Event: Popularity Contest

Back in the day, we (Canadian rollerbladers) had these contests called CAT which stood for Canadian Aggressive Tour. They had some pretty hefty corporate sponsorship which meant big prize bags, tv coverage, amazing street courses, and battling egos. This also meant that blader kids from all over Canada came to these competitions. Naturally, all the dudes who went to these contests developed friendships that have blossomed and still exist today. The one time every year when we get to hang out (with every Canadian kid who’s started rollerblading between then and now as well) is at the Popularity Contest. This year will be the 5th annual.

We skate, hang out, laugh really hard aboot ridiculous shit, get drunk and swear (much to the disgust of the unfortunate parents who choose to bring their children to the event for an innocent day of rollerblading). I’m sorry, we’re badass dudes who don’t give a fuck, and when we get together, we get cocky because we’re surrounded by a hundred of our best friends, and shit gets out of control. YES!

When it comes to the format, we like to experiment, after all, this is rollerblading and we get to make the rules (which of course, nobody follows). This is a culture who defies authority, so how can I blame them. This year, I’ve chosen to do three battles on three objects or sections of the park. First place in each gets 3 points, second gets 2, third gets 1, best trick gets 1. At the end of the 3 battles, whoever has the most points wins. I want to keep the contest short and X-tremely sweet. In previous years, the biggest downfall of the event has been that it’s so drawn out. In this day and age, people have really short attention spans so if the contest goes too long, people lose interest. This is why this year, we will condense the energy/excitement and not force the skaters to expend too much energy. That way people can enjoy the contest and still have lots of time to skate and converse. Of course this is easier said than done, it’s always a challenge to organize these dudes and get shit started. This is what we’re striving for.

The winner walks away as the king of Canadian rollerblading, aka, Mr.Popular. He also gets a sweet trophy, provided by Shop-Task, the only shop in Canada, and whatever sh wag is generously donated by industry sponsors. The person who took home the trophy last year, and the only person to win the contest twice, is Dustin Werbeski. He’s Richie Eisler’s prodigy and arguably Canada’s best rollerblader. Last year his hot tricks included 720 disaster mizu and 900 over a
12 set. He’ll be back this year to defend his title, and my money’s on him.

You have the choice to come to Canada and see what Pop Contest is all about for yourself.
I guarantee you a unique experience,
-Todd McInerney