LAAX OPEN 2026: Gaon Choi, Birk Ruud Lead Monster Energy Podiums as Olympic Qualifiers Loom
LAAX, Switzerland — The 11th LAAX OPEN delivered high-stakes action on Crap Sogn Gion Mountain, with Monster Energy riders securing multiple podium finishes as the FIS World Cup event heats up ahead of Milano Cortina 2026.
In the Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe, 17-year-old Gaon Choi of Seoul captured first place with a 92.50 total.Choi, who recently won at Copper Mountain, closed out the competition with a standout second run that showcased a bold lineup of advanced tricks, sealing the victory under the lights.
The Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle crown went to Kokomo Murase of Gifu, Japan, after delivering the top sequence on her second run. Copper,Colorado’s Lily Dhawornvej earned a podium spot in second place,marking a breakthrough showing for the 16-year-old.
In the Men’s Freeski Slopestyle final, Birk Ruud from Oslo, Norway, clinched the win with a flawless first run that earned him 85.08 points. The result extended ruud’s LAAX Open dominance to a third consecutive title, reaffirming his strong standing in the current World Cup season alongside a tie for the overall lead with Mac Forehand.
In the Men’s snowboard Halfpipe,Campbell Melville Ives of Wanaka,New Zealand,finished second with 91.00 points after a tense competition that highlighted the field’s depth. The 19-year-old produced a run notable for its technical breadth, capping with a pair of triple corks that underscored a rising benchmark for the discipline.
The weekend’s results underscore Monster Energy’s ongoing influence on the sport as athletes eye Olympic qualification points and the next wave of major events in January, including the X Games Aspen 2026.
Finals Snapshot: Winners, Nations, and Scores
| Discipline | Category | Winner | Nation | Age | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowboard | Women’s Halfpipe | Gaon Choi | South Korea | 17 | 92.50 |
| Snowboard | Women’s Slopestyle | kokomo Murase | japan | 21 | 77.55 |
| Freestyle Skiing | Men’s Slopestyle | Birk ruud | Norway | 25 | 85.08 |
| Snowboard | Men’s Halfpipe | Campbell Melville Ives | New Zealand | 19 | 91.00 |
Event organizers noted that the LAAX OPEN remains a vital stop on the World Cup circuit, offering crucial Olympic qualification opportunities as athletes prepare for Milano Cortina 2026. The competition also served as a platform for emerging talents, as seen with Dhawornvej’s podium and Ives’s bold two-triple-flight performance.
Looking ahead, January’s calendar features X Games Aspen 2026, celebrating its 25th anniversary and continuing a winter season packed with progression, competition, and cross-border rivalries that shape the sport’s trajectory.
Reader questions: Which Monster Energy rider’s performance resonated most with you this weekend? Do these results shift your view of the Olympic qualification race as Milano Cortina 2026 approaches? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.
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