X Games Athletes Talk X Games 2023 California Coming to Ventura: Interview Wrap Up

In case you missed it…X Games California 2023 is coming to Ventura this summer, July 21-23 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. And we couldn’t be more excited to watch athletes soar through the air with our beautiful Ventura coastline as the perfect backdrop to this high-adrenaline fun. 

But we’re not the only ones stoked that the X Games is coming to Ventura. We caught up with six pro athletes and asked them why they’re excited the world’s largest extreme sports competition is making its way to our classic California beach town. 

Curren Caples, Pro Skateboarder

Curren Caples, 27, is a Ventura native. Curren was born and raised and has won four X Games medals in skateboarding, making his hometown proud. He gave his top 10 favorite things about/in Ventura. If you’re looking for an itinerary, Curren has you covered. From his favorite place to get a burrito (Maggie’s on the Avenue) to his favorite fish taco spot (Spencer Makenzie’s) and favorite brewery in town (Topa Topa), Caples breaks down some of the most iconic restaurants and places to see in Ventura.

Growing up in the surf and skateboarding community, Curren also talked about Ventura’ skateboarding culture and his favorite skate park in town. Curren will compete in Men’s Skateboard Street this summer.

Ruby Lilley, Pro Skateboarder

Ruby Lilley, 16, is making a name for herself in the X Games world. Earning silver in Women’s Skateboard Park at X Games Japan, Ruby rips in the bowl and is ready to make her mark in Ventura during the X Games California 2023. Ruby will compete in Women’s Skateboard Park this summer.

Ruby has skated across the globe but having the X Games come back to California, where it all really began, is special to her. Being from Oceanside, California, Ventura is just up the coast from her hometown but she said she hasn’t explored much of Ventura yet. Ventura’s surfing culture was especially surprising and she hopes to explore the Ventura waves while she’s back in town with her surfboard in hand.

Axell Hodges, Pro Motocross Rider

Axell Hodges, 26, has seven X Games medals under his belt and he’s ready to add another one to his trophy case. Axell will compete in MotoX Best Whip and Quarterpipe High Air during X Games California 2023. He’s stoked to welcome back fans to the stadium and competitions.

Having the X Games finals weekend in Ventura means the perfect location to perform his best: cool ocean breeze, our historical Ventura pier in the background, and the Ventura coastline setting up the vibes for the entire weekend. Seeing the X Games in person is worlds away from seeing it on your phone — the jumps are bigger, the crashes are louder, and the hype is higher.

Bryce Wettstein, Pro Skateboarder

Bryce Wettstein, 19, boasts two titles (among others): pro skateboarder and former Olympic athlete for the Team USA Skateboarding team. A free spirit and a positive outlook on life, Bryce feels right at home in Ventura.

Bryce and Ventura go way back — she’s surfed on our coast for surfing competitions in her childhood. She’s stoked to have the X Games 2023 California finals weekend in Ventura. Bryce will compete in Women’s Skateboard Park this summer.

Dennis Enarson, Pro BMX rider

Dennis Enarson, 32, is a professional BMX rider. A California native, Dennis said Ventura feels like both a vacation and home (he resides in San Diego). With 10 X Games medals on his shelf, Dennis is well regarded in the BMX community as a chameleon of sorts — he’s known to adapt and excel at anything on his bike.

And excelling at the X Games is what all BMX riders want, Dennis said. Dennis will compete in Men’s BMX Park this summer.

Shane O’Neill, Pro Skateboarder

Shane O’Neill, 33, is a professional skateboarder. People have called his skateboarding style “textbook” because of his technical skills. He’s known for having an endless bag of tricks and is always down for something new.

Living in the Valley, Ventura is like Shane’s backyard. He visited Ventura a handful of times and is stoked that the X Games 2023 is coming to town! Shane will compete in Men’s Skateboard Street this summer.

Stay up to date on X Games California 2023 coming to Ventura here.

And buy tickets to X Games 2023 here.

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