Kevin Rolland

When you think of X Games and ski Half Pipe, you think Kevin Rolland. He is tyrannical in his rule, often crushing his competitors with run scores untouchable by most men. Kevin Rolland is to half pipe skiing, as Shaun White is to half pipe snowboarding: UNSTOPPABLE!!! As dominant as he is, can he be beaten?

Kevin has only lost a handful of events in the last two years of competition; most notably the 2011 FIS World Cup in La Plagne and the 2012 Winter Dew Tour Stop in Killington. The two things these events both had in common, a undersized, poorly shaped pipe. It's like kryptonite to Kevin. Good news for him is that the X Games pipe never suffers from these design flaws - bad news for his competitors.

So what are the chances of someone dethroning the reigning two time X Games Gold Medalist? Very slim! Nonetheless, it is possible. What needs to happen for Kevin to knocked from his lofty position? His competitors need to execute their coup for the throne with extreme precision; cause they are going to have to pull Kevin's crown from his cold dead hands. So who are the men on the sidelines of the King's court who can accomplish this? And what do they have to do?

Justin Dorey

Known for: Style and innovation

Reps: Under Armour, Monster Energy Drink, Giro, Nordica, Kombi, Swix, Coreupt

Justin Dorey has long been on top of the pipe game. He has had tremendous success through out his career. Despite his success, the X Games Pipe podium has eluded him. His biggest impediment to success: consistency. Dorey is known for being an innovator, and was the first person to land a switch double cork in competition.

To accomplish his coupe d'etat, Dorey has to be consistent and clean. To further ensure his victory, Dorey needs to stomp his switch double cork with a solid grab. It's the one trick that Kevin can't throw; and it is the most difficult trick in skiing pipe. To make the regime change, Dorey needs to use this weapon.

David Wise

Known for: Huge airs and holding sick grabs for disturbingly long

Reps: Arma Energy SNX, O'Neil, 4FRNT Skis, Smith Optics

David is one of America's greatest hope's to reign as the next “King of Pipe.” David has long ruled elimination rounds. Last year he won X Games Elimination, and was favored to win the event. Unfortunately, he over trained for finals and ran out of steam. This is David's biggest challenge, pacing himself.

To win David needs to pay close attention to his body's performance. He's beaten Kevin before and on his home turf in La Plagne, so it is within his grasp. David has the tricks and the talent, he just needs to out pace the Frenchman.

Wing Tai Barrymore

Known for: Enormous, Kamikaze style riding

Reps: K2 Skis, Scott, Sun Valley, SFR, SVSEF

Tai has made waves this year with a Gold at the Copper Grand Prix and a Bronze at the Killington Dew Tour. His ability to lay it all on the line and not be consumed by the pressue of the event makes this kid the next star of half pipe skiing. That gives him a great competitive edge.

Tai has a slim chance to capture Kevin's crown, this year. But it is a solid chance. Tai needs to ski care free and focus on having fun. He needs to make sure he holds grabs and cleans every landing. Most importantly to have a successful campaign to over throw Kevin, Tai needs to make sure his run has at least two doubles in it.

Torin Yater-Wallace

Known for: Being the ultimate competitor

Reps: Pantech, Armada, Asepn Snowmass, Electric, US Freeskiing

Torin is a professor of competitive strategy. Amazingly he is also the youngest contender for the throne. His uncanny ability to channel his inner warrior, makes him Kevin's biggest threat. The two are evenly matched in this skill. They similarity doesn't end there, both athletes competitive runs differ by only one trick.

To attain the crown Torin needs to ensure he has 3 doubles in his run and that one of the doubles is a super steezy, grabbed dub 12. Without it, Kevin will continue his reign.

Duncan Adams

Known for: Unique style and technique

Reps: Dynastar, Spyder, Level Gloves, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Rockstar

Duncan's technical runs have long been overlooked by the judges. This year has been different, though. Now the judges recognize that Duncan's unorthodox style of riding is extremely technical. His massive switch airs are so difficult, none of his other competitors attempt to mimick it, even when freeskiing. The judges are well aware of this and have been rewarding him for being different.

Duncan is a man of the people, and having the popular opinion is dangerous to Kevin's throne. Kevin's power moves definitely have an effect on the judges, but if Duncan sneaks in a 1260 he could be rocking Kevin's hardware.