Ever wondered who is the best of the best in skateboarding? 🤔 It’s not an easy pick. Skateboarding legends have each contributed something unique. But I think you’ll find that most of the legends are already familiar to you. Many are found in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skateboarder video game. You probably know their names just off of playing the game alone.
So, Let’s dive into the top skaters who didn’t just ride the board—they redefined what it means to be a skateboarder.
A video titled ‘The 10 GREATEST Skaters of ALL Time‘ from the Skate Or Die YouTube channel.
Key takeaways
- This list is ever evolving. And it’s a highly subjective.
- Rodney Mullen invented numerous foundational tricks, shaping modern street skating.
- Tony Hawk brought vert skating into the mainstream and expanded skate culture.
- Danny Way redefined extreme skating with record-breaking stunts and the Mega Ramp.
Before I get going, I just want to say that this list is extremely subjective. It’s really just my list of top skaters there are obviously some better skaters that I don’t even know about. And if that’s the case, just leave it in the comments, and I’ll try to add it to next year’s list or something like that. I’m just saying don’t hate me if you disagree.
Best skateboarders ever
1. Rodney Mullen
Surprise, surprise skaters out there. This list does not begin with Tony Hawk 🙃. Rodney Mullen is the godfather of street skating and, honestly, skateboarding wouldn’t be the same without him. This guy invented more tricks than most skaters can pull off in a lifetime: kickflip, heelflip, 360 flip, and countless others. His impact? Mullen’s tricks formed the foundation of modern skateboarding, especially for flat-ground moves.
He’s even co-authored a book, The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself, giving fans a rare look into his journey. He also created Tensor Trucks and Almost skateboard. Very cool!
Did You Know? Mullen is not only a skate prodigy but also listed by Transworld as the third most influential skateboarder, right behind Tony Hawk and Mark Gonzales.
2. Tony Hawk
What list would be complete without Tony Hawk? Known as “The Birdman,” Hawk made history as the first skater to land a “900,” a trick that solidified his status as a vert legend. Hawk didn’t just shred ramps; he used his influence to make skateboarding mainstream. From launching the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game series to creating the Tony Hawk Foundation to build skateparks in underserved communities, Hawk’s contributions go beyond just skating.

Fun Fact: Hawk turned pro at just 14 and was honored as Thrasher’s “Skater of the Year” twice—talk about a head start!
3. Steve Caballero
If you’ve ever heard of the Caballerial, you’ve got Steve Caballero to thank. Caballero held the record for the highest air on a halfpipe (an insane 11 feet!) and won both street and vert titles at the 1987 World Championships in Germany. Known for his charisma and daring tricks, Cab’s moves are so groundbreaking that some don’t even have names yet.
Caballero was also instrumental in creating one of the most iconic skateboarding shoes of all time, the Half Cab.
4. Danny Way
When it comes to daredevils, Danny Way is the undisputed champ. Twice awarded Thrasher’s “Skater of the Year,” Way is famous for his jaw-dropping stunts, like jumping the Great Wall of China—yes, he actually did that. Danny has suffered intense injuries, including breaking his neck, yet he keeps coming back, pushing limits and breaking records.
Fun Fact: Not only did Danny invent the Mega Ramp, but he also holds the record for being the first to drop from a helicopter onto a ramp. Way’s entire career reads like a list of superhuman feats.
5. Bob Burnquist
Bob Burnquist is a skate wizard, especially when it comes to switch stance tricks. Known as the first to land a “fakie 900,” Burnquist’s innovation and skill are off the charts. With a medal count that includes 24 Golds, he’s one of the most decorated skaters in X Games history.
Quick Tip: Burnquist’s unique approach includes skating “switch”—leading with his non-dominant foot, a skill that only the most advanced skaters attempt.
6. Nyjah Huston
Known for his intense focus and consistent victories, Nyjah Huston is a street skating prodigy who’s been winning since he was just 11. Huston is now the highest-earning competitive skateboarder, thanks to his impressive track record and dedication to every contest. Huston’s competitive drive is legendary, but he also uses his influence for good, supporting skate communities globally.
Fun Fact: Nyjah’s not just about competition; he’s also deeply committed to philanthropy, working to create skateboarding programs in underserved areas.
7. Stacy Peralta
Stacy Peralta is a name synonymous with skateboarding’s roots. A member of the Z-Boys and co-founder of Powell-Peralta, Peralta revolutionized the sport by building a skate brand and mentoring legends like Tony Hawk. Peralta’s impact extended to filmmaking, as he directed Dogtown and Z-Boys, which documents the origins of skateboarding culture.
Interesting Fact: The Bones Brigade team, founded by Peralta, is responsible for shaping the skate industry as we know it today.
10. Eric Koston
When it comes to finesse and technical skill, Eric Koston is a legend in the skateboarding world. Koston has been a mainstay in skateboarding for decades. And honestly, he just looks like a fun guy to be around. Just watching the part with him on an interview,
He’s a co-owner of The Berrics, a skatepark and media platform that has become a hub for skate culture, trick challenges, and creative skate content. Koston’s video parts have left a lasting impact, showcasing his creativity, precision, and relentless pursuit of perfection.
Skater’s Edge: Koston’s influence extends beyond his tricks—his contributions through The Berrics have provided a stage for up-and-coming skaters and pushed skateboarding’s evolution in the digital age.
8. Tony Alva
When you talk about the origins of modern skate culture, you can’t ignore Tony Alva—the skater who brought the attitude, the style, and the innovation. Not only did Alva pioneer the frontside air (creating a foundation for vert skating), but he also helped develop the first skate shoes with Vans and launched Alva Skates, the first skater-owned company. Alva’s company was groundbreaking, creating decks out of Canadian maple plywood, the standard material for skateboards today. This wasn’t just business; it was a revolution.
Fun Fact: Alva joined the Z-Boys team in 1972 and was one of the first to popularize pool skating, setting off a new wave that still thrives today. Known for his counterculture, rockstar persona, some even call him “the guy who started it all.”
Alva’s influence wasn’t just about tricks or gear; he brought a rebellious edge that made skateboarding cool. His rock-and-roll vibe combined with his fierce skate style turned him into a cultural icon, and he’s still out there today, skating, surfing, and playing music. Alva might just be one of the most underrated founders of modern skateboarding—overlooked, maybe, but definitely unforgettable.
9. Christian Hosoi
If big airs and stylish tricks are your thing, Christian Hosoi is the skater to watch. Known for inventing iconic moves like the Christ Air and Rocket Air, Hosoi was a massive influence in the 80s skate scene. While his career faced ups and downs, Hosoi made a legendary comeback, reclaiming his place as a vert skating icon.
Fun Fact: Hosoi turned pro at just 14 and was sponsored by Powell Peralta early in his career. He remains one of the most influential vert skaters to this day.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Tony Hawk’s most famous trick is the 900, a two-and-a-half mid-air rotation. He landed it for the first time in competition in 1999, creating one of skateboarding’s most iconic moments.
The kickflip was invented by Rodney Mullen, a skateboarding legend known for pioneering many flat-ground tricks. His innovations laid the foundation for modern street skating.
Absolutely! Pool skating remains popular, especially in vert and bowl skating circles. It’s part of skateboarding’s roots, thanks to legends like Tony Alva who pioneered it in the 1970s.
Final thoughts
That’s it—my top ten skaters who defined, redefined, and pushed skateboarding to places most of us only dream about. Each of these legends left their own mark, from inventing iconic tricks to setting records that seem almost untouchable. Skateboarding’s not just a sport; it’s a blend of art, resilience, and pure guts.
Think you’re ready to drop into a bowl or try that trick? Remember, every skater on this list started somewhere, facing the same falls and challenges. So grab your board, hit the streets, and carve out your own story.