There was a time not very long ago when The Uninvited Invitational felt like a necessary shift.

The story has been told. Jess Kimura built it with intention, creating space where there hadn’t been enough, and doing it in a way that immediately demanded attention. What stands out now is not just that it worked, it is how quickly it became essential. In just a few years, The Uninvited has gone from a new addition to something foundational, a contest that carries significant weight. It is not just another stop on a schedule, it is a place where the next generation shows up ready, and leaves with the rest of snowboarding paying attention.

I’ll start by pointing out the third place finisher, Livia Tanno. She just took Rookie of the Year from us here at SLUSH, but it was my first time seeing her ride in person, which does something to it. She battled a back one switch 50-50 for a good bit, and the way the whole place lit up every time she got close said everything. That is part of what makes a contest like this hit. You are not just watching tricks, you are watching how riders carry the moment. Who leans into it, who shrinks from it, who knows exactly what to do with a crowd. Livia might not be a rookie to The Uninvited, but in that setting, in that energy, it felt like a line being drawn. The point where “up next” starts to feel very current.

And that is really where this thing reveals itself. Because when you look at the actual rookies who made it into finals day at Woodward Park City, it stops feeling like a stepping stone and starts feeling like a launch. Those heats were stacked with riders who were not easing into anything. No feeling out process, no wide-eyed first laps. They showed up ready, and more importantly, they rode like they belonged, using that stage the exact way it is meant to be used.

The following were the Uninvited rookies who made it into finals, and trust us, these are names you’re going to want to know.

Midori Oshima: 15 years old, out of Japan, wildcard spot winner, and walked away with the Baldface Stoke Award. Calm, composed, and very clearly not out of place.

Miyu Oishi: Has been building momentum all season, but this felt like a line in the sand. Left with the YETI Rookie Award and made it obvious why.

Anjyu Matsuoka: Full rail technician. Feeds off the energy without ever really showing it. Lands, resets, moves on. Cold in the best way.

Selin Lakatha: Austrian with a deep bag and a steady presence all day. Looked like she was building toward something the entire contest.

FULL UNINVITED RESULTS:

1. Himari Takamori

2. Jess Perlmutter

3. Livia Tanno

4. Hinano Sakamoto

5. Bella Warren

Baldface Stoke Award: Midori Oshima

Darkhorse Award: Mela Stalker

Nicolas Cage Award: Stefi Luxton

YETI Rookie Award: Miyu Oishi

Style Boss: Henna Ikola

Best Trick: Himari Takamori