Freeride World Championships: Take a Bow, Mia Jones.
Mia Jones makes freeride history. History was made yesterday as the Jones
All you need to know before the Olympic 2026 Snowboard Big Air Finals.
The first Olympic snowboard event of Milano–Cortina 2026 went down on Thursday, February 5th, as the men battled for a place in Saturday’s Big Air final.
So, what did we learn from the qualification?
First, some tough news. Mark McMorris was ruled out after hitting his head in training earlier in the week. While he sat out Big Air, we’re relieved to hear he’s feeling better and remains hopeful for Slopestyle.
With McMorris sitting this one out, Australia’s Valentino Guseli received a last-minute call-up – and he certainly didn’t waste it. Guseli came in firing, riding with serious power and amplitude. His third and final run delivered a huge 91.50, the joint second-best score of the night, securing his spot in Saturday’s final.
The 2025 and 2026 X Games gold medallist, Japan’s Hiroto Ogiwara, continued his podium-heavy season and stomped a combined 178.50 across his two counting jumps to take first place in qualifying. Local favourite Ian Matteoli of Italy scored the second-highest total and secured his place in the final as well.
Beijing 2022 Olympic champion Su Yiming qualified fourth, while Taiga Hasegawa, the reigning Crystal Globe winner, also claimed his spot in the final. Seventeen-year-old Oliver Martin (USA) added playful firepower to the field, and we can’t wait to see what he’ll pull out of the bag in Saturday’s final.
Who Made It Through?
Listed in drop-in order, the twelve riders advancing to Saturday’s final are:
Who’s your favourite going into Saturday’s final?
Mia Jones makes freeride history. History was made yesterday as the Jones
Built from Day One, Made for What’s Next: SMITH Launches Series ‘65
Under perfect snow conditions, Ordino Arcalís, Andorra, delivered a spectacular setting for
