Domen Prevc claims career-first individual World Ski Flying title

Domen Prevc (SLO) captured his first individual World Ski Flying title as he claimed victory in Oberstdorf, Germany, on Saturday. Prevc became the third Slovenian male ski jumper to take that crown, following in the footsteps of his brother Peter Prevc (2016) and Robert Kranjec (2012). 

The 26-year-old already led the way at the halfway stage of the four-round competition on Friday and further extended his lead to 48.4 points over Ren Nikaido (JPN) before going into the fourth and final round. An impressive fourth-round jump of 222.5m and 224.2 points saw Prevc claim the title with a combined total of 905.4 points, finishing 59.5 points clear of 2022 world champion Marius Lindvik (NOR). 

Already a two-time world champion in the Team Ski Flying event (2022 and 2024), Prevc had never landed on an individual Ski Flying World Championships podium prior to his victory. 

“I’ve been working for this for a long long time", Prevc said afterward. "Ski Flying is one of my favourites."

Prevc has dominated the season so far, winning the Golden Eagle and the World Ski Flying title, with the Crystal Globe also within reach.

"At the start of the season, I said, 'If I can achieve even one of those three goals, I would be very satisfied.'. Now I have two of them. It's starting to feel unbelievable - it is truly incredible how the season is unfolding."

"I’m really happy that everything fell into place and that my effort is paying off. I’m the kind of person who needs some time for success to sink in. I'm not going to scream with excitement, but do have a great feeling right now. The dream continues", Prevc said. "The Olympics are around the corner and I can't wait for them."

Lindvik takes silver after impressive fourth round

2022 world champion Lindvik moved up from third to second in the final round, thanks to a 231.5m jump that scored 216.8 points, for a combined total of 845.9 points. 

"It means a lot", Lindvik said. "It's so nice to be back on the podium with the silver medal. I didn't think this was possible. It's been a hard fight to get back."

Nikaido, who was second through the first three third rounds, rounded out the podium in third with a combined total of 842.5 points. 

"I overcame my disappointment from last time and came back stronger", Nikaido said. "I'm really looking forward to the Olympics now. Of course, I would like to win a medal. But on the other hand, I really want to have fun and enjoy it. I want to bring my own strengths out, and maybe then I can win a medal. But actually, the joy of jumping is the most important."

Jan Hoerl (AUT) and Stephan Embacher (AUT) completed the top five, while 2024 World Ski Flying champion Stefan Kraft (AUT) finished seventh. Philipp Raimund (GER) delivered the best result for host nation Germany with a 13th-place finish. 

Can Prevc complete a rare double?

The FIS Ski Flying World Championships continue with a team competition on Sunday, giving Prevc a chance to complete a rare double. Slovenia defends its title from 2024 and can become the third nation to win this event three times in a row, after Austria (2008–2012) and Norway (2016–2020).

Prevc and teammate Timi Zajc (SLO) can claim their third world title in this event, which would be a joint record.

2026 individual world champion Prevc said he is looking forward to the battle for team gold tomorrow. "I want to bring (the team) as many points as I can. It will be a tough battle, there are Japanese, Norwegians, Austrians, Germans.. all very strong", he said. "It will be an exciting competition, and I just hope we can perform really well as a team."

Ski flying is a non-Olympic ski jumping discipline, in which the FIS organises World Championships only for men.