Freeskiing
Eileen Gu came to dominate – and she absolutely delivered. Her electrifying victory at the Laax Open cements her as a top contender on the global stage ahead of 2026.
Eileen Gu, China's freestyle skiing sensation, returned to the top of the podium with a commanding victory at the Laax Open 2025 freeski slopestyle event, earning her first World Cup slopestyle win since 2020. Gu soared to victory with a spectacular score of 81.22, which secured her 18th career World Cup victory. This triumph also positioned her at the top of the overall freeski World Cup standings.
Reflecting on her performance, Gu expressed her joy: "I put a lot of mental work into this one. I'm so happy it paid off." The victory comes as a powerful statement leading up to the 2026 Winter Games, with Gu showing she remains a dominant force despite limited slopestyle appearances in recent years.
Gu has only competed in four slopestyle World Cup events since 2020 but proved she remains a top competitor, handling pressure with remarkable poise. "I'm making my slopestyle return here in Laax. I haven’t competed in a slopestyle contest in a year," she shared before the event. "My goal is to land the run I have in my mind."
Defending Laax Open champion Mathilde Gremaud finished third in front of her home crowd, while Canadian Megan Oldham landed silver. Gu's top score after the first run allowed her to take a relaxed victory lap during her second run, emphasising her dominance.
A "special one" for Olympic champion Eileen Gu
After her win, Gu reflected on the emotional significance: "This one is so special to me, especially leading up to the big one next year. I couldn't be happier. I think of myself as a slope skier at heart, even though it has been a while."
Gu also praised the Laax course, emphasising its creativity and the efforts of the event organisers: "This course has been so much fun. Huge shoutout to the crew at Laax for putting it on! It's so creative. You never really know what to expect at Laax, but you can count on it being fun, unique and innovative."
Gu's return to slopestyle dominance sets the stage for an exciting lead-up to the 2026 Winter Games, where she will undoubtedly be a top contender for gold.
Laax Open 2025 live
Rewatch Eileen Gu's winning run and all the other action from the Laax Open 2025 on Red Bull TV!
Laax Open Freeski results overview
Women Freeski Slopestyle
- Eileen Gu (China)
- Megan Oldham (Canada)
- Mathilde Gremaud (Switzerland)
Men Freeski Slopestyle
- Birk Ruud (Norway)
- Mac Forehand (USA)
- Alex Hall (USA)