The Maloof Money Cup presented by Vans is underway. The founders have been doused in Champagne and most of the competitors have checked in and cruised the course. The usual suspects are the skaters to look out for. In the Volcom Street Pro names like: Cole, Rodriguez, Pudwill, Ortiz, Huston and Sheckler.

One name not mentioned above is Bastien Salabanzi. The Parisian had his initial break into the skate world in the Flip video Sorry, his part blew minds, and he was considered by many to be the next big thing. He followed Sorry up with another solid showing in Flip’s sequel Really Sorry. He since all but disappeared back to his homeland of France. Then, the Maloof Money Cup NYC rolled around and he showed up. It was the talk of the competitor area, “Bastein’s here” could be heard all around. He made the final and placed forth.

Then, he surprised the skate world even more when he showed up the Boston stop of the Dew Tour. On this tour the big names that are usuals in the finals get passes through and everyone else has to qualify. Salabanzi skated through the qualifiers and made the final. He once again finished forth. And at last week’s X Games 16 he kept his competitive roll for lack of better word, rolling. He squeaked through the qualifiers, but failed to make the final.

Now, the skate world is at the Orange County Fair for last Money Cup of the year. $100,000 is up for grabs and the big names are going to skate, including Salabanzi. He’s already sessioned the setup a few times, and the Maloof contest format fits his style much more than the Dew Tour and X Games. The course looks like it’s a good fit for his style too. Look out for Bastien Salabanzi this weekend.