On Saturday, 20th August 2011, Old Spitalfields Market in East London hosted the biggest skateboard event the UK has ever seen – the VANS Downtown Showdown 2011. The competition concept was created for skaters by skaters and after successful events in Turin, Italy and Hamburg, Germany, Britain’s capital served as the next exciting new venue.Â
Over 10’000 people visited throughout the day, witnessing ten of Europe’s best skateboard teams battle it out against each other. The incredible obstacles from Cliché, Superdead and Death Skateboards were selected in recognition of their inspired and creative designs. They were brought to life and installed in Old Spitalfields Market and the neighboring Brushfield Street to be skated for one day only.Â
The Best Pro winner was Danny Brady making him the “Ripper of the Day”. Winning the Best Am was 17-year old Nassim Guammaz from the Netherlands. The best teams were Antiz with Hugo Liard (FRA), Sam Partaix (FRA), Dallas Rockvam (USA) and Samu Karvonen (FIN), followed by Element Europe and Enjoi.