Vert and street refer to prominent disciplines within the sport of BMX. Vert BMXers use a large ramp known as the half pipe while street riders prefer the natural obstacles of urban areas. While the title of best vert and street rider remains a matter of opinion, certain BMX pros have proved time and again that they can surpass the competition.
Mat Hoffman
Mat Hoffman has been one of the top pros in the BMX community for more than 20 years. Commonly referred to as the godfather of BMX, Hoffman invented and perfected numerous street and vertical maneuvers. Hoffman was the first action sports athlete to be featured on the cover of ESPN The Magazine, according to 23mag. Hoffman was even asked to participate in the debut of freestyle BMX that will be held at the 2012 Olympics, according to the New York Times.
Dave Mirra
BMX enthusiasts know Dave Mirra for his high-flying flips and variations. Due to his extensive history of wins at extreme sports competitions, Dave Mirra is known as one of the best street and vert riders of all time. Mirra has won more than 20 medals during his years of competing in the X Games, according to DC Shoes, one of Dave Mirra's numerous sponsors. Fourteen of Mirra's X Games medals have been gold.
Jamie Bestwick
While some BMX pros are known for their all terrain riding style, Jamie Bestwick has continued to focus his energy on being one of the best vert riders in the industry. Jamie Bestwick has dominated BMX vert contests since the early 2000s. Jamie Bestwick took home the X Games gold medal for BMX vert in 2000, 2003 and 2005, according to Grind TV. Bestwick has also won the BMX Dew Tour six times.
Daniel Dhers
Daniel Dhers has proven to be one of the most promising young talents in the BMX contest circuit. While many riders prefer to play it conservatively during big name competitions, Daniel Dhers is known for debuting never-before-done tricks in the middle of his contest run. Dhers has won multiple X Games gold medals as well as Dew Tour cups, according to Alli Sports. In 2008, Dhers won the NORA cup for best ramp rider of the year.
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