Jeremy Bloom, the newly minted CEO of X Games, with his wife, Mariah Bloom. May Selby/Courtesy photo
Ever since X Games first found its footing in Aspen in January of 2002, it’s been an evolution of talent, sponsorship, and programming. Over the years, the competitions have changed from once including motor sports to now focusing on ski and snowboard disciplines.
Jeremy Bloom, who recently took on the role of CEO of the X Games enterprise in December 2024 has a strong tie to the essence of the games as a former professional athlete himself. The two-time Olympian was brought on to oversee the games’ global expansion to new markets, the introduction of more sports disciplines, the development of innovative ways for fans to engage with athletes and events, and the launch of X Games League in 2027. The Boulder resident emphasized the importance of Aspen to the brand’s heritage, adding Aspen is iconic, and he always feels blessed to be here. This year, Bloom brought in new technologies such as AI for judging and betting and even invited Google co-founder Sergey Brin to present medals.
Concerts were staged in the middle of the action this year, with 30-minute sets from Tessla, Illenium, Big Gigantic, and deadmau5, each of whom gave an energetic performance and expressed gratitude to be there.
On the altruistic side, the Make-A-Wish Foundation made it possible to connect kids with dream experiences in meeting favorite athletes. Additionally, 500 high school kids were granted free admission each day as part of the 5,000 total attendees making up the sold-out crowd, and Ferris University in Michigan continued its internship program through its Hospitality Management School for students to work for the X Games.
It literally takes a village to execute X Games, from Aspen Snowmass’ events team to the Buttermilk Mountain staff, plus park crews and ski patrol from Buttermilk and beyond. Learn more about X Games at xgames.com.
Kicking off the competition at the press conference with X Games host Selema Masekela, CEO Jeremy Bloom, snowboard superpipe star Scotty James, Alex Hall, whose disciplines are ski big air, street style, slopestyle, and knuckle huck, and snowboard slopestyle competitor Red Gerard. May Selby/Courtesy photo
Aspen Snowmass Senior Vice President of Revenue John Rigney with Troy Michels at X Games.
May Selby/Courtesy photo
Pro skier Eileen Gu withdrew from X Games Aspen due to an injury, but she cheered on competitors alongside a friend.
May Selby/Courtesy photo
Tess Ledeux of France wins gold in the women’s ski slopestyle competition at X Games Aspen. May Selby/Courtesy photo
Canadian DJ deadmau5 lights up the stage on closing night of X Games Aspen, taking time to thank the athletes, staff, and audience mid-set.May Selby/Courtesy photo
Scott McDowell with knuckle huck star Zeb Powell. May Selby/Courtesy photo
Tyler Dame first came to X Games as an intern in college, mentored by Amy Dorey, an associate professor and program coordinator for hospitality management at Ferris State University in Michigan. He now lives in Aspen and continues to work at X Games when it comes to town. May Selby/Courtesy photo
A few friendly faces from Aspen Volunteer Fire Department at X Games Aspen. May Selby/Courtesy photo
Olivia Asselin, Tess Ledeux, and Anni Karava on the podium for women’s ski slopestyle at Winter X Games 2025. May Selby/Courtesy photo
Superstar DJ Naka G of Aspen spun throughout the weekend, including a 12-hour set on Friday. May Selby/Courtesy photo
Sonic presented a “ski through” restaurant at Buttermilk over X Games, as well as a lounge with fireside seating. May Selby/Courtesy photo
Illenium returned to perform again at X Games. The artist, whose real name is Nick Miller, has a connection with Aspen, having recently tied the knot here. A while ago, he lived here and worked at The Little Nell. May Selby/Courtesy photo
X Games sponsor Sally Hansen hosted a pop-up nail salon at Buttermilk with complimentary slots for treatments.14