Chris Cole Net Worth and How He Built a Lasting Skate Career
Chris Cole has made a lasting impact on the skateboarding world with his fearless style, technical skills, and major competition wins. As a two-time Thrasher Skater of the Year and X Games gold medalist, he has built a name for himself both on and off the board.
His success in professional skateboarding, along with sponsorships and business ventures, has led many to wonder about Chris Cole’s net worth—how his career achievements have translated into financial success. With years of dedication to the sport and smart business moves, his earnings reflect his influence in the skateboarding industry.
Who is Chris Cole?
Chris Cole is a legendary professional skateboarder known for his technical skills, fearless approach, and dominance in major skateboarding competitions. Born on March 10, 1982, in Statesville, North Carolina, he developed a passion for skateboarding at a young age and honed his skills in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. His natural talent and dedication quickly set him apart, leading to his rise in the professional skateboarding scene in the early 2000s.
Cole became widely recognized for landing some of the most challenging tricks, including 360 flips down stair sets and innovative rail tricks. His breakthrough came when he won multiple X Games gold medals and was named Thrasher Magazine’s “Skater of the Year” twice (2005 and 2009)—an achievement only shared with skateboarding legend Danny Way.
Beyond competitions, Cole has been a major influence in the industry, securing sponsorships with Zero Skateboards, Monster Energy, Spitfire Wheels, and Thunder Trucks. His ability to push the boundaries of skateboarding while staying relevant for decades makes him one of the most respected figures in the sport.
Estimated Net Worth
Chris Cole has built a successful career as a professional skateboarder, entrepreneur, and brand ambassador, securing multiple revenue streams over the years. As of 2025, estimates place Chris Cole’s net worth between $3 million and $10 million, with earnings coming from competition winnings, sponsorships, business ventures, and signature product sales.
1. Competition Earnings and Prize Money
Chris Cole has earned a significant portion of his net worth through professional skateboarding competitions, consistently dominating major international events:
- X Games: Cole won three gold medals in the Summer X Games (2006, 2007, 2009) in Street Skateboarding, receiving substantial prize money. While exact figures for X Games prize money fluctuate, top winners typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 per gold medal.
- Maloof Money Cup (2009, 2010): Cole secured first place in this prestigious contest twice, each victory reportedly awarding $100,000 in prize money.
- Street League Skateboarding: Although he did not dominate the competition like some skateboarders, he still earned tens of thousands of dollars from participation and sponsorship bonuses.
These competition winnings, along with various Dew Tour and Tampa Pro victories, have helped establish Cole as one of the top-earning skateboarders in competition history.
2. Sponsorships and Endorsements
A major contributor to Chris Cole’s net worth is his long-standing sponsorship deals with major skateboarding brands. Throughout his career, he has been endorsed by some of the most recognized names in the industry, allowing him to earn a steady income from sponsorships, royalty deals, and product collaborations.
Some of his notable sponsors over the years include:
- Monster Energy – One of his biggest financial backers, providing sponsorship bonuses and promotional opportunities.
- Zero Skateboards – His long-term skateboard sponsor, with whom he developed multiple pro-model decks.
- Fallen Footwear – Previously released signature skate shoes, earning royalties from each sale.
- Bones Bearings, Thunder Trucks, and Spitfire Wheels – Core skateboard companies sponsoring his gear.
- Remind Insoles, GoPro, Indian Motorcycles, and cbdMD – Expanding his endorsement deals beyond skateboarding.
Typically, top-tier professional skateboarders earn anywhere from $200,000 to $2 million annually from sponsorship deals alone, depending on their visibility, brand influence, and promotional involvement. With Chris Cole’s global reputation, it’s likely that his sponsorship earnings make up a significant portion of his total wealth.
3. Business Ventures and Investments
Chris Cole has also ventured into entrepreneurship, investing in skateboarding-related businesses and apparel brands:
- Reign Skate Shop – A Pennsylvania-based skate shop he co-owned, which contributed to his earnings before its closure.
- Omit Apparel – A clothing brand he launched in 2011, designed for skateboarders. While the company shut down in 2012, it was a major business project for him at the time.
Even though Omit Apparel was short-lived, the experience in business ownership and branding likely helped him with future investment strategies. Many professional skateboarders invest in real estate, stocks, or additional business ventures, which could contribute to Cole’s financial standing beyond skateboarding.
4. Merchandise Sales and Signature Products
Chris Cole’s influence in the skateboarding world has led to the release of multiple signature products, including:
- Signature skateboard decks with Zero Skateboards, generating royalties from each sale.
- Pro model shoes with Fallen Footwear, some of which remain among the brand’s most popular designs.
- Limited-edition collaborations with apparel brands and energy drink companies.
Athletes and skateboarders with signature product deals typically earn a percentage of sales, which can amount to tens of thousands to millions of dollars annually, depending on demand. Given Cole’s popularity and loyal fan base, his merchandise sales have likely provided a steady passive income.
