Calgary is set to host the renowned X Games action sports competition in February of the upcoming year.
The event will take place over three days starting on Feb. 19 at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park. Attendees can also look forward to performances by international musical acts Levity and Steve Aoki.
This marks the first time in the 31-year history of the X Games that Canada will be hosting the competition.
Alisha Reynolds, the president and CEO of Tourism Calgary, expressed her excitement, stating that Calgary is the perfect city to host such an exhilarating event.
The competition will feature top skiers and snowboarders from around the world competing in various events like Big Air, Knuckle Huck, Slopestyle, and Superpipe.
An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 spectators are expected to attend the event over the three days.
Reynolds anticipates that the event will generate approximately $25 million for Calgary’s visitor economy.
Local Athletes Eager for the Event
Brendan Mackay, a freestyle skier from Calgary who competes with Team Canada, is thrilled to have the X Games come to his hometown. Mackay highlighted the significance of his podium finish at his first X Games in 2020, which he considers a pivotal moment in his athletic career.
Watching the X Games on TV during his childhood inspired Mackay, and he believes that hosting the event in Calgary will have a profound impact on the younger generation.
According to Mackay, Aspen, Colo., a historical host of the winter X Games, has produced some of the best athletes in these sports, and he believes that hosting the event in Calgary will similarly inspire aspiring athletes.
Professional snowboarder Craig McMorris, originally from Saskatchewan, who attributes his success to regular visits to Canada Olympic Park, is also looking forward to the X Games coming to Canada.
McMorris emphasized that Canada has produced exceptional action sports talent and expressed excitement for the country to finally host the X Games.
Introduction of a New Format for X Games Calgary
The X Games introduced a new league format in 2026, where athletes compete individually while also earning points for club teams. This format includes a championship race that fans can follow throughout the season.
During the X Games Calgary media event, CEO Jeremy Bloom revealed the four clubs for the winter league, which will select athletes in the upcoming week. One of the clubs is X Games Club Whistler, providing Canadians with a team to support.
