The SMX League has confirmed the 25-rider field for the 2026 SMX Next World All-Stars, which will take place during the opening two Playoff rounds of the Monster Energy SMX World Championship. The elite prospects will compete for a world championship across two postseason showcases at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on September 12, before concluding at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles on September 19.
The All-Stars lineup comprises the top five eligible racers from each of this season’s premier amateur events – the 250 Pro Sport and 250 B classes at the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship from Loretta Lynn’s, the SMX Next – Supercross AMA National Championship in Philadelphia, and the SMX Next – Motocross Scouting Moto Combines from RedBud MX and Ironman Raceway. Remaining spots were filled via invites based on major international results.
“The SMX Next World All-Stars was established to provide a stage for the top prospects in the sport to compete in the postseason alongside their professional counterparts,” said Mike Muye, Sr. Director of Supercross, Feld Motor Sports. “These two events will allow the next generation of star talent to step into the spotlight and showcase the bright future that awaits for the sport.”
The format features single points in Columbus and double points in Los Angeles, virtually guaranteeing a winner-take-all showdown at Dignity Health Sports Park. The rider with the highest point total after two eight-minute-plus-one-lap main events will be crowned SMX Next World All-Stars Champion and awarded a coveted number one plate. Australian Kayden Minear captured the 2025 title and was recently named Pro Motocross Rookie of the Year.
Headlining the field is 2026 Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award recipient Landon Gibson of Peachtree City, Georgia. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider brings more SMX Next experience than any competitor with 16 starts and five runner-up finishes. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Carson Wood from Zephyrhills, Florida arrives with back-to-back victories at the summer Scouting Moto Combines and a runner-up finish in last year’s opening All-Stars race.
Additional contenders include Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Kade Johnson from Hideaway, Texas, last year’s All-Stars runner-up and 2026 SMX Next – Supercross AMA National Championship runner-up with 14 starts to his credit. His Team Green teammate Vincent Wey of Murrieta, California scored his first SMX Next – Supercross victory earlier this season in Birmingham. ClubMX Yamaha’s Ryder Malinoski from Wyoming, Minnesota brings 12 SMX Next starts and captured an All-Stars victory in St. Louis last season.
Several athletes gained professional experience during the Pro Motocross Championship this summer. The international field features 22 Americans alongside Brazil’s Gabriel Andrigo, Chile’s Benjamin Moya, and Canada’s Dylan Rempel.
“These prospects have given their all throughout the 2026 racing season,” said Tim Cotter, Vice President, MX Sports Pro Racing. “These are the most proven athletes of the sport’s next generation and the SMX Next World All-Stars is the ultimate showcase of their exceptional talent.”
Photo: SMX League Media
