GoPro and ESPN Join Forces to Elevate the Global X Games Experience

SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- GoPro, maker of the world's most versatile camera and most engaging content, is teaming with ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, to bring the action of the X Games to life like never before. This comes on the heels of ESPN's extensive investment in their new global X Games platform, expanding to three additional countries across Latin America and Europe in 2013.

The three-year agreement centers on GoPro's unique ability to offer unprecedented angles, perspectives and points of view – all in broadcast quality – to create a more engaging experience for action sports fans across the world.

"We are thrilled to be working with ESPN on X Games," said GoPro Vice President of Marketing, Paul Crandell. "GoPro has become the best selling camera in the world thanks to the passion and creativity of action sports athletes and fans across the world, so it feels fitting that, together with ESPN, we'll be opening up a new chapter of X Games. And what's more humbling is that ESPN, the premier Sports channel of all-time, is counting on our little cameras to push the boundaries of the content and viewing experience."

In addition to continuing its widely viewed Course Previews from previous X Games, GoPro will headline major event activations such as GoPro Snowmobile Best Trick at X Games Aspen and GoPro BMX Big Air at X Games Los Angeles. GoPro will also produce its own content for each X Games, focusing on athlete stories and cultural narratives.

X Games has brought together the best of the best in action sports for nearly two decades. Last May, ESPN announced an expanded six-event schedule, adding Foz do Iguacu, Brazil; Munich, Germany; and Barcelona, Spain to its traditional circuit of Aspen, Colorado; Tignes, France; and Los Angeles, California. ESPN is looking to expand X Games to also showcase the culture, music, and lifestyle of action sports.

GoPro began ten years ago when Founder and CEO, Nick Woodman, created the brand as a wrist-camera for surfers. The company has become a core part of the Surf, Skate, Snow, and Motorsports scene, used by the world's elite athletes, including X Games medalists such as Shaun White, Ryan Sheckler, James Stewart and Ken Block. Backed by the recent introduction of the new HERO3 – the most advanced GoPro ever – the cameras are also becoming trusted tools by professional filmmakers, photographers, and musicians around the world.

"We love ESPN's approach to transforming the X Games into an Action Sports lifestyle brand," Crandell said. "Our cameras are enabling this as well, allowing people to document their lives and share their passions – from snow to street to music. We're stoked about what we can build together."

About GoPro
GoPro makes the world's most versatile cameras, enabling people to capture immersive and engaging footage of themselves during their favorite activities. GoPro's HERO line of wearable and gear mountable cameras are used collectively by more consumers, professional athletes, and video production professionals than any other camera in the world. Based in San Mateo, California, GoPro's products are available in more than 30,000 stores in over 100 countries worldwide and direct via GoPro.com.

GOPRO®, HERO®, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Woodman Labs, Inc. in the United States and other countries.  All other company, product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their rightful owners.

X Games Global Expansion
A total of 130 hours of live TV coverage across the six X Games events on ESPN networks in the U.S. and around the world will be supplemented by coverage on digital platforms, including a year-round action sports website. First and foremost, global X Games events will continue to spotlight the world's best action sports athletes in BMX, Skateboard, Moto X, and Rally Car Racing at the X Games; and Skiing, Snowboard and Snowmobile at the Winter X Games.  Each X Games event will take on its own distinguishing character that will set it apart from the others, including the introduction of new sports and cultural elements based on the locations themselves.  In addition, the X Games will continue to showcase and celebrate action sports competition while also highlighting the artistic and social elements inherent in the action sports lifestyle.

This expansion will be the first of its kind for the franchise in terms of size, scope and scale, but since 1998 the X Games has successfully organized smaller events, qualifiers and demonstrations in Brazil, Canada, China, France, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Philippines and Dubai. 

SOURCE GoPro