Get ready for some thrilling action as we dive into the world of snowboarding! The Japanese team has dominated the Secret Garden halfpipe, kicking off the 2025-26 Snowboard season with a bang!
Hirano Ayumu, the reigning Olympic champion in men's halfpipe, led his country to a remarkable clean sweep at the first FIS Snowboard World Cup. With a score of 93.50 on his first run, Hirano replicated his golden success from Beijing 2022. But here's where it gets controversial: his compatriot, Totsuka Yuto, wasn't far behind with a score of 90.25, creating an intense battle for the top spot.
This victory marks Hirano's 22nd podium finish, an incredible record that surpasses U.S.A. snowboarder Ross Powers for the most top-three finishes in FIS Snowboard Park & Pipe history. And this is the part most people miss: Hirano's younger brother, Hirano Ruka, also made it to the podium, securing third place with a score of 89.00. Talk about a family affair!
However, not everyone had a smooth ride. Scotty James, the four-time world champion and two-time Olympic medallist from Australia, struggled on the superpipe, finishing in an unexpected 10th place. It just goes to show that even the best can have an off-day.
Moving to the women's event, it was a battle of the teenagers! Choi Gaon, a 17-year-old from the Republic of Korea, stomped an incredible second pass in the final run, scoring 92.75 and claiming her second World Cup victory. But she had to beat the 16-year-old Japanese sensation, Kudo Rise, who had held the lead for most of the event with an impressive first run score of 88.00.
On the other end of the spectrum, Cai Xuetong, a four-time Olympian from China, showcased her experience by securing third place in front of her home crowd. With 34 World Cup top-three finishes, she's a true veteran of the sport.
This week's World Cup is just the beginning of an exciting season. The next halfpipe competition will be a freestyle skiing and snowboarding event in Copper Mountain, USA, from December 17th to 19th. Get ready for more twists and turns as the best snowboarders in the world battle it out for glory!
So, what do you think? Are you surprised by the Japanese dominance? Who do you think will be the ones to watch out for in the upcoming competitions? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions!
