X Games Bets on AI Judges to Make Competitions Fairer

Extreme sports are about to get a high-tech upgrade that could make competitions fairer than ever before.

The X Games is experimenting with AI-powered judging systems that can analyze tricks, flips, and stunts with precision human eyes might miss. Jeremy Bloom, CEO of the X Games, believes artificial intelligence can reduce scoring errors and give athletes more consistent, accurate results.

The technology works by tracking athletes' movements in real time, measuring everything from rotation angles to landing quality. Unlike human judges who might have split-second blind spots or unconscious biases, AI systems can capture every detail of a performance.

This isn't about replacing the excitement of competition. It's about making sure the best athlete actually wins.

Human judges sometimes disagree on scores, especially in fast-paced sports where tricks happen in milliseconds. AI could standardize what counts as a perfect landing or flawless execution, giving competitors clarity on exactly what they need to do to win.

The Ripple Effect

If AI judging works at the X Games, it could spread to other sports where subjectivity has always been part of the challenge. Gymnastics, figure skating, and diving all rely on human judges whose scores can vary based on fatigue, viewing angle, or personal preference.

Athletes spend years perfecting their craft. They deserve scoring systems as precise as their performances.

The technology is still being tested, and X Games officials are working closely with competitors to ensure AI enhances rather than replaces the human element that makes sports meaningful. Judges won't disappear overnight, but they might soon have powerful tools to help them get calls right every single time.

For athletes who've ever wondered "what if" about a close score, AI judging could finally provide the fairness they've been waiting for.