Finley Melville Ives crowned freeski halfpipe world champion

Finley Melville Ives put down one of the most explosive freeski halfpipe runs in history to claim the 2025 FIS Men’s Freeski Halfpipe World Championship title.

The Wānaka 18-year-old was in disbelief right after taking the win, in his debut World Championships.

“Honestly, I am in shock. I can’t believe I landed my run, I am so hyped. The pipe is so good, I am so thankful the weather is good, thanks to everyone for coming out – I just can’t believe it, it’s so sick.”

As the top qualifier into today’s finals Melville Ives put down what is arguably one of the best runs ever landed in a freeski halfpipe competition on his first of two runs.

Melville Ives’ run began with a switch right double cork 1080 Japan, then a left double cork 1620 mute, a left alley-oop double flatspin 1080 mute, a switch left double cork 1080 Japan, before ending with a right double cork 1620 safety. The judges were just as impressed as the crowd and commentators, awarding him a huge score of 96.00, which saw him shoot straight to the top of the leaderboard after run one.

The other 11 athletes, including fellow Kiwi Luke Harrold (Lake Hāwea, 16), had just one run left to attempt to top Melville Ives’ score. Despite their best efforts, no one was able to beat Melville Ives’ first run, and the new World Champion took a victory lap for his final run.

 

Decorated American slopestyle athlete turned halfpipe skier Nick Goepper finished in second place, with two-time Olympic halfpipe medalist Alex Ferreira, also of the USA, rounding out the podium in third. Melville Ives was thrilled to share the podium with Goepper and Ferreira, saying; “They’re both my idols, so I honestly can’t believe it. I’m so stoked to share the podium with them.”

Harrold finished in fourth position today after being bumped out of podium position by Goepper in run two. Nevertheless, Harrold made history by putting down the first switch left alley-oop triple cork 1260 mute ever landed in competition during his second run.

Mischa Thomas (Auckland, 17) competed in the women’s freeski halfpipe finals today, finishing in ninth place at her first major international event.

The competition marks the final event of the 2025 Freeski and Snowboard Park and Pipe World Championships. It was a hugely successful World Champs for the NZ Park & Pipe Team with three new World Champions crowned in their respective disciplines and multiple Kiwi athletes recording career best World Championships results.

With just over 10 months until the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games the Kiwi Park & Pipe Team will now turn their focus to spring training camps in the Northern Hemisphere before returning to NZ for the domestic season.