2026 Olympic Freestyle Skiing Men's Big Air Prediction
Updated February 14, 2026
Updated February 14, 2026
The men’s freestyle skiing big air competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina is one of the must-watch events in the second half of the Olympic schedule. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Livigno Snow Park in Valtellina and scheduled for qualification on February 15 and the final on February 17, the event brings together a deep field of aerial innovators and established stars. Here, I break down which athletes are the top contenders to get the gold medal, as I make my freestyle skiing men's big air prediction on the slopes.
The 2026 big air field has a nice mixture of veterans, breakout stars, and athletes with recent success on the World Cup circuit. Birk Ruud, the defending Olympic champion from Beijing 2022 and a perennial force on big air and slopestyle circuits, looks to defend his title despite stiff competition. Ruud has demonstrated consistency in recent seasons, including converting World Cup podiums into momentum that often translates into success in major competitions.
Troy Podmilsak, the American standout and one of the most technically daring competitors, has won multiple World Cup big air contests this season. Podmilsak’s innovation and amplitude give him the kind of upside that can peak on the Olympic stage, though he also carries a ton of risk if a trick doesn’t land cleanly.
Switzerland’s Andri Ragettli adds to the top tier of contenders, with a resume featuring numerous World Cup podiums and strong showings in judged formats. Ragettli’s blend of creativity and execution often keeps him near the top of the leaderboard, making him a reliable pick for solid finishes.
Luca Harrington of New Zealand enters the Games as the reigning world champion and a frequent podium contender. His breakout seasons have seen him notch multiple big air results, giving him the confidence of someone ready to challenge for an Olympic medal. Beyond these names, veterans like Mac Forehand and Henry Sildaru offer mid-range value for bettors looking beyond the chalk favorites.
Pick: Birk Ruud to win gold ATS PRO
Confidence: 4 out of 5
Big air skiing at the Olympic level rewards not just technical difficulty but also the ability to deliver under the unique pressure of a one-off final. Birk Ruud has shown he can bring his best when it matters most, converting championship appearances into results. While Podmilsak and others have the tricks to outscore him on a given day, the relative stability of Ruud’s scoring makes him the safest pick among a competitive group. I'll go with the Norwegian to get the gold on the big air ramp in Italy.
