Prevc perfect again as Geiger celebrates podium in Willingen

A thrilling afternoon of action in Willingen (GER) ended as so many others have done this season - with a win for Domen Prevc (SLO). But the World Cup leader’s tenth victory was only half the story on an emotional day in Germany, as Karl Geiger (GER) celebrated his first individual podium since December 2024 in front of his home fans.

Prevc displayed every facet of his dominant form this season with mammoth jumps of 146.5m and 155m earning him a total of 264.2pts, 22 points clear of Ren Nikaido (JPN) in second. The Slovenian’s second jump was just 0.5m short of the Hill record set by Johann Andre Forfang (NOR) in 2024 and the longest jump by anyone on a Large Hill this season.

“Of course it’s always fun here in Willingen,” said Prevc.

"I really enjoy jumping here and feeling the pressure on my skis. These are the things we live for."

And as a showman, Prevc takes his time to bow to the crowd after his performance.

"I like to go to the opera, and at the end of the opera, the actresses always go to the crowd. And this act is the highest way to be respectful to the crowd and be thankful to them. And I think it's the way that everybody enjoys and go home happy."

Emotions run wild in Willingen

One of the biggest highlights of Saturday came before the competition had even begun. Test jumper Urban Susnik delighted the capacity crowd when he unzipped his suit on landing to reveal a t-shirt with the words “Will you marry me?” to his waiting girlfriend. To resounding cheers, she tearfully accepted his proposal.

And the emotional highs kept come for the capacity crowd in Willingen. Five-time World Champion Geiger, who missed out on Olympic selection for Germany, sent the home fans wild with an opening jump of 140.5m to soar into the lead, ending the first round second behind Prevc.

When third-placed Nikaido landed a second jump of 147m, the pressure was on Geiger to not slip out of the podium places altogether. But the German actually improved on his first round effort with a jump of 142m to secure a season’s best third with 237.8pts, just ahead of compatriot Felix Hoffmann (235.9pts) in fourth. Geiger's long-awaited success prompted exhuberant celebrations from the crowd, his teammates and the man himself.

"The last two weeks have been very productive, very effective, and we've really taken steps in the right direction," said Geiger.

"I just made two really good jumps today and I think I'm happy, relieved and grateful that I've got that off my chest."

The three-time Olympic medalist admits its tough that his return to form has come too late for Milano Cortina 2026.

"If you had asked me three weeks ago, I would have said I had no chance. In my current form, I don't need to compete because I can't keep up with everyone else. Now things look a little different," he explained.

Another home hero who will compete at the Games, Andreas Wellinger (GER), also displayed his best form of the season in Willingen with jumps of 134m and 138.5m to finish 6th.

It was a mixed day for the man second in the overall standings, Ryoyu Kobayashi (JPN). The reigning Olympic Normal Hill Champion ended the first round in 24th after an opening jump of 128m. He followed it up with a stunning final effort of 147m for a total of 217pts and 9th place. But that recovery didn’t stop Prevc from extending his lead at the top of the Crystal Globe standings to 538pts.

Despite such a comprehensive lead, the Slovenian is determined to keep his feet on the ground.

"I try not to let all of the emotions, not let the ego get in front of me. These are the main things I learned from my brother (2016 World Cup champion Peter), he was also in this position. And I think I’m quite privileged to be here, to stay here," reflected Prevc.

"Because all of the people in front of me, all the people that came before me, I can learn from them. I just need to put away my ego and say, look, I don't know all the things, but I can go step by step, learn, work each day, and stay focused on the things that make it great."

The action wraps up on Sunday with the final World Cup before the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

FIS SKI JUMPING WORLD CUP – WILLINGEN (GER) SCHEDULE

01.02.2026
11:45 – Start Qualification – Men’s LH
13:15 – Competition Start – Women’s LH
16:00 – Competition Start – Men’s LH
All times listed in CET and are subject to change.