Benny Fairfax at a Glance
- Net Worth: $1.5 Million
- Profession: Professional Skateboarder, Entrepreneur
- Birth Date: August 25, 1983
- Birthplace: Ascot, United Kingdom
- Nationality: British
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What is Benny Fairfax’s Net Worth?
Benny Fairfax has a net worth of $1.5 million. His fortune stems from a successful fifteen-year career as a professional skateboarder, lucrative sponsorship deals with major footwear brands, and equity ownership in the skateboard industry.
Unlike many competitive skaters who rely on contest winnings, Fairfax built his wealth through media production, signature product royalties, and business ownership. His financial standing is significantly bolstered by his long-term tenure with Adidas Skateboarding, where he released successful signature colorways of the “Palace Pro” shoe. Additionally, his position as an original member of the Palace Skateboards team—now one of the most influential fashion brands in the world—secured his status as a top-earning European professional.
Beyond sponsorships, Fairfax diversifies his income through Wayward Wheels, a hardgoods manufacturing company he co-founded. This transition from sponsored athlete to business owner has provided him with a sustainable revenue stream independent of his riding contracts.
Wayward Wheels Ownership
In 2014, Fairfax co-founded Wayward Wheels alongside fellow professional skateboarder Andrew Brophy. Unlike a standard sponsorship deal where a rider receives a monthly retainer, Fairfax holds an equity stake in the company.
The brand has grown from a niche project into a globally distributed manufacturer, stocked by major retailers like CCS, Skate Warehouse, and Supreme. By controlling the creative direction and production of the brand, Fairfax captures a higher margin of profit compared to riders who simply endorse third-party products. The company leverages the “race car aesthetic” and high-performance formulas to compete with industry giants like Spitfire and Bones.
The Palace & Adidas Connection
Fairfax’s earning potential skyrocketed due to his foundational role in Palace Skateboards. As an original member of the “Palace Wayward Boys Choir” (PWBC)—the crew that predated the brand—he became a central figure when the company launched in 2009. Palace’s rapid ascent from a London skate crew to a streetwear juggernaut collaborating with Gucci and Ralph Lauren increased the value of Fairfax’s name and image rights significantly.
This affiliation directly influenced his contract with Adidas Skateboarding. The collaboration between Palace and Adidas resulted in the “Palace Pro” footwear line. Fairfax was given signature colorways of this model, a deal that typically includes both a base salary and royalty payments based on units sold. These sneakers sold out globally upon release, contributing a substantial lump sum to his net worth.
Early Life
Born in Ascot, United Kingdom, in 1983, Benny Fairfax grew up in the Surrey area before immersing himself in the London skate scene. He spent his formative years skating the iconic Southbank Undercroft, a location that served as the proving ground for his generation of British talent.
Fairfax’s early ambition led him to look beyond the UK scene. In his early twenties, he made the strategic decision to move to the United States, settling in Los Angeles. This move was essential for a professional career in the early 2000s, as the industry’s media and financial epicenter was firmly rooted in California. This transatlantic risk paid off, allowing him to secure coverage in major US publications that were previously inaccessible to European riders.
Career
Benny Fairfax’s professional career is defined by his smooth style and ability to bridge the gap between the gritty UK street scene and the polished American industry. His first major break came when he was recruited by Stereo Skateboards, a brand co-owned by actor and skate legend Jason Lee. Being part of Stereo gave Fairfax his first taste of global recognition, featuring prominently in their visual projects and touring the US.
During his time in the US, Fairfax maintained close ties with his London roots. When Lev Tanju launched Palace Skateboards in 2009, Fairfax was a natural choice for the inaugural pro team. His decision to align with Palace—then a small, risky startup—rather than staying with an established US board brand proved to be a masterstroke. As Palace grew into a multi-million dollar fashion label, Fairfax became one of the most visible faces of the brand’s sophisticated, lo-fi aesthetic.
His video output remains the primary driver of his value to sponsors. Fairfax is known for “quality over quantity,” releasing highly anticipated video parts in projects such as Adidas’s Away Days (2016) and Palace’s Palasonic (2017). These parts serve as marketing assets that validate his pro model products.
Currently, Fairfax operates as a veteran pro. He continues to represent Adidas and Palace while focusing heavily on the operations of Wayward Wheels. His career trajectory serves as a blueprint for modern skaters: establishing a personal brand through high-quality video content and eventually pivoting into business ownership to ensure long-term financial security.
Personal Life
Fairfax maintains a low profile outside of his professional obligations. He is known within the industry for his quiet demeanor, contrasting the loud, rebellious image often associated with the “PWBC” crew. After spending significant time living in Los Angeles during the peak of his US career, he eventually returned to the United Kingdom. He remains close friends with his Wayward Wheels business partner, Andrew Brophy, and the original Palace crew, including Lev Tanju and Lucien Clarke.
