The fifth edition of the Red Bull PlayStreets showcased the magic tricks of 22 masters of the sport. With extraordinary freestyle skills the Canadian Charles Gagnier secured himself his second spot on the Walk of Fame after having put his first star on the PlayStreets sky in 2007.

BAD GASTEIN (AUSTRIA) – The global freestyle elite, many of whom had already won praise at the Freeride World Tour or the X-Games, had come from every corner of the world to star in the fifth edition of the Red Bull PlayStreets. Popular PlayStreet names such as Nick Goepper, Bobby Brown, Markus Eder and defending champion Elias Ambühl as well as a number of newcomers took on the challenge to reach for the stars.

It took 780 truckloads and 4,700 cubic metres of snow to build the white shimmering stage for the who-is-who of the international freestyle scene to boast their skills. Surrounded by a stunning mountain view, the athletes from 10 different nations were speeding through history down the streets and over the roof tops amidst the sights of the Bad Gastein town centre.

With the only 16 year old Austrian Luca Tribondeau emerging as the unexpected comet at the qualifying, it was the Canadian Charles Gagnier, whose star eventually shone the brightest after eight of the best riders had even topped what had already been freestyle art at it’s best in the final knock-outs. Charles shared his joy over his second star with his younger brother Vincent, who had dominated over the Swiss title holder Elias Ambühl, thus taking the third spot after Gus Kenworthy as number two.

Photos: Erwin Polanc/Red Bull Content Pool