Vierela stars in Duals to win Finland’s first Moguls World Cup in 18 years

Feb 22, 2025·Freestyle

This was Severi Vierela's first World Cup win, as well as Finland's first Moguls World Cup victory in 18 years. Photo: Taro Tampo

It seemed like an endless wait, but when the scores finally flashed on the screen, the delay certainly felt worthwhile to Severi Vierela (FIN).

With a 20-15 edge, the Finn had defeated Ikuma Horishima (JPN), last season’s Crystal Globe winner, to bag his first-ever World Cup win.

It was also a first win for Finland in Moguls World Cup in 18 years – Sami Mustonen (FIN) was the last to do so in 2007.

No one looked more surprised with the result than Vierela himself. “Amazing. I’m all smiles,” he said.

Victory in Beidahu was no mean feat, as the 23-year-old was up against a world-class opponent with a formidable arsenal of tricks. Horishima is also growing consistent with high-level tricks – his Cork 1440 in the Big Final is one that is extremely rare in Dual Moguls.

Good thing Vierela is a fan of going fast.

He said: “It’s just great to ski this course. You can go really fast and I really love it. It’s scary, but I love it. It feels awesome. A win feels awesome every time.”

Julien Viel (CAN) completed the men’s podium, taking a narrow 18-17 win over Nick Page (USA).

You can go really fast... It's scary, but I love it.– Severi Vierela

Fab five in a row for Kauf

In the women’s contest, in the latest instalment of the rivalry between Jaelin Kauf (USA) and Perrine Laffont (FRA), it was once again the American who found an extra gear.

Already a victor in Moguls in Beidahu, Kauf was once again tops in Dual Moguls.

It is Kauf’s fifth World Cup win in a row, and further builds on her lead in the standings, where she is ahead in both Dual Moguls and the Overall rankings.

The stiff competitors both got out of the gates fast, but Laffont could not quite hold on to the speed as she was pushed out of the line, handing the win to Kauf.

Kauf, meanwhile, had much to celebrate after a weekend of top-notch skiing. But there was a special bonus in store: being in the top three with teammate Tess Johnson (USA).

She said: “Super happy with today – the Duals are super fun. Super stoked to take the win and share the podium with my teammate Tess in her first podium of the season."

Perrine Laffont, Jaelin Kauf and Tess Johnson were the top three in Women's Dual Moguls. Photo: Taro Tampo

Johnson finished third in style, completing a backflip venom in the bottom air for a win over Kylie Kariotis, another American.

It is sweet reward for Johnson, especially after three straight fourth-place finishes before arriving in China. This is also her first podium finish in almost two years, the last coming at the Almaty stop in March 2023.

With the Moguls competition in Beidahu now in the bag, it is time for the Aerialists to take the stage.

Women’s Qualifications will start on Sunday at 09:15 with Men’s Qualifications to follow at 11:30. Finals will start at 14:00.

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