The fourth stop of the SLS Championship Tour 2025 brought serious heat to Cleveland's iconic street spots, with fresh talent and seasoned veterans battling it out in what became one of the tour's most memorable competitions yet.
Russel the Machine
In a storybook finish that had the crowd erupting, recent Toy Machine pro Cordano Russell secured his first-ever SLS victory. The timing couldn't be more perfect, just weeks after officially joining the legendary Toy Machine roster, Russell put together a run that showcased exactly why Ed Templeton saw fit to add him to the team. His technical prowess combined with that signature Toy Machine gnarliness proved unstoppable on Cleveland's unforgiving concrete.
The wildcard jam session became an absolute battlefield, with two standout performances that left jaws on the floor. Ginwoo Onodera absolutely torched every obstacle in sight, delivering hammers that announced his arrival on the SLS scene in the loudest way possible. This marked the young ripper's first-ever SLS appearance, and if this performance is any indication, it definitely won't be his last. Matching that energy, Julian Agliardi brought his own brand of destruction to the session, proving the wildcard format continues to be a breeding ground for breakthrough moments.
Adding to the day's unique storylines, both Ribeiro twins found themselves competing in the same event, a rare sight that had fans doing double-takes throughout the competition. The brothers brought their distinct styles to Cleveland's spots, each carving their own path through the demanding course.
The energy was amplified by some notable faces in the crowd, with hometown hero Machine Gun Kelly making an appearance alongside skateboarding legend Kareem Campbell. Their presence added an extra buzz to an already electric atmosphere, with Campbell's legendary status bringing that old-school credibility to the modern competition format.
While Cleveland's waterfront setting delivered stunning visuals for the broadcast, the course layout felt somewhat predictable – featuring obstacles we've seen at previous stops. But that didn't stop the talent from shining through, proving that sometimes it's the skaters, not the setup, that make the magic happen. With performances like these elevating even familiar terrain, the remaining stops promise even more fireworks as riders chase points toward the season finale.
The tour rolls on, and if Cleveland proved anything, it's that breakthrough moments can happen anywhere.
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