Update: see the results & pics from today’s (Friday) finals at the bottom of the page…

Hollywire was on the scene at the Staples Center in Los Angeles today(Thursday) to see the X Games 14 Skate Street Elimination round of competition.

You might be asking yourselves, ‘Um, why was Hollywire at the X Games?’

Want the honest answer? Here you have it: some of us here at Hollywire just happen to be totally IN LOVE with Ryan Sheckler (It’s cool… he’s legal now!). And, well, Ryan’s got a reality show on MTV; not to mention, Paul Rodriguez was also competing, and he’s the son of comedian Paul Rodriguez, Sr. (aka: Latin King of Comedy), so that’s totally Hollywood related!

Anyway, competing alongside Ryan were 18 of the world’s greatest skaters; all vying for a spot in tomorrow’s final competition. Only 5 men (boys?) will be moving forward.

As of right now, the top 5 are:

1. (Sexy) Ryan Sheckler

2. Paul Rodriguez

3. Greg Lutzka

4. Rodolfo Ramos

5. Jereme Rogers

I say, ‘as of right now,’ because Rudolfo Ramos injured his back in the last 2 minutes of the competition and may not be able to compete in the finals. If that happens, Adam Dyet, will take the open spot.

Just behind Adam Dyet in the standings was 13-year-old Nyjah Huston in 7th place. FYI: he is definitely a skater to watch even at his young age; the announcers were continually wowed by his abilities, saying things like, “He’s doing grown up tricks!,” and likening him to a young Ryan Sheckler. Did you know that Ryan earned his first X Games Gold Medal at the ripe age of 13?

5 years later and Ryan’s still on top. Now, not only does he compete, he also performs–like, I mean, simultaneously. While he’s competing, he keeps his fans in mind, attempting some insane tricks to keep’um happy. Also, while skating for scores and cheers, he’s also skating for the camera to score some great shots for his MTV reality show, Life of Ryan. With all that going on at one time, it’s amazing to see him keep his cool and earn 1st place.

And earn it he did; in fact, he was the first (and almost the ONLY) skater in the competition to take on a rooftop gap jump. It was insane to see in person because it could have ended in a gnarly fall. We were so glad to be there. Here’s some video, so you can take a peek of the action:

Ryan’s pre-jump speculation

Stay tuned for results after tomorrow’s Finals.

Finals Update: Ryan continued the domination during the finals today taking home the Gold Medal; followed by Paul Rodriguez with the Silver and Greg Lutzka with the Bronze.

A couple great highlights of the day: Jason Lee was in the announcers both adding some great comedic commentary during the event with his toddler son in his arms (so endearing); but, Chris Cole gets voted “Cutest Dad of the Day” for being spotted skateboarding/playing with his toddler son after the competition–such heart melting adorableness!

Get a full recap on all of Thursday and Fridays events here.