The mens halfpipe snowboard final at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, delivered one of the most dramatic and closely contested nights of competition in Olympic snowboarding history. Fans around the world watched as elite athletes pushed the limits of aerial tricks, technical precision, and competitive intensity on the 22-foot snow walls of Livigno Snow Park.
If you want real highlights and a complete recap of what went down in this unforgettable final, read on for the full story of who stood atop the podium and how the medal contests played out.
Get every major moment from the men’s halfpipe snowboard final — including results and standout performances — below.
Don’t miss how these riders made history and how their runs reshaped the Olympic narrative.
Epic Night in the Pipe: Gold Goes to Yuto Totsuka
In a thrilling culmination of the winter’s top snowboarding talent, Japan’s Yūto Totsuka soared to gold in the men’s snowboard halfpipe final. Totsuka delivered a nearly flawless performance with a highest run score of 95.00, showcasing a combination of technical complexity, amplitude, and smooth execution. His performance marked his first Olympic medal after years of climbing the ranks and solidified his status among the elite in halfpipe snowboarding.
Totsuka’s run included multiple high-difficulty tricks and held up against immense pressure from competitors who were equally determined to reach the top of the podium. That run now stands as one of the standout performances of the 2026 Winter Games.
Scotty James Takes Silver in Heartbreaker
Australia’s snowboarding star Scotty James came into the final as one of the favorites, and he did not disappoint. James put together an impressive series of runs, including a second-run score of 93.50 that temporarily placed him in contention for gold.
James attempted a highly difficult 1620-degree rotation in his final run — a trick that had become emblematic of his progression in the sport — but unfortunately fell on the landing. That near-perfect performance was still enough to secure the silver medal, adding another Olympic accolade to James’ storied career.
The silver finish continues James’ legacy at the Games and showcases why he remains a key figure in men’s snowboard halfpipe competition.
Bronze Medal for Japan’s Ryusei Yamada
Japan claimed another podium spot as Ryusei Yamada captured bronze with a best score of 92.00. The young snowboarder has been building momentum on the international circuit, securing his first World Cup win last season before translating that success to the Olympic stage.
Yamada’s performance was marked by impressive amplitude and technical trick selection, solidifying Japan’s strong presence in the snowboarding halfpipe discipline at these Olympics.
U.S. Riders in the Mix
The United States sent three riders into the men’s halfpipe snowboard final in Livigno, all of whom had notable achievements leading into the Games. Among them, American snowboarder Alessandro Barbieri had an especially strong outlook, ranking fourth in Olympic qualifying and bringing elite trick capabilities to the field.
In the final, Jake Pates placed eighth, Barbieri finished 10th, and Chase Josey secured 11th place. Their participation highlighted the depth of U.S. talent in the sport, even if they finished outside the medals this time around.
Rising Technical Standards and Olympic Evolution
The men’s halfpipe competition in 2026 clearly showed how the sport continues to evolve. Riders performed a higher concentration of triple corks, complex spins, and aerial variations than in past Olympics. According to official tallies, more than half of the field attempted or landed triple cork tricks — a testament to the sport’s growing difficulty and the athletes’ fearlessness.
This evolution not only raises the bar for future Olympic cycles but also offers snowboarding fans around the world thrilling moments that will long be replayed and discussed.
Full Results Snapshot from the Men’s Halfpipe Snowboard Final
Here’s a quick look at the final standings:
- Gold: Yūto Totsuka (Japan) – 95.00
- Silver: Scotty James (Australia) – 93.50
- Bronze: Ryusei Yamada (Japan) – 92.00
- 4th–12th: Ruka Hirano, Valentino Guseli, Chaeun Lee, Ayumu Hirano, Jake Pates, Wang Ziyang, Alessandro Barbieri, Chase Josey, Cam Melville Ives.
What This Olympic Moment Means for Snowboarding
The men’s snowboard halfpipe final at the 2026 Winter Olympics was more than a competition — it was a defining moment in the sport’s Olympic legacy. With technical progression, world-class athleticism, and dramatic runs that kept fans on the edge of their seats, this final will be remembered as one of the most exciting in recent Games.
From Totsuka’s breakthrough gold to James’ electrifying silver run and Yamada’s ascent to the podium, these athletes have given viewers a new benchmark in halfpipe snowboarding excellence.
What did you think of this year’s halfpipe final? Share your thoughts below or check back for more snowboarding highlights and athlete spotlights.