Fast Fingers 22: The Fingerboard World Championship Delivers Epic Tricks, Community Vibes, and a Veteran Champion

On June 20, 2026, fingerboarders from around the globe converged on Schwarzenbach an der Saale, Germany, for Fast Fingers 22 — the 22nd edition of the legendary Fingerboard World Championship organized by Blackriver. What started as a small local contest in 1999 has grown into one of the most anticipated events in the fingerboarding scene, blending high-level competition, creative sessions, and that unmistakable community energy.

A Tradition That Keeps Evolving

Fast Fingers has a rich history. Founded by Blackriver's Martin Ehrenberger, it began as an in-person contest inspired by skateboard events. It evolved into the official Fingerboard World Championship in 2008 and has since attracted riders from dozens of countries. After going online in 2022 and returning live for FF21 in 2024, the event now alternates formats: live in even years, online in between. This keeps the scene accessible while preserving the magic of real tables and live crowds.

The 2026 edition lived up to the hype. Real tables. Real tricks. Real people — pros, newcomers, kids, and OGs all sharing the same space. Expectation: heavy sessions, creative lines, loud cheering, and non-stop fingerboard action.

Event Format & Highlights

The competition structure built tension across multiple rounds:

• Round 1 (Runs): 45-second runs in heats.
• Round 2 (Best Trick): Riders had attempts at 5 tricks, with the top 3 counting.
• Round 3 (Runs): 1-minute runs.
• Final: A tense Game of S.K.A.T.E. among the top 6 to crown the champion.

Livestreams captured the intensity, with riders pushing technical limits and creative combos. The atmosphere was electric, with behind-the-scenes podcasts, vlogs from international teams (like Team USA), and plenty of social media buzz.

The Champion: Alex Christ

In a story that resonated across the community, Alex Christ emerged as the Fast Fingers 22 World Champion at 34 years old — often referred to affectionately as the "old man" of the finals. His victory, including standout performances in the final tricks and a kickflip challenge win, capped an impressive run. Christ joined the Blackriver team around the event and etched his name into fingerboarding history.

Congratulations poured in from riders, fans, and the scene at large. It was a reminder that experience, consistency, and passion still shine at the highest level.

Why Fast Fingers Matters

Beyond the podium, these events strengthen the global fingerboarding community. They turn online followers into real-life friends, inspire the next generation, and showcase how far the sport has come since the early days of tech decks and basic setups.

Whether you're a seasoned pro, a casual hobbyist, or just discovering fingerboarding, Fast Fingers proves there's always room to level up — on the table or behind the scenes.

Looking Ahead

With the alternating format, the scene is already buzzing about the next online edition. Keep an eye on Blackriver channels, the official Fast Fingers site, and Instagram (@fastfingers_22) for clips, results, and future announcements.

If you missed FF22, dive into the livestream replays and finalist videos. And if you're inspired? Start filming, practicing those lines, and planning for the next one. The tables are waiting.

What's your favorite Fast Fingers moment or trick from this year? Drop it in the comments!

Stay tuned for more fingerboarding content, event recaps, and gear guides.