Best Innovator

Herbie Hancock remains the most vital and forward-thinking figure in jazz. From his early work with Miles Davis to his pioneering fusion experiments in the 70s and his continued exploration of electro...

Mitsuharu Misawa is the greatest wrestler in the history of Japanese professional wrestling. As the ace of All Japan Pro Wrestling during the 1990s, he participated in an unprecedented number of five-...

Kelly Slater is the undisputed king of surfing, holding an unprecedented 11 World Surf League titles. His career is defined by an uncanny ability to evolve his style and equipment to stay ahead of eve...

Simone Biles is widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time, continuing her dominance despite recent challenges. Her unparalleled difficulty scores and innovative skills, like the Yurchenko dou...

Franz Liszt was a Hungarian composer, virtuoso pianist, conductor, and teacher of the Romantic era. He was known for his innovative piano compositions, dazzling performances, and charismatic personali...

Gary Clark Jr. is a visionary artist who has successfully integrated blues with hip-hop, soul, and psychedelic rock. Based in Austin, Texas, he has become a cultural icon, known for his effortless coo...

Kenny Omega is a visionary in the ring, blending high-flying athleticism, video game-inspired theatrics, and intense technical wrestling. His work in Japan, particularly his rivalry with Kazuchika Oka...

Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah is a visionary trumpeter and composer who has developed his own musical philosophy called 'Stretch Music.' His work is deeply rooted in the history of New Orleans jazz bu...

Laird Hamilton is the most influential big-wave surfer in history. While he never pursued a traditional competitive career, his contributions to the sport are immeasurable. He pioneered tow-in surfing...

Kai Lenny is the modern definition of a waterman. While he is a world-class big-wave surfer, his skills extend to windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and hydrofoiling. Lenny is at the f...

Jason Moran is a pianist and composer who treats jazz as a multimedia art form. His work often incorporates visual art, historical recordings, and theatrical elements, creating immersive experiences t...

Skrillex, born Sonny Moore, revolutionized electronic music with his aggressive and innovative dubstep and brostep sound. Emerging in the late 2000s, his distinct production style, characterized by di...

Mary Halvorson is one of the most original voices in modern jazz guitar. Her playing is instantly recognizable, characterized by her use of idiosyncratic effects, angular melodies, and a deep sense of...

Shane Dorian is a legend of both high-performance and big-wave surfing. After a successful career on the world tour, he transitioned into big-wave riding, where he became one of the most respected cha...

Lee 'Scratch' Perry was a legendary reggae producer and innovator, known for his experimental production techniques and his influential Black Ark Studios. He worked with numerous iconic artists, inclu...

Flume is the pioneer of the 'future bass' sound that dominated the mid-2010s. His production is characterized by lush, distorted synths, complex vocal chops, and a sense of space that makes his tracks...

Shabaka Hutchings is a multi-instrumentalist who has been at the forefront of the global jazz revival. Known for his work with groups like Sons of Kemet and The Comet Is Coming, he blends spiritual ja...

Fantastic Negrito is a unique voice in the modern blues landscape. His music is a raw, eclectic mix of blues, soul, and punk, reflecting his own tumultuous life story. He is a master of the 'black roo...

Junior Johnsons racing career was intertwined with his past as a moonshiner, adding to his legendary status. He secured two championships and 31 wins. Johnsons innovative approach to racing helped sha...

Rajiv Suri is the CEO of ZTE Corporation, a global leader in telecommunications equipment and services. With a career spanning over 30 years, he has been at the forefront of technological advancements...