About Matt Hoffman - Pro BMXer Profile, Biography and History

August 12, 2025

🚴♂️ Mat Hoffman: The Condor Who Redefined BMX

If BMX had a Mount Rushmore, Mat Hoffman’s face would be carved front and center. Known as “The Condor,” Hoffman is more than just a rider—he’s a pioneer, a daredevil, an entrepreneur, and a cultural icon whose influence on BMX freestyle is immeasurable. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this gravity-defying legend.

🧒 Early Life & Origins

Born: January 9, 1972
Hometown: Edmond, Oklahoma, USA
Nickname: “The Condor” (for his soaring aerial style)

Mat’s journey began with motocross and homemade ramps built with his brothers. At age 11, he got his first BMX bike—a red Mongoose—and never looked back. By 13, he was competing in local freestyle events, and at 16, he turned pro. His early influences came from BMX magazines and commercials, not formal training, which made his style raw, fearless, and revolutionary.

🚀 Rise to Fame

First Major Win: 1986 AFA Master Series, Oklahoma – entered as an expert and stole the show
Breakthrough Moment: Performing the first-ever 900 (2.5 spins in the air) in 1989
Signature Style: High air, aggressive vert riding, and trick innovation

Hoffman’s fearless approach and unmatched aerial skills quickly made him a standout. He wore full-face helmets and body armor when others didn’t—because he was pushing the limits of what was physically possible.

🔥 Signature Tricks

Mat Hoffman invented or popularized over 100 tricks, including:

900 – Two and a half spins in the air
Flair – Backflip with a 180-degree twist
Flip Fakie – Backflip landing backwards
No-Handed 900 – Executed in competition, a feat still unmatched
Backflip Tailwhip, Peacock, Superman, Barhop – Featured in his video games

His tricks weren’t just technical—they were jaw-dropping spectacles that redefined the sport.

🏢 Entrepreneurial Ventures

Hoffman Bikes (Founded 1991): His own BMX brand, still active today
Hoffman Promotions: Created the Bicycle Stunt (BS) Series, which led to ESPN’s X Games
Hoffman Sports Association: Governs BMX freestyle events globally

Mat didn’t just ride—he built the infrastructure that allowed BMX to thrive. His companies helped elevate the sport from underground to mainstream.

🎬 Video Sections & Media Appearances

“Aggroman” (1989): Early vert section showcasing his raw talent
“Head First” (1991): A landmark BMX video that cemented his status as the king of freestyle
“The Birth of Big Air” (2010): ESPN documentary produced with Spike Jonze and Johnny Knoxville
“Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX” & “Pro BMX 2”: Video games that introduced his tricks to a new generation
“Jackass” Films & Evel Knievel Tribute: Showcased his stunt work and love for extreme sports

🤝 Sponsors

Early Sponsors: Skyway, Haro Bikes, Mountain Dew
Current Sponsor: Hoffman Bikes (his own brand)

Mat’s early sponsors helped launch his career, but he quickly took control of his destiny by founding his own company. Hoffman Bikes now sponsors other elite riders worldwide.

🏆 Achievements & Legacy

X Games Gold Medalist
High Air World Record (2004): Cleared 26.5 feet above a 24-foot vert ramp
Inducted into Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (2018)
President of the International BMX Freestyle Federation

He’s not just a rider—he’s a builder, a leader, and a visionary.

📅 What’s Mat Hoffman Up to Now?

As of 2025, Mat Hoffman remains deeply involved in BMX:

Still riding and innovating, though less competitively
Running Hoffman Bikes, which continues to produce high-quality BMX gear
Producing and consulting on documentaries and action sports media
Advocating for BMX through his federation and events
Active on social media, sharing insights, memories, and inspiration

Despite injuries, surgeries, and even comas, Hoffman’s passion for BMX hasn’t faded. He once said, “I feel like I’m just getting started. Here’s to tomorrow.” And with Mat Hoffman, tomorrow always promises something spectacular.

Mat Hoffman - First pulled BMX 180 Backflip (aka Flair) Mansfield, UK KOV / King of Vert 1990