- Discover the secrets, goals, and opinions of the best riders before the great action sports event.
Extreme Barcelona is gearing up for its highly anticipated 2026 edition. Consolidated as one of
the benchmark events in the international urban sports calendar, its spectacular skatepark and
unique seaside atmosphere attract the world’s elite. To find out how they are experiencing the
build-up to this competition, we spoke exclusively to four great figures of scootering: Charlie
Dyson, Corey Sponseller, Emily Gibson, and Simon Jonson. Here is what they told us.
CHARLIE DYSON
The dream of competing where he was once a spectator
1. How did you get started in scootering?
I started riding a scooter when I was 5 or 6 years old. My grandad bought me a scooter for Christmas,
and I fell in love with the sport. Shortly after, my local skatepark, Dexx, opened, and I was there every day
since.
2. What does competing in Extreme Barcelona mean to you?
Absolutely everything. It’s been a dream since I started scootering. As a family, we always came to
Extreme Barcelona, but now being part of the event is incredible.
3. Favorite trick?
720.
4. Your favorite song to skate to?
Biggie Smalls.
5. Who is your biggest inspiration in the sport?
Jordan Clark.
6. What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome as a rider?
Becoming a pro rider at 8 years old and competing against riders like R Willy, Kota, and Jordan Clark has
been an incredible experience. I have worked very hard to progress in this sport, and I’ve earned my
place among the best, being able to participate in competitions like Extreme Barcelona.
7. What are your goals for this season?
Keep progressing constantly, win Extreme Barcelona, and become a world champion. And get my face
up at Diagonal Mar like Jordan, haha!
8. What makes Extreme Barcelona special compared to other events?
It is by far the best event of the year for scooter. It’s a family event, the crew is amazing, and the vibe is
unbeatable.
EMILY GIBSON
Paving the way for Australian female talent
1. How did you get started in scootering?
My cousin gave me his old scooter, and I used to ride it every day before school. That led me to meet
other riders and enter my first competitions. When I realized there were women in this sport, I kept
pushing harder and harder, and now I ride and work full-time in the scooter world.
2. What does competing in Extreme Barcelona mean to you?
So much! Representing Australia as a woman in Barcelona means a lot to me. Plus, I was one of the first
women to compete in an international competition in Barcelona back in 2019, so coming back now, in
2026, makes me extremely excited and proud.
3. Favorite trick?
Without a doubt, the full whip fingerwhip.
4. Your favorite song to skate to?
Hahaha, my favorite song to ride to is any SZA song.
5. Who is your biggest inspiration in the sport?
Ryan Williams (Rwilly). Freestyle scooter wouldn’t be where it is today without him, both for his role as a
role model and his dedication as a rider. He’s given me so many opportunities, from riding at Rwilly Land
to riding in Nitro Circus, and he’s also helped me believe in myself more and push myself to go further.
6. What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome as a rider?
Fear! Of heights and getting hurt. It’s a sport and it has its risks. I am learning to trust my body and face
the challenges it brings me.
7. What are your goals for this season?
To compete and be satisfied with my performance. Go out there, put down a solid run, and let the judges
score it what they feel it deserves.
8. What makes Extreme Barcelona special compared to other events?
It is a competition that brings riders together and showcases our talent. It supports the junior, pro, and
women’s categories alike. Being an invitational competition is a privilege, and it’s an honor to be invited to
participate.
COREY SPONSELLER
Returning to his favorite event after overcoming injuries
1. How did you get started in scootering?
A friend of mine used to hang out at the local skatepark after school. Back then, my main sport was
trampoline, but one day I decided to tag along. I liked it right away, and the rest is history. I ended up
combining my twists and flips with the scooter.
2. What does competing in Extreme Barcelona mean to you?
Barcelona is one of my favorite events every year. It’s a super fun city, the atmosphere is incredible, and
the skatepark is massive. I love riding big parks.
3. Favorite trick?
Double flips.
4. Your favorite song to skate to?
None.
5. Who is your biggest inspiration in the sport?
Seeing myself improve.
6. What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome as a rider?
Coming back after three consecutive years of surgeries, including having plates put in my shoulder twice
and thumb surgery. Recovery has been a long, slow process, and staying focused on the sport while not
being able to compete was mentally tough. That has made every step back onto my scooter even more
rewarding.
7. What are your goals for this season?
Keep progressing, learn new tricks, stay healthy and injury-free, and most importantly, always have fun
riding. Plus doing my best for my sponsors.
8. What makes Extreme Barcelona special compared to other events?
It holds a very special place in my heart because it was my first international competition. In my first year
there, I was able to show what I was capable of by winning the Fernando Cup. It’s an event that gave me
confidence on the international scene and one I always look forward to going back to.
SIMON JONSON
The medal seeker
1. How did you get started in scootering?
My friend and I were watching YouTube and he wanted to teach me scootering.
2. What does competing in Extreme Barcelona mean to you?
Competing in one of the biggest action sports events means a lot to me.
3. Favorite trick?
Depends on the mood, haha.
4. Your favorite song to skate to?
Just good music.
5. Who is your biggest inspiration in the sport?
Dylan Morrison, Ryan Williams.
6. What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome as a rider?
Learning how to do flips since I can’t do them on a trampoline.
7. What are your goals for this season?
It would be cool to get a medal.
8. What makes Extreme Barcelona special compared to other events?
The summer and beach vibe.