Then / Now: Cordano Russell Skateboarding Humble Beginnings to Pro – The Platfrm

Tap in with Cordano Russell to learn how he got his start and how things have since changed in this episode of Then and Now. Between clips from his childhood and footage stacked recently, he breaks down the journey to becoming a pro. Cordano runs through his favorite skaters, the video parts that hype him up, his skate crews and the communities that have helped him become the beast on the board we all know today. From his humble start in St. Louis, Missouri to relocating in Southern California, Cordano’s roots in the streets and dedication to progression have proven to be more than enough for him to stake his claim in the skate industry—and he is still just 20 years young!

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Rockstar Energy Open 2025: World-Class Skateboarding Event Returns to Portland This August

Rockstar Energy is bringing back the Rockstar Energy Open on August 15–17, 2025, in Portland’s Waterfront Park. The event will feature top skateboarders, including Keegan Palmer, Chris Joslin, and Lazer Crawford, along with emerging talent.

Skaters worldwide can qualify through the Video Qualifying Series on ThePlatfrm.com starting June 2, with weekly cash prizes and the chance to compete in Portland.

The free, three-day event will also include live music, art, food trucks, and a fan village, creating a festival-like atmosphere. The competition will be livestreamed and broadcast globally.

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SIMPLE SESSION 25 SKATE BEST TRICK

Simple Session’s 25th-anniversary celebrations kicked off raw and real with VISIT ESTONIA’s Best Trick battle at Krulli District. The standout? ‘Kelluke’ (‘The Bell’) — a brand-new, skateable sculpture we built for the City of Tallinn. It’s set to level up the local street spots soon to be locked in at Freedom Square, so get back and session it again!

The session was straight fire, with hammers dropping left and right, all fueled by the Cash for Tricks format. Aaron “Jaws” Homoki (USA) claimed the overall victory with a flawless backside 360 flip melon grab. Jaime Mateu went all out, throwing down the biggest amount of wildest tricks and ultimately splitting the Best Trick prize with Jaws. The highest air contest saw Greyson Fletcher (USA) and Marcello Jiménez (Chile) tie for first after ringing the 2.6-meter high bell.

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The Platfrm CORE: Cowtown – The Story Behind Arizona’s Iconic Skate Shop and Contest PHX AM

At the crux of every thriving skateboard scene is a brick and mortar store that plays a vital role in the foundation of its community. Laura, Trent Martin, and Ed Cox JR of Arizona’s Cowtown Skateboards have proven this true. Born out of necessity, Trent and Ed felt the missed representation of a core skate shop that supported the local community. Before Cowtown’s inception, a coalition of key figures that included Laura, Damon Alire, and Daniel Shircliff were already pushing for the development of a skatepark for the community—their efforts included engaging with the city, raising money, and hosting contests. In 1997, two events occurred that would forever change the course of skateboarding in Phoenix: the opening of Cowtown and Desert West Skatepark. The paths between Trent, Ed, Laura, Damon, and Daniel crossed throughout their various endeavors, each with similar goals: providing, fostering, and building a future for skateboarders in their community.

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