The coveted VIS Award of Excellence is the highest recognition presented to a VIS athlete, awarded annually at the VIS Award of Excellence gala.
It celebrates athletes who have achieved outstanding sporting results while contributing to the promotion and development of their sport.
Scotty James has long been known for pushing the boundaries of whats possible on the halfpipe and beyond. He made history as one of the youngest athletes to ever compete at the Winter Olympics, debuting at the 2010 Vancouver Games at just 15 years of age.
Since then, he has continued to break records and claim championship titles, including Olympic silver and bronze medals. With the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games on the horizon, his goal is clear: bring home Olympic gold.
In 2025, James further cemented his status as a global icon, competing with unmatched skill and relentless drive. This year, he claimed his fourth World Championship title, his seventh X Games gold medal, and topped the podium at the 2025 LAAX World Cup.
Scotty James claimed his fourth World Championship title at the 2025 FIS World Championships in St. Moritz.
All accomplished, no less, in his first year as a parent. James and wife Chloe Stroll welcomed their son Leo to the family in October 2024.
Off the snow, James continues to build his legacy through strategic investments, most notably as a strategic advisor and investor for the X Games. In this role, he helps shape the future of the sport by forging partnerships, contributing to strategic planning, facilitating athlete feedback, and more.
Passionate about inspiring the next generation, James also creates development opportunities for young skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities through his ambassadorship with Thredbo Alpine Resort.
Adding another creative venture to his portfolio, James recently debuted his first childrens book series, Mooki vs The Big Scary. The story brings to life his alter-ego, Mooki – an astronaut-suited character wearing Jamess signature red gloves.
Mooki represents the values of dreaming big and aiming high, principles instilled in James by his family from a young age.
The winner of the prestigious VIS Award of Excellence will be announced on 11 November 2025.
Follow the proceedings via VIS social media (@vicinstsport) as the award winners and celebrations are shared throughout the evening.
