Who rly gives a fuck about pro status anymore besides “Instagram skaters,” Braille kids, and dudes like Aaron Cairo.
Also, what even constitutes “pro status” anymore? He is essentially pro right now.
Technically anyone who signs a contract regardless if they’re paid or not is considered a professional athlete. In skating, contracts are usually made for pieces hosted by purveyors such as Thrasher, transworld, berrics, etc. For example, the basketball player LaMelo Ball lost his NCAA basketball eligibility because he played professional basketball in Europe, before trying to play college basketball in the US. NCAA wouldn’t let LaMelo in because he simply signed a contract to play basketball for a Lithuanian league in Europe which automatically turns into pro status, messing up his amateur status and eligibility for college. Lamelo’s family thought he would still be eligible because there wasn’t money involved, but he did sign a contract to play hoops overseas and NCAA can’t let professionals into their league.
Nik stain is clearly already a “pro” and probably oblivious to his own “pro status” because he skates for the enjoyment of it.