SCOTTY JAMES:

There’s a timeless pulse that beats in the heart of extreme sports—a pulse that propels athletes to redefine possibility with every run. In my recent sit-down with Scotty James, the snowboarding phenom who’s been carving history on the mountain, I discovered a spirit that is as relentless as it is reflective. In true tmrw fashion, we peeled back the layers to reveal a career built on passion, persistence, and an unyielding hunger for the next big moment.

Growing up in Australia, Scotty’s journey into snowboarding wasn’t mapped out on a chalkboard. “I’ve always had a passion for extreme sports,” he confesses, recalling his early days riding motorbikes and building jumps for his bike. It wasn’t a conscious decision to pursue snowboarding—it was a natural gravitation, a calling inherited from a dad who was equally enamoured with the sport. By the age of ten, while most kids were still dreaming big, Scotty’s destiny had already crystallized. “It wasn’t a pivotal moment; it just happened,” he says, as if the mountains themselves whispered, “This is your path.”

For Scotty, athletic inspiration doesn’t always come from the slopes. He recalls a defining moment from the early 2000s when he was mesmerized by freestyle motocross at the X Games. “I was watching history being made when Mike Mex landed the first-ever backflip on a motorbike,” he remembers. 

That moment—a collision of daring and innovation—etched itself into his psyche and fueled his own drive to push beyond what was thought possible. The fire lit that day still burns in every trick he executes, every record he shatters.

Scotty’s latest triumph—a fourth consecutive X Games gold and his seventh career win—isn’t just another trophy on the shelf. It’s a testament to his acclaimed career. This career is defined by risk, discipline, and an insatiable curiosity about what lies beyond. “There’s something incredibly special about doing something that hasn’t been done before,” he reflects, eyes alight with the thrill of the impossible made real. Yet, amid the roar of the crowd and the flash of cameras, his approach remains deeply personal. Discipline and consistency aren’t just buzzwords for Scotty—they’re the very foundation of his success. His blend of relentless training and mental fortitude are undergirded by a commitment to stay true to his roots. 

There’s another side to Scotty that few see on the podium. For him, fatherhood has been a transformative journey. With the arrival of his son, Leo, he discovered a newfound empathy and a refined sense of time. Time is a precious commodity when every run is a battle against gravity. It's also precious when you're at home with those you love. “I’m now on the mountain with purpose,” he explains.

Music, for Scotty, is the silent partner that shapes his every ride. His playlist is as eclectic as his personality—a mix of gritty rap anthems and the mellow hum of classic rock. “It all depends on the day and how I’m feeling,” he says. He hints at moments when a single track can turn hesitation into the surge of adrenaline needed to defy gravity. It’s this ability to harness energy, to channel emotion through sound, that fuels his journey both on and off the mountain.

The mountain isn’t his only playground, either. There’s a “nerdy side” to Scotty—a fascination with startups, venture capital, and investments that blend his passion for action sports with a sharp business acumen. Whether it’s advising on the new X Games League, set to launch in 2026, or building a portfolio that mirrors his relentless spirit, he’s constantly exploring what’s possible when passion meets innovation.