The "better" skater between Tony Hawk and Christian Hosoi largely depends on what aspect of skateboarding you value most, as they were both icons of their time with very different styles and contributions to the sport:
Tony Hawk
- Known For: Technical mastery, innovation, and competitive dominance, particularly in vert skating.
- Signature Move: The 900, a groundbreaking trick that cemented his legacy.
- Competitive Edge: Hawk won numerous competitions and was a dominant force in skateboarding throughout the '80s and '90s.
- Legacy: His "Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater" video game franchise brought skateboarding into mainstream culture and inspired generations of skaters.
- Style: Precision-focused, inventive, and constantly pushing the boundaries of technical skating.
Christian Hosoi
- Known For: Style, flair, and charisma—Hosoi's skating was artistic and visually striking, embodying skateboarding as an art form.
- Signature Move: The Christ Air, one of the most iconic tricks in skateboarding history.
- Competitive Edge: While Hawk dominated competitions, Hosoi’s raw style made him a fan favorite, especially in bowl and pool skating.
- Legacy: Hosoi was an early symbol of skateboarding as a lifestyle, influencing the culture in a way few others did.
- Style: Graceful, powerful, and expressive—Hosoi brought an almost rockstar vibe to skateboarding.
Verdict:
- If you're looking at competitive achievements and innovation, Tony Hawk was "better."
- If you value style, cultural impact, and personality, Christian Hosoi might take the edge.
Both skaters were trailblazers in their own right, and skateboarding wouldn’t be what it is today without their contributions.