In 2008, skateboard brand, DVS Shoe Company (now DVS Shoes), sponsored the inaugural Battle at the Berrics contest. Consisting of a professional game of S.K.A.T.E., the competition involved thirty-two skaters competing in a bracket-style tournament. The competitors included Steve Berra, Eric Koston, Rob Dyrdek, Andrew Reynolds, Mike Carroll, Marc Johnson, Erik Ellington, PJ Ladd, Danny Montoya, Chris Roberts, Donovan Strain, and Sean Malto, just to name a few… First place was attained by Mike Mo Capaldi, with second and third place given to Benny Fairfax and Billy Marks, respectively.
Since then Battle at the Berrics or BATB has become a worldwide phenomenon with 11 battles completed and womens only BATB in 2019. Taking a year off for COVID was disappointing but understandable. We are so excited to see BATB resumed this year!!
This year Cariuma presents BATB 12: Community, our biggest competition yet with 64 (Doubled from the normal 32) skaters and four quadrants.
BATB 11 champion Luan Oliveira returns for this year’s competition, while Tom Asta will bring the competition to him for their head-to-head match. DaShawn Jordan, Ishod Wair, Felipe Gustavo, Chris Joslin and many more are also scheduled up for the Pros bracket. Too many legends to name, but here are a few to whet your appetite in the Icon bracket: Nyjah Huston, Mike Mo, Stevie Williams, Mike Vallely, Chris Roberts and, of course, Eric Koston. Need we say more? The Joe’s bracket is made up of amateurs, not yet pro but far from “new” to the sport. Here is where we’ll find the next rising star in skateboarding for sure. Some names will be new, but others – Filipe Mota, Nick Holt, Tyler Peterson, Marcos Montoya – you’ve probably seen kill it already. Lastly, the influencers bracket is made up of skaters who have mastered their influential personalities, and have been chosen based on their followers, likes, and overall presence on social media. We’re excited to see what Burberry Erry, Garrett Ginner, Illegal Civ‘s Sunny Suljic, Chris Chann and many more bring to the Battle!
This will be a battle for the centuries!! We are all very excited to see the icons come back out as well as all our favorite current pros take on the next generations. Looking forward to it!
