Pre-Contest Skateboarding: A Special Feature on Pump-Up Theme Songs and Cheer Anthems
For skateboarders, the mindset before a competition is a crucial key to success.
And nothing elevates that mindset quite like the power of music that resonates with the heart.
The right song that pushes you through those pre-start jitters can even change the quality of your performance.
In this article, we’ll introduce music that fires you up before a contest—from iconic tracks memorably used in skateboarding anime to pump-up anthems beloved by real athletes.
Why not meet that precious moment of mixed nerves and excitement with the perfect song?
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[Before the Skateboard Competition] A Selection of Pump-Up Theme Songs and Cheer Anthems (11–20)
Like ThatFuture, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
This track is a collaboration by three big names representing the hip-hop scene: Future, producer Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar.
It’s included on their joint album WE DON’T TRUST YOU, released in March 2024.
The song debuted at No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It’s also known for being used as a pump-up track by skateboarder Yuto Horigome.
Metro Boomin’s menacing bass and hard-hitting beat are sure to turn the tension of facing rivals into strength.
It’s a perfect song for skaters pushing their personal limits with individual skill.
BAM-BOOIMP.
This is a track by IMP.
that was chosen as the theme song for the international action sports competition X Games Chiba 2024, and just listening to it pumps you up! Released in October 2024, its powerful theme resonated with the spirit of the event and made headlines when it was selected again as the theme song the following year.
The uplifting, street-culture-infused track is perfect for skaters about to attempt a big trick.
When you want to strengthen the sense of camaraderie with your crew and deliver your best performance, let this song fire you up.
Tonight, TonightMAN WITH A MISSION
It’s an accelerating rock tune that shines a light on this very moment—perfect for a flying start.
Performed by MAN WITH A MISSION, the band that electrifies the world with their wolf-like appearance, it opens their album Break and Cross the Walls II, released in May 2022.
It also made waves as the tournament theme song for X Games Chiba 2022, the first X Games held in Japan.
The thick guitar sound and exhilarating, high-speed rhythm transform pre-game nerves into pure excitement.
With a message that evokes the bonds between teammates moving forward together, it’s the ultimate cheer song.
With this track, you might just find the courage to nail even the most daring moves!
Skate GirlReiRay
A refreshing cheer song delivered by ReiRay, the pop-rock duo from Nagano! It’s a pop tune that blends a comfortably mid-tempo groove that glides like a skateboard with a dreamy, floating feel.
Released as their second single in September 2022, the track was partly inspired by the skaters who shone at the Tokyo Olympics the previous year.
Its straightforward message—if you hold on to what you love, you can keep moving forward—will give you a powerful push.
Perfect for sharpening your focus before a game and bringing out your best performance!
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
Yuzu, who rose from the streets to become a beloved national duo.
This moving ballad, released in July 2004, added color to historic moments as the official theme song for NHK’s Athens Olympics coverage.
It reminds us that we are who we are today because of struggles we never showed and a path that was anything but smooth.
Skateboarder Sakura Yosozumi says she listens to it when she can’t ride well; it calms her and makes her want to push harder.
Turning mounting nerves into strength, its emotional melody will give you a powerful push as you stand on the starting line of glory.
It is truly an anthem for the single moment on which you stake everything you’ve been through.
InfinityYuuri
From the gentle resonance of the acoustic guitar to the band sound that bursts forth in the chorus, this song stirs your spirits! Written by singer-songwriter Yuuri as the ending theme for the TV anime “SK∞ SK8 the Infinity,” it was later included on his first album, “Ichi,” released in 2021.
The lyrics, which sing of bonds with friends that remind you you’re not alone, will surely resound as the ultimate encouragement for skaters battling pressure.
It’s the kind of warm power that transforms the tension right before attempting an important trick into something you can share with your crew.
The perfect hype song to give you a strong push as you head into the competition!
[Before Skateboarding Competitions] A Special Feature on Pump-Up Theme Songs and Cheer Anthems (21–30)
DreamHirai Dai
The refreshing beat and gentle vocals seem to wrap your pre-game excitement in comfort! Chosen as the theme song for World Skateboarding 2023 Tokyo Street, this track by Dai Hirai is a positive, encouraging anthem that gives a subtle push to anyone chasing their dreams.
Its lyrics, where English and Japanese blend naturally, will ease your pre-start nerves and sharpen your focus.
The song is the title track from Dai Hirai’s mini-album “Dream,” released in July 2013 as his major-label debut.
When you feel a bit anxious before attempting a big trick, listening to this tune will lighten your heart with the message: “Believe in yourself and have fun!” It’s perfect for those moments when you want to stay relaxed yet fired up.