Scott Bair's top five vert skaters under 25

Pierre Luc-Gagnon may be winning everything in sight, but there are a few challengers rising up to challenge him:

1. Alex Perelson

The 17-year old from La Mesa has been a fixture on the pro circuit the past two years and is generally a top 10 finisher. He has the respect of his peers and the technical savvy to be an excellent contest skater.

2. Adam Taylor

The 19-year old Rancho Penasquitos resident burst onto the pro scene last season, and a fifth-place overall finish on the Dew Tour cements his status as a legitimate contender.

3. Rob Lorifice

The 20-year old from Carlsbad had a rough season overall, but his combination of street and vert skating talent keeps him on the cutting edge.

4. Dylan Taylor

Adam's younger brother, 14, is a vert specialist who has been killing it at the amateur level. He needs a bit more power, but he'll be a force to be reckoned with when that time comes.

5. Mitchie Brusco

This kid from Kirkland, Wash., is only 11, but already nailing 540-degree spins with regularity. Bucky Lasek called him "the future" of vert skateboarding, and I tend to believe him.