Miscellaneous
BMX Flatland contests go back to the early days of BMX. While contests aren't for everyone, they bring a community of like-minded people together for a common interest. VooDoo Jam is the premiere American BMX flatland contest held in New Orleans Louisiana. It brings not only riders from around the United States.... but some of the best riders from all over the world. The main man behind the plan is life long flatlander, Scott O'Brien. Like many old school riders Scott competed in the AFA, also known as the American Freestyle Association. Their national contest circuit was known as the "Masters" which were famous in the mid to late 80s. The Masters comps were a chance to see your favorite factory sponsored riders, compete against them, and maybe even beat them while making a name for yourself... if you were good enough. It's also where you heard new music, saw the latest tricks invented, and could see the most current trends. This was arguably the most exciting time in flatland with over 200 riders competing in some expert classes. Back then there was no internet, very few videos available, and the magazines would take 2-3 months just to post photos and placings.... so attending the live competition was paramount for any fan that loved BMX flatland or was serious about competing. Over the years the sport of BMX flatland has evolved and along with it, contests have also progressed into something similar yet very different. Scott O'Brien brings an intensity and enthusiasm much like back in the day along with a more current contest experience.... with one major difference... by riders... for riders! Scott has traveled around the globe emceeing some of the biggest flatland contests and brought that knowledge to his own event. Securing the proper venue, acquiring the right judges, promoting the event, getting top name riders from all over the world to attend, putting together prize money, and getting people to show up and support it, among other things... go into making VooDoo Jam a success. While Scott is known as the emcee of VooDoo Jam, the reality is he does so much more to make the event happen. 3 time Nora Cup winner, owner of DECO BMX, and judge at this years VooDoo Jam Chad Degroot joined us on the show to get the lowdown from Scott O'Brien himself as we asked what made him want to put on the first ever VooDoo Jam back in 2004, what his inspiration for VooDoo Jam this year was, importance of Terry Adams and his impact on the event, what makes this event a success to him, how the judges get picked, who's the best competition flatland rider of all time, advice for anyone wanting to put on an event, where does VooDoo Jam go from here, and.... will there be another VooDoo Jam in the future? Or have we already seen the last one? So get comfortable, crank up your speakers, and get to know the man that puts on VooDoo Jam, Scott O'Brien.