Thrasher Magazine

We’ve watched him shred since he was knee high to Arto Saari. Three feet and a haircut later, Louie Lopez has emerged as one of the most gifted, versatile and beloved skaters alive. Silky gnar, perfect feet and with an endless arsenal of tricks on all terrain, this part captures a world-class ripper at the top of his game. He might just be the perfect skateboarder. Thank you, Louie!

Long, lanky and hailing from Washington state, Chris brings down the curtains with one helluva last part in videographer Jake Menne's Friend Zone video.

Some people battle tricks and some just figure them out like a Sunday-morning crossword puzzle. Kader falls into the latter category, hardly breaking a sweat while filming his Young Emericans part. Check his B-Sides edit and rest easy knowing the future is in good hands.

The Volcom Wanderlodge video is straight-up gnar! Now check the RV article from the January '18 issue of the mag to see the snaps and hear the tales behind the triumphs. Human skate stoppers suck!

Montreal has a skate scene that’s booming right now. Between Dime and Peace park there’s a ton of things to skate out there and the talent to rip the spots to shreds. From the mind of Guillaume Thibault, run, jump, PARKOUR to see this video.

Episode three of the Panda Patrol series has the newly enlisted Samarria Brevard jumping in the jeep to attack the streets, parks, demos and everything else in enjoi's path! These guys and girl know how to party!

Too many shredders? Glaring omissions? Looming conspiracies? All part of the SOTY experience! One thing’s for sure – the dudes on this list all kicked skateboarding’s ass in 2017. Read the stats, watch the videos and cast your vote who YOU think should get the little man in shorts. Congrats to all our contenders and everyone who ripped this year!

Barging doubles at a spot that’s barely wide enough for one, GT and Omar handle biz where few others would stand a chance while on Volcom's RV Rampage tour.

Louie's West End part was an absolute barn burner! Check the photos and read the words from the man himself. Hey, he's buddies with Keanu Reeves! He's worth listening to!