2025 RSOTY AWARDS

Once more, the skate community has woven the tale. The 2025 Roller Skater of the Year honors those whose devotion and steady rise marked the turning of the year. Each vote has been cast, the count is complete, and the outcome is determined. With well over 1,000 votes cast in each category, this marked the largest voter turnout Fantom has received to date. Did those you championed survive the choosing?

Brand of the Year: Diamond Roller Skate Shop

From the moment voting opened, they surged straight to the top, pulling in an overwhelming wave of support and never letting go. Built on community loyalty and real credibility, Diamond’s gear proudly champions locally made Argentine parts, earning respect where it matters most. This is exactly the kind of energy we need to back more often: local brands and people pushing the culture forward.

Finalists:
• Lazo
• Brunny Hardcore
• Chuffed Skates
• Last Supper

Lazo and Brunny Hardcore took second and third, with Brunny passing the crown after a two-year reign—proof that real influence in the community doesn’t fade.

Video of the Year: Shell Shock – Lazo

Shell Shock drew the highest number of votes, and it felt inevitable. The video cut deep—filled with fearless skaters, heavy tricks, and moments charged with raw force. The craft was precise, every frame set with intention. Once in a while, the community gathers around a work judged solely by what is revealed on screen, and this was one of those times.

Featured Skaters: Nemo Debevoise, Dani Maldonado, Karli Craig, Lauren Banks, Barbie Patin, Megan Shaffer, Moco Dimango, Jammalynn Flower, Desiree Franco, Eshna Goenka, Ava Verhoff, Lily Gonzalez, Gianna Macioce, Taylor Stack, Kayla Klinkhammer, Alli Tong, Manuela Calle, Tia Pitman, Vashti Rufus-Wilson

Primary Cinematographers:
Dave Hoang and Ricki Bedenbaugh

Finalists:
• Mascara – Eipril Baglieri
• Not Pretty Enough For L*Zo – Paige Koster
• Now or Never – Chuffed Skates
• Stamps – Chuffed Skates

Mascara by Eipril Baglieri drew votes the moment its trailer surfaced, then gathered even more once the full edit was revealed—an undeniable work of art we couldn’t leave behind, and it deserved every bit of recognition in this year’s RSOTY. Not Pretty Enough For LZo* by Paige Koster claimed third, while Chuffed Skates earns an honorable mention for releasing two standout edits this year.

Up-and-Comer of the Year: Donatella Maurelli

This year, Argentina’s votes had a powerful impact, elevating Donatella (@donatellamaurelli) above the rest and highlighting the strength of hometown pride. With figure skating woven into her bones and a style steeped in effortless steeze. She’s also building something bigger—running a quad skate school and strengthening the community from the ground up. That kind of impact doesn’t go unnoticed. The support was loud; the votes were earned.

Finalists
• Maddie Alkire @maddiealkire
• Lauren Banks @lilbanksy
• Paige Koster @paaaaaiiiiigeee
• Pushy / Ava Verhoff @pushylongstocking

Maddie followed by Lauren claimed the next two spots, each carving out their own moment of recognition.

Finalist: Jammalynn Flower

Last year, Jammalynn rose and claimed the crown, casting a spell that still hangs heavy over the scene. Her presence in Shell Shock only deepened the myth, capturing her raw power and commitment on screen, while a skate tour carried that energy from city to city, carving her mark into unfamiliar streets. Voted back into the circle, she almost made it to the top, again!

Finalist: Asia Cruz

Asia Cruz attacks handrails with a style and control that’s entirely her own. With the way she’s progressing, it’s clear this is only the beginning—Asia is firmly at the top, with much more still to come. Beyond the tricks and the streets, she’s an incredible human being—kind, grounded, and inspiring to everyone around her.

Finalist: Paige Koster

Paige Koster put in serious work in the streets this year. She released not one but two street video parts. Both were met with heavy respect from the community, proof of long hours and bruised shins. Hard work like that leaves a mark.

Finalist: Alli Tong

Returning to the RSOTY ballot once more, Alli claimed a strong position in 2025. She owned the year by fronting the cover of Fantom’s Burnt issue and releasing a solo video part that blew minds, proving her presence is built on consistency, control, and power.

Fantom Roller Skater of the Year 2025: Manuela Calle

Manuela earned the crown with a storm of votes, a force of nature whose skating leaves you breathless—sometimes sending chills, sometimes stirring something deep enough to make you weep. Featured in Shell Shock and a full feature in Fantom Magazine, she casts her magic, not just on the streets, but through the community, guiding and empowering others to step into the spell of skating. Her power is raw and wild—this is a crown well-earned.

Check out Manuela's feature from Fantom Issue 07.