Thrasher Magazine

Jaakko is now pro and nobody is surprised about it. One of the most resourceful wizards to ever set foot on a skateboard is finally getting a board with his name on it. Element threw a surprise party in Barcelona, also premiering a short video filmed entirely on two short trips. Most of the Element team was there to show their support and to party with this Finnish prodigy. The night was long and rivers of booze flowed while some of the most important European legends came to pay tribute to one of their own. When the party was over, the night kept going until the early hours of the morning. Yes, Jaakko is now officially a professional skateboarder. But in our minds, he always has been. And if you’ve ever seen him skate in person then you know he’s in a league of his own, treading where only a few enlightened beings will ever set foot. —Gaston Francisco

Skaters from the most varied edges of the world congregated in Barcelona to watch an Element video with a surprise Jaakko Ojanen part

Of course Jaakko was amongst them, accompanied by Sascha Daley

Jaakko´s part was a surprise, ending with his first pro model given to him by his teammates under a champagne shower

Nassim Guammaz and Phil Zwijsen were as psyched as he was

Jaakko, living the moment

As happy as he’s ever been seen

The ol’ board toss could not be left out of such a moment

Jaakko and French Fred

Gabeeb and Roberto Aleman—Cheers!

Artist Fernando Elvira surrounded by some OGs: Diego Bucchieri, Ray Barbee and Danny Wainwright

Legendary skateboard artist Andy Jenkins with filmmaker Niki Walt. Time for some refills, boys

Tiago and Madars, definitely hyped

Winkle could not miss the event. Quite cheeky

Sour Solution rippers Gustav Tønnesen, Simon Isaksson and Barney Page

Jack and Gaston find themselves on the other side of the lens

Lordz was in the house—Flo Marfaing and Luy Pa Sin

Sascha´s model still hanging. One of Jaakko´s had already gotten stolen

Element boards designed by Fernando Elvira and Fred Mortagne

European skate legends Louisa Menke and Begoña Cortes. Shoulda worn that purple shirt after all…

Mathias Torres loves double fisting

These Russian ladies did not want to miss the event

Obviously the event took place at MACBA

“The Poop Boyz,” Barney Page and Nick Garcia feeling proud

Josef Scott Jatta got hot and decided to cool off

MACBA locals couldn´t miss the appointment. Congrats again, Jaakko!