Voodoo Jam Celebrates its 15th year in New Orleans in Style

Aug 19, 2019

Written by Bart de Jong

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Voodoo Jam has been a staple in the New Orleans bike scene since 2004 when it began as a local grassroots competition. Fifteen years later the event is anticipated worldwide and draws the best flatland BMX riders from all the corners of the globe, from countries like Thailand, Brazil, Peru, France, Germany, and Japan. Saturday night Voodoo Jam returned to NOLA, and despite its worldwide reach the event has managed to keep its signature local style. Voodoo Jam is more of a celebration of the sport, with a huge party-like atmosphere that only New Orleans and its crowd can provide.

While some of the world’s best had to travel far to make it to Voodoo Jam, others had a much shorter trip. Hammond, Louisiana’s Terry Adams, a two-time NORA Cup Champion, has competed in the event since its inception in 2004.

Terry is widely recognized as a pioneer in flatland BMX, and one of the best to ever do it. He’s been riding

his bike in New Orleans since he was 12 years old, and has made a tremendous impact on the local BMX scene. He looks forward to Voodoo Jam year after year. “There’s lots of other contests, huge purses, crazy titles and all that, but those same guys vying for those World Championships are here tonight trying to win just for the respect and to feel the energy of the crowd.” Terry felt the energy by making the Finals and finishing 8^th overall.

France’s Matthias Dandois is one of those riders in the mix for every world title, and on Saturday he stood out among his peers and won Voodoo Jam 2019. The Frenchman is a dominant force in flatland, racking up a variety of accolades and championships over the years. Voodoo Jam holds a special place in his heart though, and he showed it Saturday night when he addressed the crowd.

“I grew up with Voodoo Jam. It was the first pro win I ever had in 2007. I feel like I grew up with you all and wouldn’t be here without you guys. Thank you so much!”

The 2019 NORA Cup, an award given to the flatland rider of the year and voted on by the riders themselves, was also given out at this year’s Voodoo Jam. Czech’s Dominik Nekolny took home the trophy and was almost left speechless.

“I’m so happy. To be honest, winning this is one of my dreams. So I can say one of my dreams just came true.”

Voodoo Jam once again proved why it’s a can’t miss event year after year for BMX fans in New Orleans.

Pics: Red Bull Content Pool/Robby Klein