Milano Cortina 2026 Snowboarding: Big Air Final Highlights, Medal Winners, and Rising Talent Shape Olympic Competition

Snowboarding has quickly emerged as one of the defining attractions of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, combining technical brilliance, fearless performances, and dramatic finishes across multiple disciplines. The men’s Big Air final at Livigno Snow Park set the tone for the competition, delivering high-level performances and intense medal battles that captured global attention. 

From established Olympic champions to rising young athletes and unexpected finalists, the event reflected both the evolution of the sport and its growing popularity among fans worldwide. As the snowboarding schedule continues, the competition remains central to the excitement of the Winter Games.

Key Highlights from Milano Cortina 2026 Snowboarding Events and Fan Interest Trends

• Japan secured gold and silver in the men’s snowboard Big Air final at Livigno Snow Park.
• Beijing 2022 champion Su Yiming earned bronze after a strong final performance.
• Valentino Guseli’s remarkable qualification journey ended with a 10th-place finish in the final.
• Teenage American rider Ollie Martin finished fourth after briefly holding a podium position.
• Snowboarding ranked among the most anticipated sports of the Winter Olympics in a pre-Games fan poll.
• A total of 11 gold medals are scheduled across snowboarding disciplines at Milano Cortina 2026.
• Parallel Giant Slalom, halfpipe, snowboard cross, and slopestyle events continue through a packed Olympic schedule.

Men’s Big Air Final Produces High-Level Competition in Livigno

The men’s snowboard Big Air final on February 7 delivered one of the most competitive contests of the opening Olympic weekend. Riders were forced to attempt their most difficult tricks as the overall level of performance pushed the limits of progression in the sport.

Japan’s Kira Kimura secured the gold medal with a total score of 179.50, edging compatriot Ryoma Kimata, who finished second with 171.50 points. China’s Su Yiming, the defending Olympic champion from Beijing 2022, claimed bronze after delivering a strong late performance that reshaped the podium standings.

Australia’s Valentino Guseli entered the final after an unexpected qualification. He received a late opportunity to compete following the withdrawal of Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris due to injury and secured the final qualification spot with a spectacular final jump despite having only hours’ notice and no training run. In the medal round, Guseli landed a switch backside 1980 tail grab for 86.75 points but fell on two runs, finishing 10th overall. 

The 20-year-old later reflected that he had given his maximum effort and felt satisfied with his performance, especially after returning to a trick linked to a previous ACL injury in 2024.

Men’s Snowboard Big Air Final Results

Qualification Drama Set the Stage for the Final

The Big Air final followed an intense qualifying round under lights at Livigno Snow Park. Japan’s Ogiwara Hiroto topped qualification with a combined score of 178.50 from two jumps, finishing ahead of Italy’s Ian Matteoli, the local favorite and runner-up in last season’s Big Air standings. 

Ogiwara’s compatriot Hasegawa Taiga, the reigning Crystal Globe winner, also secured a place in the final alongside 17-year-old American rider Oliver Martin and Valentino Guseli, whose last-minute entry became one of the early talking points of the competition.

Snowboard Alpine Parallel Giant Slalom Draws Strong Field

Attention then shifted to snowboard Alpine competition, with the Parallel Giant Slalom scheduled at Livigno Snow Park. The event features 32 men and 32 women competing in qualification rounds, with the top 16 in each category advancing to the finals.

Key Men’s Contenders – Parallel Giant Slalom

Key Women’s Contenders – Parallel Giant Slalom

Snowboarding Emerges as One of the Most Watched Olympic Sports

Beyond competition results, snowboarding has also stood out in terms of fan engagement. A Seton Hall Sports poll conducted before the Games revealed that snowboarding ranked among the most anticipated Winter Olympic sports, second only to figure skating among Olympic fans.

Winter Olympics 2026 Overview

Changing viewing habits have also shaped audience engagement, with many fans following results through social media and digital platforms alongside traditional broadcasts.

Team USA Experience and Global Stars Add Depth to Competition

Team USA entered the Games with strong expectations, having collected 35 Olympic snowboarding medals since the sport’s debut in 1998. Veteran Nick Baumgartner returned for his fifth Winter Olympics, while riders such as Red Gerard and Chase Josey aimed to strengthen the American presence in multiple disciplines.

Chloe Kim also returned as one of the sport’s biggest names, targeting a third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the women’s halfpipe. Alongside established champions, emerging athletes from several nations have contributed to the competitive depth of the Milano Cortina snowboarding program.

Broadcast and Viewing Options Expand Global Reach

Snowboarding events at Milano Cortina 2026 are being broadcast worldwide through traditional television networks and digital platforms. Coverage is available through NBC and Peacock in the United States, CBC and Bell Media in Canada, and Warner Bros Discovery and Eurosport across much of Europe. In several countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Australia, selected events are also available through free streaming platforms, allowing global audiences to follow competitions live or through replays across different time zones.

Spiritual Perspective: Understanding True Balance Through the Unique Knowledge of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj

Beyond competition, victory, and defeat, the Olympic spirit also reflects deeper human values such as discipline, humility, and inner balance. The unique spiritual knowledge explained by Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj emphasizes that true success is not limited to physical achievement or worldly recognition, but lies in understanding life’s purpose and maintaining peace of mind in both success and failure. 

Just as athletes give their best without attachment to results, this spiritual perspective teaches self-control, righteous living, and devotion as the path toward lasting happiness and inner stability, reminding individuals that real fulfillment comes from spiritual awareness alongside worldly efforts.

Olympic Momentum Continues as Snowboarding Showcases Modern Winter Sport

The snowboarding competitions at Milano Cortina 2026 have demonstrated why the sport continues to grow in global popularity. From dramatic qualification stories and medal-winning performances to personal comebacks and emerging talents, the events in Livigno have captured the essence of Olympic competition. Established champions have reinforced their legacy while new athletes have announced themselves on the world stage. 

As the remaining disciplines unfold, snowboarding continues to embody the energy, progression, and competitive spirit that define the modern Winter Olympics, ensuring its place among the most compelling events of the Games.

FAQs on Milano Cortina 2026 Snowboarding and Men’s Big Air Final

1. Who won the men’s snowboard Big Air final at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics?

Japan’s Kira Kimura won gold in the men’s snowboard Big Air final, finishing ahead of Ryoma Kimata, while China’s Su Yiming secured the bronze medal.

2. Where was the men’s snowboard Big Air final held at Milano Cortina 2026?

The men’s snowboard Big Air final took place at Livigno Snow Park in Italy, one of the main venues hosting snowboarding events during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

3. How did Valentino Guseli perform in the Milano Cortina 2026 Big Air final?

Valentino Guseli finished 10th after qualifying dramatically as a late replacement, landing one high-scoring jump but falling on two runs during the all-or-nothing Olympic final.

4. Why is snowboarding one of the most popular sports at Milano Cortina 2026?

Snowboarding attracts fans due to high-risk tricks, creative performances, and competitive medal battles, making it one of the most anticipated and widely watched events at the Winter Olympics.

5. How many snowboarding gold medals are awarded at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics?

A total of 11 gold medals are scheduled across snowboarding disciplines, including Big Air, halfpipe, snowboard cross, slopestyle, and parallel giant slalom events at Milano Cortina 2026.