Titus History Channel

The year 1987 marked the fifth edition of the Münster Monster Mastership, and the competition's growing worldwide popularity was undeniable. It was the last time the Eissporthalle in Münster hosted the competition before it moved to the Halle Münsterland the following year. The competition featured some of the most notable skateboarders of that time, including Steve Caballero, Lance Mountain, Kevin Staab, and Mark Gonzales, as well as every European top pro of that era. Take a dive into nostalgia of the mid-eighties!

With the move from the ice rink to the Halle Münsterland in 1988, the 6th Münster Monster Mastership not only set new standards in terms of spectator numbers, but also offered the growing number of US pros an adequate arena to showcase their skills. With the presence of pros such as Christian Hosoi, Gator, Jason Jessee, and countless other big names, the contest finally became THE skateboarding event in Europe. This was also reflected in the attendance figures, and from then on, the summer trip to Münster became an absolute must for every German skateboarder!

Not only the attending riders had improved their techniques, thanks to the state-of-the-art late ‘80’s technology, we can show you some real super-slow-mo pictures which are especially impressive in Tony Hawk’s victorious finals-run. Tony and the guys from Powell-Peralta also ruled the street course and you could already see the difference between them and the European pros who, although they gave it their best, could not really compete with the Americans. Though, this film also portraits a very young Chris Heitmann and his journey to the competition.

That year marked a turning point in skateboarding. Until then, helmeted vert riders like Bod Boyle, who took 1st place, or Chris Miller, who took the 2nd, ruled the contests. But with the 1990 attendance of genuine street pros like Ed Templeton (1st place), Eric Dressen (2nd place), Jason Lee, Tom Knox and Natas Kaupas, the tide began to turn. It was no longer the vert-elite who took home the “Streetstyle” trophies, too, just because the area consisted of giant quarterpipes – rails, curbs and banks required actual street skating.
The only one who scored in both vert and street was Danny Way (3rd place) and only because he pulled off the most innovative and technical tricks in the pipe and on the street parcours. A similar development took place in the “Freestyle” competition – thanks to Rodney Mullen, who redefined the term with an unbelievable run that included countless street tricks and had the crowd go bananas. First place for Mr. Mullen – completely without headband, kneepads and skintight shorts that are shorter than socks. A new decade began and by the time of the Mastership it was clear: “Skateboarding has changed”.

As had already become apparent a year earlier, 1991 was once again dominated by the street contest. Once again, all the big names from the USA made the trip, but it was particularly striking that there were also riders who were otherwise rarely seen at contests. Sean Sheffey and Rudy Johnson spring to mind, but a then completely unknown starter named Rob Dyrdek also made it to the final. Tony Hawk won again, both in the street and vert events.

In the early ‘90’s the skateboarding industry wasn’t just not well, it was miserable. Too many companies, too many pros, and unfortunately way too few customers which would, in the end, redirect the cash flow back into skateboarding. With that in mind it is almost a miracle that the organizers of the Masterships once again pulled off the contest and assembled everybody who is anybody in Münster. Street was the main discipline and Ed Templeton murdered the obstacles just as Tony Hawk did with the vert ramp. The best German that year was Sami Harithi who took 12th place. Not bad considering that the first 9 were held by US-pros.

During the height of the “Big Pants Small Wheels” era in 1993, skateboarding in Germany, as well as worldwide, was very small, but its protagonists were extremely active. Street skating became extremely technical and had changed massively in just a few months. The same was true for the skate team at “Titus Skates,” which was quickly renamed “T-Boards.” This consisted exclusively of THE street skaters of the time, so what could be more obvious than to release the first German (street) skate video? Directed by Jens Schnabel, “Trouble” was created, providing a fantastic insight into the German scene at the time. Peppered with three “Friends Sections,” you get to see every German skateboarder of note from that era!

After reaching its peak in 1993, the “big pants, small wheels” era saw a sharp upturn in 1994, both in terms of the size of the wheels and the skateboarding scene. This was also evident at the Mastership, where once again everyone who was anyone traveled across the pond to attend. The step set from the previous year was improved slightly and the other obstacles were also adapted to the spirit of the times. The fact that skateboarding had changed for the better was underlined not least by 16-year-old Ethan Fowler, who won the street contest with Bs lipslides on the big rail and huge 360 flips over the hip.

Just like in the years before, the ’95 Mastership was opened with the obligatory pool-session in Berg Fidel, Münster. A session that already gave away who would be at the top of the vert–finals that year. In spite of the attendance of US-pros like Omar Hassan, Max Schaaf, Mike Frazier, Mike Crum, and Andy Mac, it was a Brazilian guy who claimed the first – and with good reason! Rodrigo Menezes delivered insane runs that even Colin McKay (2nd place) could not top. On the street course, Chris Senn literally raced to the top – super-fast and with incredible transfers from the halfpipe into the street area. What?!?

Skateboarding is back! – That would perhaps be the most accurate description of the 1997 Mastership. The sponsors alone made it easy to see that skateboarding was once again on the verge of reaching its peak. This was also reflected in the field of riders. From Chad Muska to Eric Koston, from Daewon Song to Donny Barley, everyone enjoyed the street course, which for the first time allowed riders to jump from the deck of the vert ramp. A generational change had also taken place in the halfpipe, with Rune Gilfberg and Bob Burnquist giving a glimpse of the direction vert skateboarding would take in the coming years.

2nd round for the Mastership in Dortmund, but only indoors – fortunately, riots like 1999 did not make a second appearance. Bob Burnquist and Eric Koston came in first on vert and street respectively, but the crowd went absolutely bananas because of an unstoppable little French guy. Although the then 16 year old Bastien Salabanzi could not yet celebrate his first international success that year, it was clear that the guy would soon be one of skateboardings greats!

It’s the year 2001. The Mastership once again takes place in Dortmund and, taking in mind the last year, it was pretty clear who would dominate the event this time. Of course, we are talking about Bastien Salabanzi. The French prodigy had the entire crowd as well as Rick McCrank and Rodil Junior who he relegated to 2nd and 3rd place, mesmerized with a jaw-dropping performance. Now that was a well-deserved victory – you should not miss this one!

It's safe to say that 2002 marked a high point in the popularity of skateboarding worldwide. This was reflected not only in the number of competitors from all over the world, but also in the spectator numbers. Similar to the previous year, Dortmund's Westfalenhalle was almost sold out and spectators were once again treated to some incredible skateboarding. Incidentally, Bastien Salabanzi took home the victory for the second time and impressively proved what an exceptional skater he is!

The 21st Münster Monster Mastership is taking place in Dortmund for the fourth time, and (competitive) skateboarding continues to enjoy unprecedented popularity. Once again, skateboarders from all over the world are coming to the heart of the Ruhr region, and many of Germany's top riders are also taking part this year. As far as the US starters are concerned, the now immense prize money at the X-Games and countless other events is making itself felt a little. Nevertheless, many of the long-established participants made their way across the pond and once again made the event a European summer highlight!