Mat Hoffman is a legend in the world of BMX freestyle – often described as the greatest Vert-ramp rider of all time, he has invented more than 100 tricks and acted as the driving force for progression in the sport since turning pro in 1991. Among his innovative tricks are the 900, the flip fakie (backflip which includes landing backwards), and the flair (backflip with a 180 degree turn).
His other achievements include clearing 26.5 feet above a 24-foot-tall vert quarterpipe in 2004, for which the Guinness Book of World Records recognized Hoffman as the High Air World Record holder. The record stood until 2008, when he was on hand to witness Kevin Robinson set a new record of 27 feet in New York City’s Central Park.
In 1991, at the age of just 20, Hoffman started both Hoffman Promotions and Hoffman Bikes. Hoffman Bikes is still going strong, now with two bike collections – the high-end, professional ‘IBD’ range and an entry-level range available on the high street – and a strong line-up of team riders including Hoffman himself, Robinson, Seth Kimbrough and Ben Hennon.
The growth of Hoffman Promotions also gave birth to the Hoffman Sports Association, which is the organising body for BMX freestyle events worldwide, including the X Games. And if all that wasn’t enough, Mat is the founding and current President of the International BMX Freestyle Federation, producer, director and host of several television series for ESPN, and a consultant on Hollywood blockbusters.