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Was that a 900 or 1080 on the halfpipe? X Games can now ask AI.
At the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado, an AI judge will assess athletes' performances alongside human judges for the first time, utilizing video analysis to score snowboard SuperPipe routines, innovating the judging process since the games began in 1997.
Key points
- The Winter X Games are taking place in Aspen, Colorado.
- Judges have traditionally evaluated performances since 1997.
- This year introduces the use of AI to weigh in on scoring.
- AI will analyze video footage of athletes performing on the SuperPipe.
- The AI's scores will supplement human judges' evaluations.
Why it matters
- The integration of AI in sports judging reflects a growing trend in 2025 to enhance decision-making with technology.
- Similar innovations have emerged in various sports, like tennis with electronic line calls and VAR in soccer.
- The X Games' use of AI can set a precedent for future sporting events to adopt technology for more transparent and accurate judging.
The addition of AI as a judging tool at the Winter X Games marks a significant shift in sports evaluation, highlighting the evolving role of technology in athletic competitions and its potential to harmonize with traditional judging methods.