Interview: Rob Adelberg on New Tricks, X Games Glory & Freestyle Kings’ Return to Melbourne – Saturday 8th August 2026

by the partae
Freestyle Kings returns to Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Saturday 8 August 2026. As the hometown hero leading this incredible line-up, how excited are you to be bringing the show back to Melbourne?

I’m always excited for this one as it’s the local so plenty of friends and family. This year it’s lined up directly after a string of big competitions and a so I’m at the top of my game and as a team we have rode 12 shows already this year so our team are all on point as well.
 
Freestyle Kings has become one of the biggest action sports shows in the world. What makes this event unique, and why do you think it continues to attract fans of all ages?

For me I believe it starts at the top of the team which is Josh Hannah. His an ex Freestyle moto rider and I’ve been friends with him for many years before he started these shows. So he knows what we are like he cares about our safety his also a great business man who wants to produce the best show in the world so for me it starts with him.

This year’s line-up features some of the world’s best freestyle motocross and BMX riders. Is there a particular moment or performance you’re especially excited for fans to experience at Rod Laver Arena?

There is so many parts of our show that are new for this years event in Rod Laver. For me though I’m working on a trick I’ve never done before in a show and it’s a trick that has won me a gold medal at X Games. So I’m nervous but excited to showcase it.

You’ve had an incredible career in freestyle motocross. Looking back, what’s the one moment you’re most proud of, and how has it shaped the rider you are today? 

This is a tough one I’ve had so many moments that stand out but it always seems to come back to the last big trick I’ve learnt or thing I’ve achieved. This year we had 3 x games events I showed off 3 tricks that had never been done in competition earning myself a gold, silver and a bronze over the three events where I was the only rider to medal at all 3.

If we are talking about shows the big one for me is when we showed the world that our Freestyle Kings team is the best in the world by riding in the pouring rain for a crowd that had been sitting there waiting. It’s not what normally would happen but we are a close knit team and we all trust each other and our abilities the video from that show was one of the most viral talked about moments in fmx.

Fans see the massive tricks, but not the work behind them. What does your preparation look like leading into a show as big as Freestyle Kings?

This is a tough one to prepare for because of the variety of riding we do in the show. So of course I’m at home working on my big tricks but also perfecting the small forgotten about tricks as we showcase these in a specific segment of our show. At home I’ll be working on big new bangers but also working to push the older tricks that started our sport.

Freestyle motocross continues to evolve with bigger tricks and higher expectations. Where do you see the sport heading over the next few years, and how does Freestyle Kings continue to raise the bar? 

We have been hearing that the sport can’t keep improving but as we have shown there is so much more to offer with new tricks and like I mentioned perfect and taking old tricks to new heights. Freestyle kings showcase this perfectly by the segments we have in our show and the riders we have aging from 11 to 44 that are all at the top of the sport.

Performing in front of a Melbourne crowd must be something special. What makes your hometown fans different, and what kind of atmosphere are you expecting on Saturday 8 August? 

I feel like any capital city show is like a hometown show as we ride all around the world and the Aussie fans are built different. There loud and you can tell there just as pumped as we are and the appreciation we receive after the show when signing autographs or taking photos makes it feel extra special.

For someone who has never been to Freestyle Kings before, what can they expect when the lights go down and the action begins? Be ready to have your mind blown from start to finish. From every act in our team from our production, fire team, Bmx and Moto it’s a fast paced in your face action packed show that you’ll be back at next year.

You’ve inspired a new generation of Australian riders. What advice would you give to young athletes who dream of one day competing on the Freestyle Kings stage?

This is for anyone out there for anything in life. If you want it you have to go and get it. Nothing is owed to you and you need to work hard to get what you want. If it’s worth it, it ain’t easy and if it’s easy it ain’t worth it. Strive to be great and challenge yourself.

Finally, what message would you like to share with everyone thinking about coming to Freestyle Kings at Rod Laver Arena on Saturday 8 August 2026? Be sure to get those tickets because you won’t want to miss this one. I know what I’m bringing for the fans and every other athlete on our team works hard to be the show you the best. What you see on a tv or phone screen is nothing in comparison to the real deal so come on down.

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