The Engadin 2025 FIS Freeski World Championships delivered an unforgettable final in the men’s freeski halfpipe, with three of the sport’s biggest names claiming the podium. Finley Melville Ives, at just 18 years old, stunned the world by securing gold for New Zealand, while Nick Goepper and Alex Ferreira took silver and bronze, respectively.
Finley’s Moment of Glory
From the moment he dropped in, Melville Ives proved why he was the top qualifier. His jaw-dropping first run scored 96.00, setting a bar that no competitor could surpass. His winning run featured a combination of technical mastery and amplitude, including a switch right double cork 1080 Japan, a left double cork 1620 mute, a left alley-oop double flatspin 1080 mute, a switch left double cork 1080 Japan, and finishing with a right double cork 1620 safety.
After landing his career-defining run, an emotional Melville Ives said:
“I honestly am in shock, I can’t believe that I landed my run. I’m so hyped, the pipe is so good. I’m so thankful the weather is good.”
It was a dream come true for the Kiwi phenom, who idolized both Goepper and Ferreira growing up. Sharing the podium with them was an unforgettable moment:
“They’re both my idols, so I honestly can’t believe it. I’m so stoked to share the podium with them.”
Nick Goepper, a three-time Olympic medallist, bounced back from a tough first run to claim silver with a 94.00 on his second attempt. Meanwhile, Alex Ferreira, the 2024/25 halfpipe Crystal Globe winner, added another podium finish to his impressive season with a 92.50 performance to take bronze.
World Championships Results – Men’s Freeski Halfpipe
🏆 GOLD – Finley Melville Ives (NZL) – 96.00
🥈 SILVER – Nick Goepper (USA) – 94.00
🥉 BRONZE – Alex Ferreira (USA) – 92.50
5️⃣ Hunter Hess (USA) – 89.25
A Season of Triumph
This gold medal is the latest milestone in Melville Ives’ meteoric rise. After clinching his first World Cup victory in Calgary and a strong fourth-place finish at X Games Aspen, his Engadin 2025 triumph cements him as one of the sport’s brightest young stars.
With Goepper and Ferreira continuing to push the limits and Melville Ives emerging as a dominant force, the future of freeski halfpipe has never looked more exciting.
Congratulations to Finley Melville Ives, Nick Goepper, and Alex Ferreira for an unforgettable showdown!
Photo by: Fabian Gattlen
Photo by: Fabian Gattlen
Photo by: Fabian Gattlen
Photo by: Fabian Gattlen