Big tricks and big slams. Japan dominates the Mountain Games Trickline Invitational, but not without paying the price.
Rikuto Nakamura airs out while the rest of the Japanese competitors look on. Moments after Rikuto would dislocate his shoulder.
The 2025 GoPro Mountain Games Trickline Invitational was nothing short of a jaw-dropping spectacle, showcasing the next generation of slackline prodigies pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a trickline. And at the heart of it all, a wave of young Japanese athletes proved they’re not just in the game, they’re redefining it.
Shin Kikikawa showing off unmatchable style on his way to a 2nd place finish.
Rikuto Nakamura took home first place, followed closely by Shin Kikikawa in second, showcasing some of the cleanest style in the field, and Takusi Nakamura in third. Their performances were tight, technical, and explosive, a masterclass in precision and fearless innovation. Rounding out the top spots were Eishin Hayashi in fourth, Hendle Assuncao in fifth, and Matias Sepulveda in sixth.
1st Place Rikuto Nakamura, 2nd Place Shin Kikikawa, 3rd Place Takusi Nakamura, 4th Place Eishin Hayashi, 5th Place Hendle Assuncao, 6th Place Matias Sepulveda
But dominance came at a cost. Finals day quickly turned into a showcase of both incredible skill and brutal physical tolls. The competition’s unforgiving nature was made painfully clear in the fifth-place match when Matias Sepulveda dislocated his elbow after falling awkwardly onto the airbag, sending a sobering reminder that slacklining is no joke.
In the third-place match, Eishin went for a quad butt flip—yes, four full rotations, and nearly decapitated himself in the process. It was the kind of crazy, high-risk move that defines this sport: terrifying to watch, insane to attempt.
Eishin Hayashi on absolute send mode goes for a quad flip and slams big time.
Eishin shows off his battle scars.
The intensity only ramped up during the best trick competition. Shin Kikikawa took a brutal blow when the slackline snapped back violently. The impact left him with a ripped-out earring, a broken tooth, and a visibly swollen eye, a brutal physical statement of the sport’s harsh realities.
Shin goes for it all in the best trick competition and leaves with one less earing.
Shin Kikikawa owning the moment after the slackline reminds him of its power.
Rikuto, too, pushed the limits beyond winning. After already nailing the finals and clinching the best trick title, he attempted one last monstrous trick, only to suffer a dislocated shoulder when the line snapped back against him. One hour. Three serious injuries. This was a finals day that proved just how merciless tricklining can be.
Rikuto grimaces after dislocating his shoulder on a huge trick attempt.
Rikuto is helped off the airbag moments after his fall.
The grit and guts displayed by the Japanese crew throughout the competition elevate their triumphs beyond mere medals. It’s clear that their dominance isn’t handed to them, it’s earned through relentless training, fearless risk-taking, and a willingness to endure pain and setbacks.
Rikuto keeps the vibe alive despite the dislocated shoulder. A real warrior.
This year’s Mountain Games Trickline Invitational wasn’t just about who stood tallest on the podium. It was a testament to the spirit of pushing the limits, where every trick comes with a price and every victory is hard-fought.
Rikuto and Matius in good spirits after some brutal injuries.
Shin taking it on the chin, literally.
Japan’s young guns didn’t just win. They redefined what it means to be the best in the trickline world, leaving no doubt that their reign is as fierce as it is inspiring. But if these results showed us anything, it’s that greatness in this sport demands courage, resilience, and the ability to take a hit, sometimes literally.
Eishin and Takusi embrace while their friend and brother is helped by the Vail medical staff.
Amid all the competition and brutal falls, the love and support from all of the competitors never wavered. It’s all love for each other and for the sport they work tirelessly to push forward, reminding us that behind every slam is a community bonded by passion and respect.
Rikuto hits an insane combo including a 1260 on his way to the title.