Monster Energy's Ayumu Hirano and Brendan Mackay Triumph at Snow League Event in China

Ayumu Hirano and Brendan Mackay Dominate at The Snow League in China

In a thrilling weekend of competition at The Snow League Halfpipe in Chongli, China, champion snowboarder Ayumu Hirano and freeski star Brendan Mackay emerged victorious, both clinching prize money and boasting incredible performances that displayed their athletic prowess.

Ayumu Hirano's Stunning Halfpipe Win

Ayumu Hirano, a 27-year-old athlete from Murakami, Japan, took first place in the Men's Snowboard Halfpipe competition. Displaying a combination of skill and finesse, he wowed the crowd with a series of intricate tricks, including a switch backside 900 Weddle, a Cab double cork 1440, and a frontside triple cork 1440. Hirano, known for his ability to perform under pressure, recorded the highest score in the qualifiers with an impressive 96.00 points, setting the tone for an unforgettable finals round.

During the finals, Hirano faced intense competition, particularly from fellow Japanese athlete Yuto Totsuka. In a thrilling head-to-head showdown, the competition reached new heights of excitement. Hirano initially gained the upper hand with a flawless opening run, but a fall on the second run raised the stakes as all eyes turned to the third and final run. Ultimately, Hirano sealed his victory by executing a clean run that earned him a final score of 81.33 points, asserting his dominance over Totsuka, who scored 59.33 points. "It felt like competing in the Olympics, a true battle," stated Hirano after securing his first win of the season.

This victory at The Snow League marks a pivotal moment for Hirano, who previously finished third in the inaugural competition in Aspen Snowmass. With this win, he has solidified his standing in the World Championship rankings, now sitting in second place with a total of 177 points.

Brendan Mackay Clinches Freeski Victory

On the following day, the Men's Freeski Halfpipe event showcased a thrilling competition of its own, where 28-year-old Brendan Mackay from Calgary, Canada, took home first place. Mackay began his journey through the contest by showcasing technical trickery and consistency, smoothly advancing through the quarter-finals against American athlete Hunter Hess. His momentum carried him through to the semi-finals, where he triumphed over Nick Goepper from Team USA.

Entering the final against New Zealand's Luke Harrold, Mackay faced a challenging situation after Harrold won the first run. Mackay rose to the occasion in the second run, executing multiple high-flying tricks and scoring 89.00 points, which pushed him into a tie-breaking third run. Here, he delivered another breathtaking performance, solidifying his status by sweeping the competition after Harrold faltered on his fourth trick. "Walking away as the winner feels incredible," Mackay exclaimed, reflecting on the high level of competition and the advantages of competing in such a high-stakes format.

A Strong Comeback for Gus Kenworthy

A notable appearance was made by Gus Kenworthy, a seasoned competitor returning to the scene after a hiatus following the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Kenworthy’s performance in the competition set him up for a strong finish, but a sudden injury to fellow competitor Nick Goepper allowed him to take home third place uncontested. This moment marks an essential milestone for Kenworthy as he eyes participation in his fourth Olympic Games.

Looking Forward

The Snow League, established by the legendary Shaun White, emphasizes intense head-to-head competitions among elite international snow sports athletes. With this successful event, anticipation grows for the next competitions scheduled in Aspen and Switzerland in early 2026, where the rankings will ultimately determine the first-ever Snow League World Champion.

To stay updated with more exhilarating moments and highlights from the 2025/26 snow sports season, fans are encouraged to visit www.monsterenergy.com and follow Monster Energy across various social platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

As we reflect on the remarkable feats achieved by these athletes, it’s also an exciting time for Monster Energy, the brand that embodies the spirit of sports and adventure. With a commitment to promoting an authentic lifestyle through its athletes and events, Monster Energy continues to inspire fans worldwide.