After a successful inaugural edition in 2025, the Rockstar Energy Open is officially back for 2026. From December 18-20, some of the world’s best freestyle snowboarders will take to Breckenridge, Colorado, for a weekend of elite competitive snowboarding along with live music and peak vibes. The 2026 Open marks Breckenridge’s second consecutive winter as host, and it will take place during the resort’s popular Ullr Fest, which runs from December 17-19, 2026.
The Rockstar Energy Open is unlike any other snowboard competition out there. Instead of building a conventional slopestyle course, this event uses several unique features that often get skipped over by competitions like the Olympics and FIS World Cups. Massive hips, quarter pipes, butter rollers and giant down-flat-down-flat-down rails make for creative lines, encouraging each rider to dig deep into their bag of tricks to showcase their own unique style. The Open includes both a park style and rail jam — as well as men’s and women’s divisions — giving all competitors a chance to show their best snowboarding.
Also unique to the Rockstar Energy Open is the Video Qualifier Series (VQS). The VQS is an online video competition that lets riders from anywhere in the world showcase their skills for a shot at competing in the Open. Riders who have not already qualified can compile trick clips together for a 30-second to one-minute video, sharing it with Rockstar. Weekly winners earn prizes, and top qualifiers earn a spot to compete in the event. The VQS begins on October 19.
Last year’s inaugural Rockstar Energy Open was an unforgettable experience for all who competed and watched. Dozens of the world’s best pros participated, including competition legends like Mark McMorris, Jamie Anderson, and Red Gerard. Other big-time riders like Sam Taxwood, Raibu Katayama, and Gabe Ferguson were landing death-defying tricks on the enormous hip jump, putting on a show for the crowd. Both competitors and spectators — deeply enjoyed the event. Many said it reminded them of the old Burton U.S. Open in Vail, which was once a favorite event. Snowboard Magazine even polled 75 pro riders on their favorite events from last season, with the Rockstar Energy Open standing as the clear winner as the pros’ favorite competition to participate in and to watch.
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In addition to watching incredible snowboarding, there were plenty of other things for fans to enjoy. Rockstar put together a festival village for live music, art installations, and Rockstar Energy activations and experiences. Created as an all-day experience, fans enjoyed the village after the competition was over.
With the 2026 Rockstar Energy Open now on the clock, Rockstar Energy Senior Director of Sports and Music Steve Mateus hopes to keep the momentum rolling.
“Year one set the bar, and now it’s about raising it,” Mateus said in a press release. “We saw what happens when you give riders the freedom to do their own thing instead of boxing them into a traditional contest format. At the Rockstar Energy Open, we’re rewarding creativity, style, and individuality. We are reinventing the traditional snowboard contest. Breckenridge’s crowd matched that energy step for step, and we’re bringing back a stacked roster and building an even bigger event around them.”
For pro snowboarders and snowboard fans around the world, the return of the Rockstar Energy Open could not be more exciting. Defined by a unique course, incredible riders, and a top-tier atmosphere, the Open has already become a staple in the snowboard contest world. When the world’s best riders head back to Breckenridge in December, all eyes will be on the favorite competition of pro snowboarders.
