The Cardo national qualifying round, part of an international street culture and sports competition, took place in Costa Rica. From the results, two athletes earned the right to represent their country in the grand final held in Stavropol. The event was organized by the press service of the presidential platform Russia – Land of Opportunities, which runs the competition across national stages.
San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, hosted the qualifying round in two disciplines: Breaking and BMX. The venue for the day was the José Maria Zeledon Skatepark, a familiar site for local skaters and freestyle enthusiasts. More than 120 competitors from across the country showcased their talents as fans and local radio listeners tuned in to 94.7 Pura Vida Radio for live coverage and commentary.
Speaking to the participants, Alexei Agafonov, the First Deputy General Director of the Russia – Land of Opportunities platform, emphasized that Cardo serves as a welcoming community where street culture and sports talents can shine. The event is designed to help individuals demonstrate their skills and grow within a supportive network that values creativity, athleticism, and personal expression.
In the Breaking category, the top honor went to Gamaliet Osegueda, with Jeffrey Delgado a close competitor. The duo earned the right to compete in the grand final of the project in Stavropol, scheduled for August 22–25. The BMX and dancing duo demonstrated a high level of precision, rhythm, and daring moves that captivated the judges and the audience alike.
Organizers noted the rapid growth of Cardo over its seven-year run. This year’s schedule includes ten national stages, drawing participation from more than 1,000 street culture and sports figures from various countries. The expansion reflects a broader interest in street arts, skate and BMX disciplines, as well as a growing network of enthusiasts who see these events as a global stage for talent and collaboration.
Valentin Rabotenko, Deputy Chairman of the Commission on Physical Culture, Sports and Wellness of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation and head of the public organization Streets of Russia, commented on the impact of Cardo’s national stages. He highlighted how the platform has sparked excitement and attracted audiences worldwide, signaling a shift in how street culture is perceived and celebrated on public stages.
Rabotenko noted that Cardo brings together participants from diverse countries, setting aside political differences to focus on creativity, discipline, and shared passion for street culture and sports. The initiative provides a rare opportunity for performers to develop their potential in a supportive, global community where talent can be recognized and nurtured beyond borders.