If you didn’t already figure it out, the iconic Am Getting Paid contest is now the Empire Open, the biggest Pro/Am street skateboarding competition in Canada. That’s right, the country’s most important amateur event is now the biggest contest in Canada, period.
You heard it right, PROS AND AMS! Come see your favorite skateboarders and the best up and coming rippers in the world compete at Taz Skatepark on August 29th to 31st and watch them battle for a piece of our 40k cash prize (20k for the Womens division and 20k for Mens) and a chance to climb up the rankings for the upcoming 2020 Olympics. Stakes are high!
What's new
The main difference between the Am Getting Paid contest and the Empire Open is simple: the contest isn’t for amateur skateboarders only. If your name is on a board, you can enter the contest. If it isn’t, you can enter the contest too.
If you’ve been watching the most recent Street League contests, Dew Tour stops, Vans Park Series and even the infamous Tampa contest, you probably noticed that ams and pros now compete together as the introduction of skateboarding in the Olympics and the race for rankings doesn’t take the skater’s status into consideration. Doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran pro, an up and coming am or an unknown ripper from across the world. If you can win, you can win.
The National skateboarding organization Canada Skateboard is proud to announce a partnership with the 2019 Empire Open, representing a pivotal partnership for Canadian skateboarding and Canada Skateboard's National Ranking system. The top male and female Canadians skaters at Empire Open will be crowned the 2019 National Champions and have the opportunity to represent the country at international events leading into the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Summer Games."
“After almost 15 years of hosting an amateur only event, it was time to switch things up a little bit” said Empire’s founder and event producer Phil Grisé. “Now that skateboarding is in the Olympics, it doesn’t matter what your status is and it only felt right to take what once was the biggest amateur contest in Canada to the next level by inviting pros too”, he added.
It will be interesting to see unknown 14 years old kids destroy the Taz Skatepark’s course right next to living legends like Matt Berger or Ryan Decenzo. Pro or Am, the Empire Open will showcase the best of the best.
One epic weekend
As well as being the biggest Pro/Am contest in Canada, the Empire Open also highlights the kickoff of Empire Skateshop’s 20th anniversary year. To celebrate two decades of dedication to the local skateboarding scene, we prepared a bunch of surprises for you so you remember that weekend forever. Or not!!
The contest starts on Thursday, August 29th and ends on Saturday August 31st, but the party is far from being over! Make sure to stay in town Sunday September 1st for a full day of skateboarding, music and fun right on Saint-Laurent street (corner Milton/St-Laurent).
The day will start at 11am with free skateboarding lessons with the Vans and Empire crews, followed by the Vans Best Trick contest, activations from our partners, games, giveaways and the Empire 20th anniversary party & after party. It’ll be wild!
Check the contest's schedule →
The Vans Best trick contest.
Usually happening at P45 right after the finals, this year’s Vans Best Trick will be held right on Saint-Laurent Street the day after the contest. The Vans Best Trick event will start around 3pm and is open for everyone.
Come party all day with us on the street and watch $20 bills fly everywhere as the best skaters in the world destroy the two secret obstacles Vans prepared for us. With $2000 in cash money to distribute, prepare to witness some of the gnarliest tricks you’ve ever seen.
Empire’s 20th anniversary party.
Last but not least, the Empire 20th anniversary party, starting at 7pm right after the Vans Best Trick Contest. Stay with us or join us on the corner of Saint-Laurent and Milton streets to get the real party started with fresh drinks and outdoor live performances until 10pm.
Want more? Follow us at Don B. Comber after 10pm for the Empire Open after party. Make sure you don’t have to work on Monday as good drinks and music will be available to enjoy in large quantities until 3pm. Don’t miss it.
THANK YOU TO MONSTER, VANS, CANADA SKATEBOARD AND ALL OUR PARTNERS FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE. SEE YOU AT TAZ SKATEPARK ON AUGUST 29TH FOR THE FIRST EDITION OF THE EMPIRE OPEN!