Winter Olympics 2026: Ogiwara Hiroto and Ian Matteoli ease into snowboard big air finals - daily results

The air was crisp, the floodlights blinding, and the atmosphere electric. Standing at the base of the massive scaffold jump here at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, you could physically feel the tension radiating off the 30 world-class snowboarders waiting their turn. I’ve covered Big Air competitions for years, but the Olympic qualification round always hits differently—it’s not just about landing a trick; it’s about conquering the pressure of a lifetime.

Today’s Snowboard Big Air qualification round delivered drama, high-stakes progression, and, ultimately, two dominant performances. Japan's Ogiwara Hiroto and Italy’s own Ian Matteoli proved why they entered the competition as favorites, both securing their spots in the final with runs so technically flawless they seemed to be competing in a league of their own. They didn't just qualify; they sent a definitive warning shot to the rest of the field.

The format required athletes to land two high-scoring, non-repeated jumps across three attempts, with the combined score determining the top 12 progression spots. The level of difficulty required to secure a medal in this Olympic cycle is staggering, demanding consistent 1800-degree spins and flawless grabs.

The Japanese and Italian Showcase: Ogiwara and Matteoli Set the Pace

Ogiwara Hiroto, known for his signature style and commitment to huge rotation, was the first athlete to truly break away from the pack. His opening run set the tone for the entire morning, demonstrating remarkable control in the challenging Italian wind conditions. He stomped a massive Switch Backside 1800 Melon, earning him the highest single score of the day: 94.50. The judges were visibly impressed by the height and the clean landing.

What followed was a clinic in strategic qualification. Instead of playing it safe, Ogiwara used his second run to showcase versatility, linking a Frontside Triple Cork 1620 Mute. With a combined score of 184.10, he comfortably took the top seed, minimizing risk on his third attempt and conserving energy for the medal round.

Ian Matteoli, carrying the hopes of the host nation, entered the course under immense scrutiny. The Italian crowd was deafening, and Matteoli responded not with nerves, but with sheer power. His approach to the jump was aggressive, showcasing why he is one of the most exciting riders on the World Cup circuit.

Matteoli’s first successful jump—a Cab Triple Cork 1620 Indy—was textbook. But it was his second run that truly solidified his position. Landing a near-perfect Backside 1800 Tail Grab, he showed superior grab execution and impeccable style. His combined score of 180.95 placed him securely in second position. The roar from the home fans following his successful qualification was perhaps the loudest moment of the day.

These two athletes are currently the benchmark for Olympic Big Air. They didn't struggle; they simply cruised. Their ease in handling the world's largest stage suggests the finals will be a two-way battle for gold, unless the tight pack below them can find another gear.

Key highlights from the top two qualifiers:

• Ogiwara Hiroto (JPN): Total Score 184.10. Highest score: 94.50 (Switch Backside 1800). Displayed unmatched technical execution and height.
• Ian Matteoli (ITA): Total Score 180.95. Highest score: 92.15 (Backside 1800 Tail Grab). Benefited from strong momentum and immaculate grab holds.
• Both riders prioritized maximum rotation combined with stylish execution, setting the Olympic standard for 2026.

Tight Margins: The Nail-Biting Fight for the Final Spots

While Ogiwara and Matteoli enjoyed a comfortable buffer, the middle of the scoreboard was absolute chaos. The difference between qualifying in 5th place and being eliminated in 13th was often less than two points, emphasizing the razor-thin margins in modern Big Air.

The American contingent managed to squeeze two riders into the top 12. Chris Corning, a veteran of several Olympics, had a shaky start, failing to land his massive first attempt. However, he redeemed himself under pressure, locking in two clean jumps on his second and third runs—a testament to his consistency and mental fortitude. He qualified in 7th place, proving that experience often trumps sheer youthful aggression in elimination rounds.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day was the dramatic entrance of Norwegian rookie, Stian Halvorsen. Halvorsen barely registered on pre-Olympic prediction lists, but his commitment to huge air and slightly unorthodox trick selection paid off. He pushed the limits on his final attempt, landing a Cab 1440 Double Cork that just tipped his combined total past the Canadian veteran, Mark McMorris (who narrowly missed the finals, finishing 13th).

The tension during the third run was palpable. With every rider knowing this was their last chance, the progression was explosive. We saw several athletes try to upgrade their rotations from 1620s to 1800s, leading to a high rate of falls but ensuring that those who succeeded were truly earning their spot.

The following athletes rounded out the critical top 12, showcasing the global diversity of the finals:

• 3. Jonas Bösiger (SUI) - 176.50
• 4. Kimi Sasanami (JPN) - 174.90
• 5. Sven Thorgren (SWE) - 173.25
• 6. Clemens Millauer (AUT) - 171.10
• 7. Chris Corning (USA) - 169.80
• 8. Stian Halvorsen (NOR) - 168.00
• 9. Valentino Guseli (AUS) - 167.95
• 10. Takeru Otsuka (JPN) - 166.40 (Japan sends three riders, dominating the field)
• 11. Red Gerard (USA) - 165.85
• 12. Niclas Mattsson (FIN) - 164.50 (Squeaked in by 0.3 points)

The tight clustering of scores from 5th to 12th place guarantees that the final will not just be about landing huge tricks, but about executing them with the highest degree of technical difficulty and minimizing any hesitation on the landing.

Finals Preview: Progression Meets Pressure in Milano Cortina

With the field narrowed down to the elite 12, the focus now shifts entirely to Saturday's final where the pressure for Olympic gold will be immense. The Big Air final is unique because athletes usually reserve their absolute highest difficulty tricks for this stage, aiming for those elusive 1980 or even 2160 rotations.

Ogiwara and Matteoli enter with a slight psychological advantage, having proven they can deliver under maximum heat. However, the Big Air format means that anyone who lands two perfect, high-difficulty tricks on the day can snatch the gold. Jonas Bösiger from Switzerland, currently ranked third, is known to have a few never-before-seen combinations in his arsenal, and he will certainly be looking to disrupt the expected Japanese-Italian duel.

The key for the finalists will be managing the risk-reward ratio. To secure a medal, riders will likely need a combined score of over 185 points. This means every competitor must successfully land two different tricks rated 90 points or above—a truly demanding task at this altitude and under the weight of Olympic expectation.

The forecast suggests clear skies for the final, promising perfect visibility and optimal conditions for progression. The Olympic Big Air ramp demands precision, but the crowd demands spectacular moments. Given today’s results, we are set for a finals showdown that will define the careers of these incredible athletes.

Stay tuned to our daily results coverage for all the updates from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, as the battle for the snowboard Big Air gold medal heats up!

Winter Olympics 2026: Ogiwara Hiroto and Ian Matteoli ease into snowboard big air finals - daily results

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