The title of "Skater of the Year" is awarded annually by Thrasher. The tradition was started in 1990, and the accolade remains one of the most respected awards in global skateboarding culture. The title is bestowed to one skater annually and announced by Thrasher's editor.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
- 1990: Tony Hawk
- 1991: Danny Way
- 1992: John Cardiel
- 1993: Salman Agah
- 1994: Mike Carroll
- 1995: Chris Senn
- 1996: Eric Koston
- 1997: Bob Burnquist
- 1998: Andrew Reynolds
- 1999: Brian Anderson
- 2000: Geoff Rowley
- 2001: Arto Saari
- 2002: Tony Trujillo
- 2003: Mark Appleyard
- 2004: Danny Way
- 2005: Chris Cole
- 2006: Daewon Song
- 2007: Marc Johnson
- 2008: Silas Baxter-Neal
- 2009: Chris Cole
- 2010: Leo Romero
- 2011: Grant Taylor
- 2012: David Gonzalez
- 2013: Ishod Wair
- 2014: Wes Kremer
- 2015: Anthony Van Engelen
- 2016: Kyle Walker
- 2017: Jamie Foy
- 2018: Tyshawn Jones
- 2019: Milton Martinez
- 2020: Mason Silva
- 2021: Mark Suciu
In the early days of the contest it was very common to for the winner to have just put out one video part. Over the years however, expectations have grown for the skateboarders looking to win the award. It is not uncommon in the current age of skateboarding for the winner to have released two or more video parts.
Since 1990, the award has been handed to vert skaters, street skaters, and skaters that take up both disciplines. The style of street skating has dominated the contest for the most part.