VIDEO: Snoop Dog, Kobe Bryant Join Superstar Skateboarders At Maloof Money Cup
Jul. 13 2009, Published 3:48 p.m. ET
The world's best skateboarders including P-Rod, Ryan Sheckler and Sean Malto got a chance to show off their tricks at the Maloof Money Cup held at the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa this past weekend. The three day skateboarding competition brought out Snoop Dog who dazzled the crowd when he got on stage for a surprise performance, and basketball star Kobe Bryant who arrived hand in hand with his wife.
"I love skateboarding but I can't get on one because it's too much of a liability," Kobe joked with RadarOnline. "These guys are incredible athletes and watching them is just such an inspiration."
The competition is the brainchild of the Maloof brothers, Joe and Gavin, who own the Sacramento Kings and The Palms Hotel in Las Vegas.
Dream On: Rob Dyrdek’s “Street Dreams”
"Skateboarding is a culture, a lifestyle and a fascinating sport that is just booming all over the world, Joe Maloof tells RadarOnline. "You don't have to be 6-6 and weigh 250 pounds to make a living in skateboarding. Now all kids have an opportunity to make a living through skateboarding, and that's what's giving me the most pleasure."
The various ramps at the 2nd annual competition-the richest of its kind- were replicas of the best skateboarding spots around the world, costing a hefty $500,000 to construct.
This year's winner Chris Cole, 27, from Pennsylvania took home the $100,000 first prize.
Trainwreck clothing supported the 2009 Maloof Money cup and hosted the official afterparty at the Unix Mansion in laguna beach. Many proskaters supported the clothing line, and signed skateboard decks, which will later be auctioned off by the clothing line with proceeds going to charity.
NBC will televise the competition on Sunday, July 19 at 2pm EST.