The 2026 Kasso Fest made its official U.S. debut this past weekend in Long Beach, California. Originally launched in Japan by TBS—the principal subsidiary of Tokyo Broadcasting System and the force behind American Ninja Warrior—Kasso Fest is the company’s latest venture, blending skateboarding, music, and art into a celebration of community.
Under clear blue skies on Saturday afternoon (March 21), fans gathered at Long Beach’s newly transformed Old Hall Plaza, where three custom-built skate courses and a striking main stage set the scene for a cross-cultural showcase of elite talent. Skaters faced unconventional terrain and obstacles rarely seen in traditional competitions. In fact, Kasso Fest doesn’t pit skaters against each other—success is measured by who can complete the course without falling.
“It’s all about who’s the most comfortable on their board and who can figure the course out as they go,” said pro skater Jaime Foy, who also helped design the course. “You can’t really prepare for something like this. It’s not about who’s No. 1—we’re just having fun with it. I’m just excited they brought it to Long Beach.”
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 21: Raphae Ueda skates the course during Kasso Fest: Long Beach 2026 at Old Hall Plaza on March 21, 2026 in Long Beach, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Kasso Fest 2026)
As the day unfolded, top-tier athletes including Dashawn Jordan, Ayahiro Uratsuka, Yurin Fuijii, Kyle Walker, Jaws, and Torey Pudwill put their skills to the test for a cash prize. One of the most daunting features: a kinked rail suspended more than 20 feet above a stretch of water—an obstacle that pushed even the most seasoned skaters to their limits.
“I’ve been watching Kasso for a minute on YouTube, so I’ve always been a fan,” said Dashawn Jordan, who recently graced the cover of Thrasher. “I’ve always wanted to do it. It keeps the fun aspect of skating—you can just be free.”
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 21: Dashawn Jordan skates the course during Kasso Fest: Long Beach 2026 at Old Hall Plaza on March 21, 2026 in Long Beach, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Kasso Fest 2026)
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Bay Area rapper LaRussell closed out Day 1 with an electrifying set. Within seconds of stepping onstage, the Vallejo native leapt into the crowd, igniting the already energized audience.
“As an artist, it’s really tough to share your art and your heart,” he told the crowd. “So whenever you can enter a space and be accepted for your energy, it really means a lot—gratitude, thank you.”
LaRussell kept the momentum going with fan favorites like “GRINDIN” and “Am I Musty?” before shifting gears for a more intimate moment. Backed by live harp, he performed a heartfelt rendition of “Save Me,” offering reflection amid the chaos.
He noted that songs like this are purely to help the “little homies” that need to hear substance in rap music today. The West Coast powerhouse has been quiet online ever since his “Heaven Sent” freestyle left fans divided, but after Saturday’s set it’s clear that he’s solely focused on spreading his poetry.
“I have to thank God for giving me a voice, and I’m grateful to have people pull up and witness it in real time,” he said. “Sometimes we forget how short life is, and how important it is to bring joy to every experience. The fact that we can find community through music means everything.”
