2025/26 FIS Freestyle World Cup season preview – part 3: Moguls

With the Olympic season only days away and Dual Moguls preparing for its long-awaited Olympic debut, the Moguls field is shaping up to deliver one of its most competitive winters to date. Last season brought major breakout performances, high-stakes head-to-head battles, and a clear increase in difficulty across the board. This year, with Milano Cortina 2026 on the horizon, the pressure rises, the field tightens, and a long list of contenders are ready to step up.

Below, we take a closer look at some of the athletes expected to define the 2025/26 campaign.

Skiers to watch: Women

The women’s tour features a deep and experienced field this year, but three names stand out heading into the Olympic season.

First is Jaelin Kauf (USA), who delivered the season of her career last winter — sweeping all three Crystal Globes and adding World Championships gold in Dual Moguls. She elevated every part of her skiing, and with Dual Moguls joining the Olympic program, her trademark speed becomes an even bigger weapon. Kauf has made it clear she is aiming for two medals in Milano Cortina, and she enters the season as the one to beat.

Right alongside her is Perrine Laffont (FRA), who returned to competition last year after a season off and immediately reestablished herself as one of the sport’s biggest forces. She pushed Kauf all winter, finishing runner-up in every ranking and taking World Championships gold, bringing her career total to six. A former Olympic champion and multiple Globe winner, Laffont is absolutely in the hunt for gold in Italy.

Then there is Jakara Anthony (AUS), the reigning Olympic champion, who was sidelined early last season due to injury. Now fully back in the mix, Anthony enters the year laser-focused on defending her Olympic title — and given her track record, she will be a threat from the very first start gate.

While these three form the main headline, the field goes much deeper.

The United States brings a stacked team with Tess Johnson, who had one of her best seasons ever and capped it with World Championships silver in Dual Moguls, and Olivia Giaccio, returning from injury and still one of the most technically gifted skiers on tour with one of the strongest trick repertoires in women’s Moguls.

For Canada, Maia Schwinghammer continues to rise, earning a medal at last year’s World Championships and positioning herself as the nation’s top hope heading into the Olympic season.

Japan also remains a major presence with Rino Yanagimoto and Hinako Tomitaka leading a talented group capable of making finals week after week.

Kazakhstan brings strong experience through Anastassiya Gorodko and Yulia Galysheva, both proven finalists with big-event pedigree.

And one of the most exciting young names to watch is Charlotte Nelson (AUS) — last season’s Rookie of the Year, who ended the winter by winning the World Cup Final in Livigno, her first victory on tour.

Skiers to watch: Men

On the men’s side, the big storyline starts with — of course — Mikaël Kingsbury (CAN). Entering his 17th World Cup season, Kingsbury begins the winter sitting on 99 career wins, a staggering number in any sport. He has won virtually everything there is to win in Moguls, but one thing still missing is Olympic gold in Dual Moguls, a discipline making its debut this February. Even now, the standard he sets remains unmatched — and he shows no signs of slowing down.

The athlete most consistently capable of challenging him is Ikuma Horishima (JPN). One of the very few skiers who has beaten Kingsbury over a full season, Horishima remains Kingsbury’s clearest rival, with huge tricks, clean execution, and the ability to win on any course. His presence ensures that the battle for Olympic gold remains very much open.

Sweden enters with one of the strongest squads on tour. Walter Wallberg, the reigning Olympic champion, returns from injury and will be eager to rejoin the fight at the front. Add Filip Gravenfors, now established as one of the most complete skiers in both Moguls and Duals, and Rasmus Stegfeldt, a breakout force last season, and Sweden brings serious depth to the men’s field.

Beyond the big nations, several other athletes are poised for strong seasons. Matt Graham (AUS) remains one of the smoothest technicians on the circuit and always a contender for super finals. Nick Page (USA) continues to rise, bringing a dynamic, aggressive style that fits perfectly with Dual Moguls. Julien Viel (CAN) showed major progress last season and could be one of the surprises of the year. Ben Cavet (FRA), one of the most consistent finalists over the last decade, brings veteran stability and big-event experience. Finland’s Severi Vierelä continues to push into the top tier, while Pavel Kolmakov (KAZ) remains a podium threat whenever he puts a clean run together.

One more rising name to keep an eye on: Daeyoon Jung (KOR). The Korean skier has been gaining momentum fast, bringing creative skiing and impressive speed — a combination that could put him into super finals sooner rather than later.

Across both fields, the Moguls tour enters the Olympic season with star power, strong national programs, and a long list of athletes capable of podiums. Add in the anticipation around Dual Moguls' Olympic debut, and every event this winter carries extra weight.

If last season offered any indication, 2025/26 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive Moguls seasons in recent memory — and it all begins this week.