There Will Be Blood
Three competitions using danger to capture media attention
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RED BULL RAMPAGE
Contest: Mountain bikers bomb down a 1,500-foot trailless slope in Utah. The event streamed live in October at RedBullUSA.com.
Payoff: $48,500
Carnage: During 2012’s Rampage, Cam Zink crashed spectacularly—complete with helmet-cam footage—during a 60-foot canyon jump.
AMERICA’S CUP
Contest: For 2013, revamped high-speed catamarans will race on narrow, serpentine courses at 45 miles an hour while viewers watch on NBC.
Payoff: The winning team decides the rules for the next race.
Carnage: Two million-dollar boats collided during a September 2011 qualifier.
BILLABONG XXL GLOBAL BIG WAVE
Contest: Whoever rides the biggest wave—and films it—wins. The 2012 awards stream live May 3 at BillabongXXL.com.
Payoff: $15,000
Carnage: Sion Milosky died while filming an XXL attempt at Maverick’s in 2011.