You could go pro, get sponsored, and ride the gnarliest freeride MTB event on the planet – all you have to do is film and submit a sick clip that could change your life forever, thanks to Sam Reynolds, Polygon Bikes, IXS, and the crew behind DarkFest.
Keep Reading To Learn How To Enter
The dream of conquering the world’s biggest jumps has become reality. Sam Reynolds has partnered with Polygon Bikes and iXS to deliver what could be the most substantial prize package in freeride history. This isn’t just an opportunity to ride the event and get some SWAG; it is a life-changing chance to become a sponsored freeride athlete at the top level of the sport. Sam wants to select one aspiring rider to join the ranks, and the Big Air Academy award is the perfect career boost to get you to Darkfest, secure a pro-level sponsorship, and write your name in the history of the sport of mountain biking.
DARKFEST
If Sam notices your edit, you’ll be rocking a sponsorship and opportunity that could change your life forever.
The Winner Receives:
- A 2-Year Pro Sponsorship with Polygon Bikes.
- The Bikes: The Polygon DH9 and Trid ZZ Slopestyle (the actual bikes from the video).
- The Kit: Full head-to-toe protection and apparel from iXS.
- The Crown Jewel: A flight and a guaranteed invite to Darkfest to ride alongside the world’s best Freeride MTB riders.
DARKFEST
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How to Enter
Riders have just two weeks to prove they have the sauce to ride DarkFest 2026 and secure a sponsorship with Polygon Bikes and IXS.
Here is the breakdown:
- Film it: Create a 30-to-60-second “shreddit” for Instagram
- Tag ’em: Mention @SamReynolds26, @ixs_mtb, and @polygonbikes
- Hashtag it: Use #BigAirAcademy so Sam can find your entry
- The Reveal: Just before Darkfest kicks off, Sam will personally call the winner to deliver the news (and the bikes)