The 2026 edition of the LAAX Open once again delivered high-stakes competition, historic performances, and next-level progression as the world’s elite snowboarders and freeskiers descended on Crap Sogn Gion Mountain in Switzerland. From January 14–18, nearly 300 athletes competed in front of packed crowds and global audiences, with Olympic qualification points for Milano Cortina 2026 on the line. Rising to the moment, Monster Energy athletes claimed multiple wins and podium finishes, reinforcing the brand’s dominance in winter action sports.
Headlining the weekend was 17-year-old Gaon Choi of South Korea, who captured first place in Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe under the lights in dramatic fashion. After a heavy fall on her opening run, Choi delivered a flawless final run packed with technical precision and amplitude, earning a winning score of 92.50. The victory marked her first-ever LAAX Open win and solidified her position at the top of the 2025/26 FIS World Cup Halfpipe standings.
Momentum continued in Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle, where Japan’s Kokomo Murase claimed gold with a stylish and technically demanding second run. Joining her on the podium was 16-year-old Colorado standout Lily Dhawornvej, who secured second place and her first World Cup podium finish of the season—signaling the arrival of a new generation of elite talent.
In freeski competition, Norwegian powerhouse Birk Ruud made history by winning the Men’s Freeski Slopestyle event for the third consecutive time at LAAX. His seamless, high-difficulty run earned top honors and reinforced his status as one of the most dominant freeskiers of the era. Canadian veteran Evan McEachran added to Monster Energy’s podium count with a strong third-place finish.
The Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe final delivered one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend as New Zealand’s Campbell Melville Ives landed an unprecedented contest run featuring two triple corks—earning second place and etching his name into snowboard history.
Monster Energy Highlights at LAAX Open 2026
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Gaon Choi wins Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe, leading World Cup standings
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Kokomo Murase claims Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle victory
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Lily Dhawornvej earns first World Cup podium at just 16
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Birk Ruud secures historic third straight LAAX Open Freeski win
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Campbell Melville Ives lands first-ever double–triple cork contest run
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Evan McEachran adds Freeski Slopestyle podium for Team Monster Energy
With X Games Aspen 2026 next on the calendar, Monster Energy athletes are carrying unstoppable momentum into the heart of the winter competition season.
Learn more and follow the team:
www.monsterenergy.com
Report David Rosales
