’t wait for the next event ;).
RESULTS:
1. Chris Cole 286.33 points $100,000
2. Nyjah Huston 281.67 points $40,000
3. Sean Malto 281.33 points $25,000
4. Torey Pudwill 274.67 points $15,000
5. Tommy Sandoval 260.67 points $6,000
6. Bastien Salabanzi 258.67 points $5,000
7. Ryan Decenzo 255.33 points $4,000
8. Justin Brock 250.33 points $3,000
9. David Gonzalez 246.67 points $2,500
10. Billy Marks 239.67 points $2,000
Here are some more pics and a small video of the contest; Enjoy :). CFL.
Torey, Backside 5.0 to back Tail.
Hali working hard :/....
Ludacris performance; can you be closer???
Taylor Bonin, Brittany Donahue and Sophie Molinari right before Nellys performance.
Alvaro wishing Nelly wasn't there, he was waiting for "BRUJERIA"
Ishod Wair, Backside Nose Blunt.
Gunther was working hard too while Steve Caballero and Corey Kennedy were watching the finals.
Adam Dyet, 540 Melon Grab.
Torey Pudwill and Gunther Estrada after the finals.
Johnny Layton, Switch 360 Kickflip.
David with his Best Trick $10.000 check after landing a 50-50 Kickflip out on the rainbow rail.
And last a very nice pic of the big wheel on the OC Fair....good times.
