Zeb Powell Becomes First Black Snowboarder To Win X Games At 20 Years Old
Written by Black Hot Fire Network on March 3, 2025
In a sport where style is everything, Zeb Powell didn’t just show up—he redefined the game. At just 20 years old, the North Carolina native made history by becoming the first Black snowboarder to win gold at the X Games Aspen 2025, staking his claim as one of the most electrifying riders to ever hit the slopes.
Powell took the crown in the Knuckle Huck event, a fan-favorite contest where creativity, control, and sheer board feel take precedence over traditional big-air theatrics. And if there’s one thing that sets Powell apart, it’s his ability to blur the lines between technical mastery and effortless style. With jaw-dropping board control, tweaked-out grabs, and next-level spins, he turned Buttermilk Mountain into his personal playground, leaving the crowd and judges in awe.
What makes Powell’s rise even more remarkable is his journey. Growing up in the South, snowboarding wasn’t exactly the most accessible sport. But after stepping onto a board for the first time at 6 years old, he was hooked. He honed his skills at Vermont’s prestigious Stratton Mountain School, where his natural talent and unique approach to riding quickly set him apart from the pack.
Powell’s historic X Games victory wasn’t just about winning gold—it was about representation. Snowboarding has long been a predominantly white sport, and Powell’s presence on the biggest stage in competitive riding is a game-changer. His win opens doors for more diversity in the sport and inspires a new generation of riders who might not have seen themselves in the snowboarding world before.
Now, with an X Games title under his belt, Powell is far from done. Whether he’s throwing down insane tricks in the backcountry, pushing the limits in urban sessions, or breaking barriers on the competition scene, he’s proving that snowboarding isn’t just about tricks—it’s about making a statement.
From the mountains of Vermont to the top of the X Games podium, Zeb Powell isn’t just riding—he’s rewriting the rules. And the best part? He’s only getting started.
