The Birmingham Times
Birmingham is set to welcome thousands of athletes and spectators later this year for the Festival International des Sports Extreme.
The Magic City will be the only U.S. city on the global tour’s 2026 calendar, with athletes competing in skateboarding, BMX, basketball and other events
“Birmingham has the perfect DNA to arrive for the FISE series. The series is not just an event, it’s really a festival with very good vibes, music, with different activities, so it’s so important for us to be here in Birmingham,” said event founder Herve Andre-Benoit.
This is the third major global sporting event hosted by Birmingham in the last few years. Last year, The Magic City welcomed the World Police and Fire Games. In 2022, Birmingham held The World Games.
The FISE World Series, presented by Honor and organized by Hurricane Events, brings together the best athletes from BMX Freestyle Park and Flatland, Skateboard, Mountain Bike, Freestyle Roller, Parkour and many others.
Christopher said competing in events like this could help propel him back to the Olympics while also drawing attention to the city.
“It’s just the thrill and the adrenaline,” said Marcus Christopher, a BMX rider competing in the event. “I’m super excited for this contest. I’ve been doing these world series for a few years now and have yet to compete in America, so to be here in Birmingham is going to be amazing,” Christopher said.
“Come out, see the event, and maybe try it. I was just over at the City Walk facility, and it’s an awesome facility for a public park,” Christopher said.
Each year, amateur and professional athletes from around 40 countries follow the FWS stages hosted by emblematic cities, marking their commitment to youth and sports.
The FISE World Series is scheduled to take place August 6-9 at City Walk, hosting BMX freestyle, skateboarding, and 3-on-3 basketball competitions.
