Horishima, Johnson win Moguls opener in tough Ruka conditions
Dec 07, 2025·Freestyle
Even for some of the world’s best skiers, the opener of the 2025/26 Freestyle World Cup was by no means a straightforward run.
The Ruka Ski Resort had been testing them all week, throwing rain, wind and ice under their skis.
The first of a double-header for the Moguls competition rewarded those who could best navigate these, with Ikuma Horishima (JPN) and Tess Johnson (USA) taking the men’s and women’s events, respectively.
Horishima continues Ruka mastery
Tough conditions or not, Ikuma Horishima (JPN) is never one to shy from a challenge. The Japanese delivered a sublime run in the superfinal that included stomping a massive cork 1440.
It led to a score of 83.48 points, making for a fitting gift to himself just days ahead of his 28th birthday.
Sweden’s reigning Olympic champion Walter Wallberg (SWE) placed second (82.47), while Nick Page (USA) finished third with 79.62 points.
Horishima is no stranger to victory in Ruka, having won here twice before in the 2020/21 and 2023/24 seasons. Still, he admitted having a case of the early-season jitters.
"It was very hard to manage a double full and a 1440," he said.
“It’s the beginning of the season, and we haven’t have time to spend in training. It didn’t feel so great for skiing, so I was very nervous at the top. I gave it my all for the superfinal, and I was glad at the finish line."
Mikaël Kingsbury (CAN) was fourth in qualifications, but opted to give the final a miss.
The 33-year-old is reportedly still feeling some pain from an injury sustained on water ramps in summer training. With the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games on the horizon, he understandably chose to stay cautious and give himself time to fully heal up.
Johnson triumphant through tears
When Tess Johnson (USA) won in Almaty in February 2025, it was a World Cup victory seven years in the waiting. She did not have to wait too long for her next one.
Before taking the Battery course for the finals, the 25-year-old knew it would take nothing short of her best to finish at the top of the women’s podium.
She had qualified top for the finals, but knew the job was far from done. She said shortly before the finals: “The weather’s been all over the place. Tactically, you have to manage your speed and make sure your feet are right underneath you.”
After steeling her nerves for competition, an emotional Johnson was able to finish the day with happy tears.
“This was unexpected,” said Johnson, who earned 78.86 points. “I worked really hard, and this just means a lot. I just love skiing and I had so much fun out there today.”
Johnson finished ahead of 2018 Olympic champion Perrine Laffont (FRA), who scored 77.43 points. Olivia Giaccio (USA) was third with 74.35 points.
Others in the superfinal field included Jakara Anthony (AUS). Despite finishing outside of the top three, the Australian made an impressive return to World Cup action after breaking a collarbone last season and qualified third for the final.
Last season’s Crystal Globe winner Jaelin Kauf (USA) took a fall in qualifications and missed the cut for the top 12.
Moguls skiers will have another shot at victory on 8 December. Women’s qualifications start at 10:45, followed by the men’s at 13:30. Finals start from 16:30.
QUICK LINKS
Ruka World Cup FIS data page (start lists, results, etc)
