Liam Rivera Claims Historic Home Victory as de Le Rue Secures Fifth Title in Verbier

The Bec des Rosses delivered, again.

Under blue skies and with 50 centimeters of fresh snow setting the stage, the 30th anniversary of the YETI Xtreme Verbier closed out the Freeride World Tour season in the only way it could: high stakes, high consequence, and riding that pushed the limits of what’s possible on one of the most intimidating faces in snowboarding.

And at the center of it all was Liam Rivera.

The Swiss rider, competing on home soil in Verbier, put down a near-flawless run that will be talked about for years. Dropping into a technical, high-risk line, Rivera opened with a massive air off the top before linking it seamlessly into a controlled backflip, riding with the kind of confidence that only comes from knowing every contour of the Bec.

The judges rewarded him with a 96-point score, the highest ever recorded in Snowboard Men at this event, securing his first victory in Verbier and marking a defining moment in his career. Rivera said:

It’s a competition I’ve watched since I was a kid. Winning it feels unreal.

But while Rivera owned the day, the season belonged to Victor de Le Rue.

The Frenchman came into Verbier chasing history, and delivered. His run, featuring a massive backflip into a no-fall zone followed by a clean backside 360, earned him second place on the day but, more importantly, secured his fifth Freeride World Tour title, something no rider had ever achieved before.

If Rivera’s victory felt like a breakthrough, de Le Rue’s title was confirmation of an era. For years, he has redefined what competitive freeride snowboarding can look like: blending freestyle precision with big-mountain risk, and in Verbier, he once again proved why he stands alone at the top.

Behind them, the next generation continued to knock on the door. France’s César Barin rounded out the podium in third, showing composure and control on his first attempt at the Bec des Rosses, a venue that has humbled far more experienced riders.

On the women’s side, Mia Jones capped off one of the most impressive rookie seasons in recent memory. Choosing a highly technical and exposed line, she navigated the face with speed and precision, linking features fluidly to secure both the event win and the overall Freeride World Tour title.

In doing so, she not only dominated the 2026 season but also added another chapter to freeride history, following in the footsteps of her father, Jeremy Jones, who won on the same face over two decades ago.

A Finale That Still Sets the Standard

Verbier remains the benchmark.

Not just because of its history, but because of what it demands: commitment, creativity, and the ability to execute under pressure on terrain where mistakes aren’t an option.

This year’s final had all of it. A breakthrough home victory, a record-breaking performance, and a historic fifth title that may stand for years.

Different stories, same mountain. And once again, the Bec des Rosses decided everything.