Transworld Snowboarding.com

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2010-02-07 00:46:34 | 7432 views | 36 Comments

Friday night in Denver was off the hook—it’s going bananas right now! The TransWorld SNOWboarding Riders’ Poll Awards went down in style at the legendary Fillmore Auditorium where a crowd of thousands gathered to recognize snowboarding’s best riders. And of course, to party their asses off. Show co-hosts Eddie Wall and GT welcomed riders, industry, and for the first time ever, the public to join in cheering for the nominees, all-star awards presenters, and of course, this year’s winners.

In one of the closest categories, Rookie Of The Year honors went to Iceland’s versatile Halldór Helgason—he was at XGames and finished first in today’s slopestyle qualifiers. Not bad for a “rookie.”  Of the award, the young Helgason said, “Thanks to everyone who voted for me.”

The award in the Video Of The Year category went to Forum Snowboards’ Forever. Epic riding, tight package, great vibe. People loved it.

The award in the Standout Of The Year category went to Xavier De Le Rue of France, whose next-level Alaska freeriding in Standard Films’ feature Black Winter is simply undeniable.

The readers votes were counted for the Readers’ Choice Awards and the winners are Eiki Helgason and Marie-France Roy. If you voted in this category, your voice was heard loud and clear!

For his decades of progressive freeriding, guiding, filming and involvement in snowboarding, Lake Tahoe’s Tom Burt received the 2010 Legend Award. A very warm speech on Tom’s many contributions to shredding came from none other than Jeremy Jones—another legendary freerider in his own right.”I’ve been a professional athlete for 25 years now—it’s still just as fun ever,” said Burt.

The night’s biggest honors went to Canadian Annie Boulanger who took home trophies in both Women’s Rider Of The Year and Women’s Video Part Of The Year categories. Boulanger’s film part in Absinthe Films’ Neverland coupled with loads of exposure in mags and ads showing her progressive backcountry skills put her on top. “I am so happy, I can’t believe it!” said Boulanger hugging her two big hunks of glass.

Freestyle powerhouse John Jackson also scooped the two big ones, winning for Men’s Video Part Of The Year and Men’s Rider Of The Year honors. John’s mind-numbing video part in Forum’s Forever pretty much sealed the deal on this year’s Riders’ Poll. To be voted the very best rider, by the best riders in snowboarding is serious business. The always humble Jackson, who learned his chops in California’s Eastern Sierra’s mountain said, “It feels amazing—I’ve never really won anything so it means alot, thank you, seriously.”

We’re proud of all the riders—nominees, winners, industry and all. Thanks for making this an amazing awards show.

Stay locked on TransWorld SNOWboarding for more coverage of the Eleventh Annual Riders’ Poll as we roll out  the acceptance speeches and highlights from the night, throughout the week.