The GOAT is back: Nyjah wins number 28 at mythic Roland-Garros as SLS Paris delivers

Street League Skateboarding returned to Stade Roland-Garros for another edition of its only European stop and the iconic tennis venue delivered once again. The grass stairs and net-inspired rails kept the tennis theme strong and nearly 10,000 spectators packed the arena for a night that had everything — including sparklers every time someone hit the Nine Club.

Two notable absences hung over the event though: Sora Shirai and Juni Kang were both missing from the lineup, leaving a field that was still stacked and the door wide open for some different names to shine.

Let's not forget that the last two SLS winners on French soil were French — Aurélien Giraud and Vincent Milou — but only Milou was on hand to protect that legacy, with a title to defend and a crowd in full delirium behind him.

Knockout rounds: new faces and a couple of tough moments

The knockout rounds brought a few fresh faces to the SLS stage, with Roman Hager and Lucas Pinheiro turning heads. Giovanni Vianna added some flair by sliding up the rail rather than down and Lawrence Ravail — also skating in front of his home crowd  — jumped up the stairs to loud approval. Angelo Caro tweaked his ankle on his first run but kept going, because that's just what these guys do.

watch the full event video breakdown here

Final: Nyjah reminds everyone who he is

In the end, the top six riders made the final but unfortunately, the night started slowly for some. Ginwoo Onodera had a rough run section with two bails, leaving him last after runs — not the position anyone expected from one of the most consistent riders on the circuit right now. But in the end, he went and threw down the highest-scored trick of the entire final at 9.5, just to make a point.

Three runs cracked the Nine Club on the night, which tells you everything about the level in that arena. Nyjah Huston, however, was in a different headspace entirely. His nollie heelflip noseblunt sparked the momentum that carried him all the way — no counting score below 8.9, final total of 36.4. Win number 28. His first SLS victory in 17 months and he made it look like he'd never been away.

watch the full event video breakdown here

Nyjah ended to the night partying at a one of his dj gigs to which he brought the trophy to celebrate. The GOAT his back, still dominant after more than 16 years.