Tenacity Pays Off (TampaPro 2025 by Rance)

Victory tastes pretty sweet, at least that’s what we have heard.

Words and Photos by Rance Reinhardt.

31 years ago, Brian Schaefer and his crew had no idea they were making the greatest skate contest on Earth. As the years passed it became clear that this would evolve into something that defined skateboarding greatness. This is a spectacle known as the TampaPro.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend this skateboarding circus, you may only be familiar with the main event. However, for about a week, the entire skate industry descends onto the Skatepark of Tampa. By the time you get to qualifiers on Saturday, the entire complex is packed with fans, vendors, and competitors.

“Hook ’em while they’re young.” -George Carlin

The official kickoff began Thursday with practice and registration. The first day ended with skate trivia and comedy at the Bricks in the historic Ybor City. Things picked up on Friday with the Team Manager contest where all the industry old heads battled it out for up to $1000. Rodil de Araujo Jr. has taken home the top spot for 2 years in a row. Afterwards, it’s more pro practice, followed by a party at the Bricks.

Saturday morning had one of the most special events. Boards for Bros handed out dozens of completes and helmets to kids. Plus, they got free skate lessons from industry professionals like Solvang Skateshop owner, Robby Hargreaves – a person who not only has thousands of hours teaching kids how to skate, but a vast history of coaching teams and managing skaters as well.

Sora Shirai – 180 NoseGrind

It was now time for the TampaPro qualifiers. It had been clear during the practice sessions that Yuto Horigome and Sora Shirai were going to be very tough to beat. This was Sora’s first TampaPro, so he came hungry and really seemed to be enjoying himself. Yuto had a fast pass to the semi-finals from being a previous winner. This left the field wide open for Sora and Vincent Milou to take the top two qualifying spots and fast passes to the finals.

With the qualifiers complete, next came the best trick jam. Jamie Foy was quick to impress with a back krook across the entire flat bar, then whipping into a hurricane at the kink. While the two-time SOTY certainly brought big cheers, ultimately it was Angelo Caro who landed several challenging tricks to bring home the number one spot. His massive gap 360 flip to FS Noseblunt slide was incredible.

Angelo Caro – 360 Flip to Front Board

After that, everyone went outside to the concrete park. There was no shortage of park style rippers available. Skaters like Taylor Nye, Danny Leon, and Liam Pace were absolutely tearing it up. 540s were being tossed around like they were going out of style. Cash was flowing with $20 bills getting handed out for all the gnarly action in the concrete monster. Now the skating was done, it was time for some riot girl punk rock from Die Spitz in the venue, followed by more partying at the bricks.

The last day kicked off with skate church and practice, then at noon the semifinals ignited into a firestorm of heavy skating. This was the time for legends like Kelvin Hoefler to try to secure their first victory, and past winners to try to regain the honor of being TampaPro’s number one. The semifinals were a slog, knocking out top pros like Shane O’Neill, and fan favorites like Andy Anderson.

Andy Anderson – Airwalk

With the field whittled down to 12 skaters, it was time for the finals. Ultimately, Sora’s early tenacity paid off. He was so comfortable on the park all week, and it showed in his winning run. The disappointment was evident on Yuto’s face. He wanted to make history with the first three-time win streak. However, he couldn’t elevate his trick selection and land all his tricks after his first incredible run. Caro had a fantastic weekend of skating by not only taking home the best trick trophy, but third place in the contest and the SLS Santa Monica Wildcard Ticket as well. With the park filled with fans, the podium covered in champagne, and the awards distributed, the greatest contest on Earth comes to a close.