The X Games in Aspen is setting a new precedent in sports technology by introducing artificial intelligence (AI) into halfpipe judging. This groundbreaking experiment aims to enhance objectivity in a domain where human judgment has often been criticized for errors. The initiative, led by freestyle skiing legend Jeremy Bloom and backed by Google founder Sergey Brin, could redefine how subjective sports are scored.

The Technology Behind the Experiment

The system employs Google Cloud tools, including Vertex AI, to analyze thousands of hours of halfpipe footage and scoring criteria. Although the AI won’t influence official scores this week, it will predict top performers, analyze riders’ runs, and offer commentary during the event. This experiment provides a glimpse into how technology can complement human judges in the future.

The AI’s capabilities include evaluating factors such as jump height, trick difficulty, and execution—key elements that determine a snowboarder’s score. While the system doesn’t replace human judges, it adds an objective layer that can catch subtle mistakes, such as ungrasped boards or under-rotations, which may escape human eyes.

A Response to Past Controversies

The need for technological intervention became glaringly evident after contentious moments at the 2024 Beijing Winter Olympics. Japan’s Ayumu Hirano was initially underscored despite landing the groundbreaking triple cork, a trick unmatched in difficulty. Similarly, Canadian slopestyler Max Parrot acknowledged missing a key element during his gold-medal-winning run, sparking criticism of the judges’ oversight.

These incidents highlight the limitations of human judgment in high-stakes competitions. AI could prevent similar controversies by providing precise, unbiased analysis to supplement human decisions.

AI’s Role in the Future of Judging

Jeremy Bloom emphasized that AI is not intended to replace judges but to empower them. By offering real-time data and insights, the technology can ensure more accurate and fair evaluations. Snowboarding, which involves subjective scoring without rigid point values for individual tricks, is an ideal testing ground for this innovation.

While figure skating and gymnastics rely on predefined scoring systems, snowboarding’s emphasis on creativity and comparison makes AI a game-changing tool. Bloom envisions AI as a supportive mechanism, ensuring transparency and minimizing errors.

A New Era for Subjective Sports

The introduction of AI at the X Games marks a pivotal moment in sports history. By blending human intuition with technological precision, this experiment has the potential to transform not only snowboarding but other subjective sports like figure skating and skateboarding.

As the X Games rolls out this innovative approach, athletes, fans, and judges alike are eager to see how AI shapes the future of fair and objective scoring. This week’s event in Aspen may very well be the first step toward revolutionizing how we evaluate athletic excellence.