The world’s top extreme pogo athletes gathered in Pittsburgh over the weekend for Pogopalooza 2025, the annual world championship event that transforms childhood pogo sticks into high-flying extreme sport competition.
The three-day event began Friday evening on Sixth Street near the Roberto Clemente Bridge before moving to Wilkinsburg, where host organization Xpogo staged competitions at a dedicated pogo park.
Athletes competed in multiple categories, including the marquee high jump event where competitors attempt to clear a raised bar while maintaining their bounce. Henry Cabelus holds the current world record at 11.5 feet, set at last year’s competition.
The free event drew spectators to watch professional competitions alongside public bounce zones and children’s events. Over the years, organizers have elevated pogo sticking from a toy to an extreme sport.
Pogopalooza began in 2004 and has grown into the sport’s premier global championship, hosted by Wilkinsburg-based Xpogo. The weekend’s events kicked off Thursday with a screening of “20 Years of Pogopalooza” at Row House Cinema. The documentary can be watched in its entirety online.
Organizers and staff say that it’s a labor of love. Most are volunteers including many behind the documentary.