Motocross is one of the riskiest international sports, with racers putting their futures on the line every time they jump on a bike. Some of the best motocross racers of all time end up retiring young because of accidents that left them unable to ride at champion-level speeds.

Red Bull X-Fighters always brings out the heavy hitters, so missing even one run is a risk for any fan who appreciates the art of absurdity that is freestyle motocross. Here are a few names that you definitely cannot afford to miss.

1. Thomas Pages

He’s pretty much considered the best freestyle motocross rider in the world right now. Pages combines incredible ability and a general lack of self-preservation throwing some of the biggest bangers ever in FMX. He has about three to four tricks in his repertoire that no one else in the world has done in competition. That probably has a little something to do with why he's the reigning X-Fighters champion.

2. Dany Torres

Dany Torres has a riding style filled with the same panache of his Spanish forefathers. His explosive energy gives his tricks a personality all their own -- even though they don’t really need it, because they are huge. Dany is also the most decorated X-Fighters athlete ever, with 6 wins and 14 podiums.

3. Josh Sheehan

The Aussie Josh Sheehan has exploded onto the scene in the past few years. He employs huge tricks and consistency to get the job done out there. It’s rare to see Sheehan screw up a run, and since his go-to move is the double backflip, consistency is his best friend.

4. Erick Ruiz

The dark horse coming into X-Fighters in Mexico City is none other than local boy Erick Ruiz. Last year, he sent the local crowd into a frenzied state with his electric riding, and made a huge mark for himself on the international freestyle scene, even though he could only manage a 9th.

5. Levi Sherwood

It’s Levi’s unique style that makes him a freestyle superstar. His Gumbi-esque flexibility allows him to throw a certain flair and extension into his tricks that no other rider in the world can match.

6. Jeremy McGrath

Jeremy McGrath was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2003. He became one of the most notable racers of all time in the '90s and was featured in commercials as well as on shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. His best tricks on the track included the high jump as well as the Nac Nac, which helped create freestyle motocross.

7. Ryan Villopoto

Ryan Villopoto has 10 championship titles under his belt, but he is most noted for winning four supercross titles in a row. He worked through a lot of personal turmoil and contention with his opposition and channeled his negative energy into his races.

8. Ryan Dungey

Ryan Dungey made his mark in 2010 when he won both the premier Supercross and National Motocross titles in his first season. He helped bring the KTM family their first AMA Motocross win in 2012 and still managed to succeed in his own races despite breaking his collarbone.

9. Ricky Carmichael

Ricky Carmichael is without doubt the greatest, fastest and most successful motocross racer of all time. With 150 race wins, and 15 premier AMA championships to his name he has no competition!