 Riot performing on a vert ramp | ||||||||||||
| Personal information | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationality | American | |||||||||||
| Born | December 3, 1984 | |||||||||||
| Occupation(s) | Vert skater, software engineer, entrepreneur | |||||||||||
Medal record
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Leo Riot (born December 3, 1984) is an American professional vert skater and technology entrepreneur known for constructing a full-scale backyard vert ramp in North Carolina and for competing internationally, including at X Games Shanghai 2014. Riot began skating in 1996 and turned professional in 2006. [1] [2]
Riot was born in Miami, Florida, and began skating at age twelve in 1996. [1]
In 2009, Riot began building a backyard vert ramp after noting the nearest vertical facility was a two-hour drive away. The project took about nine months and resulted in a ramp approximately 13.5 feet high and 40 feet wide, comparable to X Games dimensions. The Enquirer-Journal covered the build and local response, describing the ramp's quality and the small community that formed around sessions at Riot's home. [1]
Riot turned professional in 2006 and competed in national and international vert events. He represented the United States in vert at X Games Shanghai 2014. [2]
Riot is noted for advanced vert tricks including the fakie 1080 and flatspin 540.
Outside of skating, Riot is a software engineer and entrepreneur. He began programming in 1998 and was instrumental in developing the software for one of the largest futures funding companies, contributing to over half a billion dollars in revenue within three years. [3] He currently serves as CTO of Day Traders, where he oversees technological innovation, software architecture, and operational efficiency. [3]
