Top Athletes Shine at Uninvited Invitational Snowboarding Competition in Utah

Women’s Snowboarding Reaches New Heights at Uninvited Invitational

From April 9-11, 2026, Woodward Park City in Utah transformed into the epicenter of women's snowboarding as the Uninvited Invitational brought together the best of the best. This event, designed to elevate and celebrate female talent in snowboarding, proved to be an exhilarating weekend filled with jaw-dropping performances and fierce competition.

Among the stars at this year's event was 16-year-old Himari Takamori from Nagoya, Japan, who made waves by taking the overall first place as well as winning Best Trick on the first day. The excitement was palpable as she dropped into the custom-built obstacle course, unleashing impressive technical maneuvers that left both judges and fans awestruck. Takamori walked away with a total of $17,500 in prize money, a testament to her phenomenal skills and potential in the sport.

Also claiming a podium spot was Vermont's own Jessica Perlmutter, just a year older at 17, who secured the second position along with a prize of $11,000. Jessica, who had previously won the Uninvited Invitational in 2025 and holds an X Games Gold medal, showcased her exceptional prowess with a combination of rail tricks and striking technical finesse. Her refined moves proved that she is not just a former champion but a force to be reckoned with in the female snowboarding scene.

Adding to the accolades, 27-year-old Henna Ikola from Hyvinkää, Finland, also shone brightly, clinching three significant awards: Best Style, People’s Champ, and Day 2 Standout. All of these accolades showcased her versatility and skill, further enriching the competitive atmosphere of the event.

The Uninvited Invitational was conceived by Jess Kimura, an influential name in women's snowboarding, who, tired of the limited opportunities for female riders, created a platform to champion their talent. Since its inception in 2017, this invitation-only event has evolved into a spotlight for female competitors, offering them a chance to showcase their skills on an international stage.

This year's competition saw 75 talented riders from over 20 countries, all competing for a substantial prize purse of $60,000. After two intense qualifying days, the top 20 riders squared off in a final that demonstrated the heights of women's snowboarding prowess. Takamori initiated the final round with a series of thrilling tricks, including a standout boardslide pretzel on the massive kink rail and an incredible back lipslide on a challenging structure. Her exceptional performance catapulted her to the forefront and ultimately earned her the coveted title.

In a unique twist, the competition also included a Best Trick segment, where riders were judged based on their best moves showcased during the session. Takamori's technical perfection continued to shine as her massive backtail 270 on the cage solidified her status as one of the standout performers of the weekend.

Perlmutter, coming off an impressive victory at last year's Uninvited Invitational, also came prepared, executing a series of intricate rail tricks that highlighted her dexterity and agility. Her efforts were rewarded not just with second place, but with a standout performance that resonated with both judges and fans alike.

Adding recognition to the event, Henna Ikola's creative approach and stylish execution earned her Best Style, a category that celebrates artistic expression in snowboarding. She impressed the judges with tricks like frontside boardslide 270 on the long handrail, showcasing not only her technical ability but her elegance and flair on the board.

As the dust settles from this year’s Uninvited Invitational, it’s clear that Monster Energy’s involvement with these extraordinary athletes has amplified the visibility and recognition of women in snowboarding. With remarkable performances from Takamori, Perlmutter, and Ikola, the future of women's snowboarding looks brighter than ever. To stay updated with the latest on these incredible athletes and Monster Energy's ongoing support, visit Monster Energy's official site.

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