Wānaka skier Finley Melville Ives has claimed gold at the X Games in Aspen, winning the Men’s Ski Superpipe today (January 26) and helping deliver New Zealand’s most successful winter X Games.

The 19-year-old dominated the final, landing three huge runs to take the top spot in challenging snowy and windy conditions. His victory lifted New Zealand’s overall haul to two gold and four silver medals.

“It’s been super surreal,” Finley said.

“The conditions were tricky, but the crowd vibe was electric. I’m just so grateful to have put down these runs in front of all the fans.”

Finley led from the outset, posting scores of 89.33 and 93.33 before sealing the win with a fearless final run that earned 95.00 from the judges.

Snow Sports NZ high performance park and pipe head coach Tom Willmott said the conditions made the win even more impressive.

“A blizzard rolled in during warm-ups and gusty winds lingered into the finals,” he said. 

The victory continues a remarkable rise for the young skier, who won silver at the 2024 Youth Winter Olympics and was crowned FIS Freeski Halfpipe world champion last year.

Lake Hāwea’s Luke Harrold finished sixth.

Also competing today was Wānaka’s Rocco Jamieson, who finished fourth in Men’s Knuckle Huck.

PHOTO: Supplied