Prevc and Kraft headline Ski Flying World Championships in Oberstdorf

Domen Prevc (SLO) is aiming to win his first-ever individual World Ski Flying title as competition in Oberstdorf, Germany, gets underway on Thursday.

The current World Cup leader could follow in the footsteps of his brother Peter Prevc (SLO), who claimed the title ten years ago. Four days of exciting Ski Flying action lie ahead, with world titles to be awarded in both the individual and team competitions - giving Prevc a chance to complete a rare double.

The 26-year-old could become the third Slovenian male ski jumper to win the individual world title in Ski Flying, after Robert Kranjec in 2012 and Domen’s brother Peter Prevc in 2016. Domen Prevc, who won the Ski Flying Crystal Globe in the 2024/25 season, has fond memories of the Oberstdorf hill, where he claimed victory in the World Cup last year. 

Already a World Ski Flying team champion with Slovenia in 2024, Prevc is the frontrunner in the Slovenian team for a third team victory in a row, but his focus will first be on an individual world title, where he will face stiff competition from defending World Ski Flying champion Stefan Kraft (AUT), and two-time medallist Timi Zajc (SLO, silver in 2022 and bronze in 2024), as well as Ryoyu Kobayashi (JPN).

Prevc knows how to deal with the pressure

Prevc, who holds the hill record in Oberstdorf (242.5m), knows the pressure is on him. “It doesn’t bother me that I'm the frontrunner for victory and that expectations are high”, the Slovenian said. “I need to do my part. Of course, there is pressure and expectations. Once you win the Golden Eagle, once you succeed, the rest becomes easier. You know how to adapt, you know your triggers, you improve yourself.”

The Slovenian said he likes to take it ‘step by step’. “You have to be careful and, above all, remain modest and humble. You need to make sure that you don’t get overwhelmed. A surprise can be waiting for you around the corner and very quickly bring you back to reality. You have to be attentive, calm and stay who you are.” 

Can Germany win a medal on home snow?

With the World Ski Flying championships taking place in Germany for the seventh time, the home team, including 2024 silver medalist Andreas Wellinger (GER), is looking to land on the podium once more. Karl Geiger (GER) was the most recent German to win gold at the Ski Flying World Championships, claiming the individual title in Planica (SLO) in 2020.

Medals are awarded in both the individual and team events, with Slovenia defending its title. Slovenia can become the third nation to win this event three times in a row, after Austria (2008–2012) and Norway (2016–2020). Domen Prevc and Timi Zajc can claim their third world title in this event, which would be a joint record.

“It’s hard to talk about expectations when you have the best in the world on your team”, Zajc said ahead of the championships, referring to Domen Prevc. “The first flights are ahead of us. We’re a bit scared, you don’t know what to expect. After training and qualifications, we will be much more used to the hill. Let’s wait and see what we can do.”

In their aim for title defense, the Slovenians will face strong competition from Austria, the home team Germany, and Norway. Defending individual world champion Kraft (AUT) has never won a world title in a team event and will be chasing his first one in Oberstdorf.