UK scootering champion wins first competition as a professional rider

Josh Popham from Bridgend in the South Wales, has firmly established himself as one of the UK’s most exciting young extreme sports athletes after bagging first place in the inaugural qualifying competition of the 2025 scootering season.

Last year Josh became an amateur UK Champion after coming first for his age category in the ScootGB Championship, which took place in Corby. This national event saw Josh rise above fierce competition from the country’s top young scooter riders. His skill, precision, and fearless approach set him apart, earning him the prestigious title and cementing his place among the UK’s elite in extreme scootering.

This remarkable victory not only raised his profile in the UK, but also on the global scootering stage. His UK victory attracted the attention of Australia based GRIT scooters, who were so impressed with his performance that they asked him to become a professional scooter rider for GRIT.

With this change in riding status, Josh’s first chance to ride as a young professional was over the Easter weekend at the 2025 opening Scoot GB qualifier held at Prevail Skatehouse in Poole. Not only did Josh confidently step up to the pro competition challenge – he secured first place in the South Junior Pro category.

Spurred on by this first win of the season, Josh has thrown himself into a demanding training schedule and a calendar packed with crucial competitions. He is more determined than ever to solidify his place as the UK’s top young scooter rider.

“My goal is to push my limits even further this year,” says Josh Popham. “Winning my first competition as a young professional rider has beaten my expectations. I knew the competition would be tougher than ever in the professional category, so I just jumped on my deck and gave it my best shot. I’m putting everything into my training this year to ensure I’m at my best when it counts. I can’t wait to compete again for GRIT and prove myself on the biggest professional stages.”

As September approaches, all eyes will be on this rising star as he aims to take first place once again at ScootGB UK, but this time as a professional, and further establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of extreme scootering.