Zeb Powell
American snowboarder (born 2000)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Zeb Powell (born January 18, 2000[1]) is an American professional snowboarder from North Carolina.[2] He is best known for his unique style that won him gold in the 2020 Winter X Games Knuckle Huck.[2] Being the first black snowboarder to win gold in X Games history,[3] Powell partnered with Hoods to Woods, an organization that aims to use snowboarding to have a positive impact on inner city youth.[4][5]
Zeb Powell | |
|---|---|
Powell walks with Boston mayor Michelle Wu at Red Bull Heavy Metal Boston in 2025 | |
| Born | January 18, 2000 |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 2014–present[1] |
| Sports career | |
| Country | United States |
| Sport | Snowboarding |
Early life
Powell was born in Charlotte, North Carolina,[6] and raised by adoptive parents Carl Powell and Valerie Powell in Waynesville, North Carolina.[7][8] His father Carl runs a chip mill and his mother Valerie is an assistant teacher. Zeb did not enjoy snowboarding at a young age due to an instructor forcing him to ride in regular stance, as opposed to his natural goofy.[9][8] Nevertheless he persisted, going on to win his first competition, Red Bull All Snow, at the age of 15.[10]
On the mountain
The following is a list of accolades earned by Zeb Powell in various snowboarding competitions and events:
- X Games 2020 Knuckle Huck – 1st place[11]
- X Games 2022 Knuckle Huck – 4th place[12]
- X Games 2024 Knuckle Huck – 2nd place[13]
- X Games 2025 Knuckle Huck – 4th place [14]
- Red Bull All Snow 2016 at Carinthia Parks – 1st place[10]
Powell is sponsored by many brands including Redbull, Burton Snowboards, Thirtytwo Apparel, Recess Ride Shop, and Crab Grab gloves and stomp pads.[15]
In April 2025, Powell officially signed with the Jordan Brand, becoming the first professional snowboarder to represent the label.[16][17][18]
