Skateboarders gather in Msida to find Malta's best skater
The third edition of the King of the Park skateboarding competition is in full swing
Malta's top skateboarders are going head-to-head over the two weekends as the third edition of King of the Park returns to the Msida Skatepark, with reigning champion Zach Perici Calascione looking to defend his crown.
The invitational competition features the country's best 16 skaters in a knockout tournament based on the classic Game of SKATE, where competitors face off one-on-one by challenging each other to replicate tricks.
The tournament began earlier this month and continues on July 18 before the final on July 25. The competition runs from 5pm to 11pm at the Msida Skatepark.
Unlike a traditional skateboarding contest judged on style or points, the format tests consistency and technical ability. One skater performs a trick on an obstacle in the park and the opponent has to land the exact same trick.
Skaters get two attempts to replicate their rival's trick. If they fail to land the trick, they earn a point. The first skater to earn 10 points - one for each letter in the word 'Skateboard' - loses.
Competitors must clearly call every trick to the referee before they attempt it, and flat-ground tricks are not allowed. Recently used tricks or obstacles cannot be repeated immediately, forcing skaters to continually adapt.
Perici Calascione, the reigning champion, is seeking to retain his crown. The man he beat in the 2025 final, Jovaughan Webster, is also competing to be crowned this year's champion.
Beyond the skateboarding, organisers are turning the event into a wider community festival. Dance battles, open DJ sessions, skate films, live music and a market featuring local skate brands and artists will accompany the competition throughout the month.
The July 25 final will also feature local bands Sempliċiment tat-Triq and Myles, alongside stalls selling skateboarding equipment and products made from recycled skateboards.