These 9 Riders Just Qualified for the 2026 FWT

The last stop of the Europe-Asia-Oceania FWT challenger series just wrapped in Obertauern, and 9 riders have officially qualified for next year's top flight. The challenger series is the gateway to the pro level FWT.

Qualification is based on each rider's best 4 out of 6 performances, making consistency a huge part of reaching and staying at the highest level of free-ride skiing and snowboarding.

Ski Men: Tightest Race of the Season

Victor Hale-Woods and Paul de Pourtalès secured early qualifications, while Fynn Powell made a late-season charge, winning the final two events. Ugo Troubat claimed the last spot in a nail-biting finish, edging out Paul Dentan by just 10 points.

Ski Women: A Dominant Duo

Zoé Delzoppo and Lou Barin dominated, qualifying before the final event. Delzoppo, despite missing an early competition, took two wins and topped the rankings. Barin followed closely with two wins and two third-place finishes.

Snowboard Men: All France

Sacha Balicco and César Barin emerged victorious. Balicco’s win at Bonneval and consistent podiums secured his spot, while Barin clinched late-season victories at Silvretta Montafon and Obertauern, joining his sister Lou on the FWT.

Snowboard Women: Consistency Wins

Sarah Bacher was the sole qualifier for snowboard women, locking in her FWT 2026 spot with four solid second-place finishes before the final stop.

We're stoked to see what these 9 rider's bring to the table next season.