The Finnish Rookie Fest 2026, hosted at Grip Skatepark in Tampere, successfully brought together Finland’s most promising  street skateboarders for another key stop of the World Rookie Skateboard Tour. Riders competed for valuable World Rookie Rank points and qualification opportunities for the 2026 World Rookie Skateboard Finals, scheduled for 25th–27th September in Celje, Slovenia.

While the event featured a more intimate field of competitors, the level of skateboarding remained impressive, showcasing the depth of Finland’s emerging talent and reinforcing the country’s long-standing commitment to youth skateboarding development.

The Rookie Boys competition was won by Selim Heiskanen, whose consistent and technical skating also earned him the highest overall score of the entire event. Noa Juhantalo finished second, followed by Eetu Nivukoski in third place.

In the Grom categories, Lulu Numminen claimed victory in the Girls division, while Ukko-Veikka Halttunen topped the Grom Boys podium ahead of Armas Nikkilä and Arttu Kekäläinen.

The Finnish Rookie Fest once again proved to be an important platform for young athletes looking to gain international experience and climb the World Rookie Rank before the season reaches its climax in Slovenia.

With several World Rookie Tour stops still to come, the qualification battle is becoming increasingly competitive as riders from around the globe chase their place in the most prestigious youth skateboarding event of the year.

The 2026 World Rookie Skateboard Finals in Celje will once again gather the world’s best Rookie and Grom skateboarders, offering not only the chance to become World Rookie Champions but also access to exclusive international opportunities that have helped launch the careers of many professional skateboarders.

The World Rookie Tour thanks Grip Skatepark, the local organizers, volunteers, judges and all participating riders and families for making another successful Finnish Rookie Fest possible.

The Road to Celje continues.