Skaters love a good underdog story, but this one might catch a few people off guard.
Toy Machine Skateboards professional skateboarder Leo Romero recently admitted that photographer Attiba Jefferson handed him an L in a game of S.K.A.T.E.
That’s right! The guy known for capturing iconic moments in skate history also happens to have the skills to take down pros on flatground.
If you’re familiar with Jefferson’s work, you already know he’s one of the most respected photographers in skateboarding.
His shots have graced the pages of countless magazines, and he’s been behind the lens for some of the biggest names in the game.
But what a lot of people might not realize is that he’s just as comfortable with a board under his feet as he is with a camera in his hands.
And if there’s one thing he doesn’t mind reminding people of, it’s that he’s taken down some serious competition in S.K.A.T.E.
Jefferson has been vocal about his wins in the past, boasting victories over legends like Paul Rodriguez, Mike Mo Capaldi, and even The Chief Jamie Thomas.
That’s not exactly a list of people you expect to lose in a flatground battle, but Attiba has a way of flipping the script.
Maybe it’s his consistency, maybe it’s the mental game, or maybe he’s just got a few tricks that people underestimate. Either way, he’s racked up some impressive wins over the years.
As for Romero, he’s got nothing to prove when it comes to his skateboarding. But even the best skaters have their off days or just run into someone who’s locked in.
So, what exactly went down in their game? Romero hasn’t given a full play-by-play, but if Attiba’s previous victories are anything to go by, he probably threw down some deceptively difficult tricks that caught Leo off guard.
Maybe a switch hardflip, maybe some perfect flick on a nollie flip. Who knows? What we do know is that by the end of it, Romero had to admit defeat.
It’s one of those stories that adds another layer to skateboarding culture. Where sometimes, the person you least expect will roll up and put you to the test.
And in this case, Jefferson walked away with another name on his list of wins.