The last time a men’s Halfpipe World Cup podium did not feature a Japanese rider dates back to the 2018 edition of the Copper World Cup when Australia’s Scotty James topped the field ahead of U.S. riders Toby Miller and Chase Josey in second and third place respectively.
James is not competing in Copper after the four-time World Champion uncharacteristically finished 10th in Secret Garden as many finalists struggled with snowy conditions.
Last week’s runner-up result put Totsuka on top of the men’s all-time halfpipe World Cup podium list with 22. Last year Totsuka was also second in Copper last year as part of a Japanese podium sweep which again featured Ayumu Hirano in first place and Ruka Hirano in third. Totsuka was also third in 2023 behind Chaeun Lee (KOR), marking the second time he finished third in Copper after 2021. The 24-year-old was also runner-up here in 2019 behind James.
Three time reigning halfpipe Crystal Globe winner Ruka Hirano, meanwhile, has three previous Copper Mountain podiums to his credit, including a victory in 2021. With 21 World Cup podiums in his career, Hirano sits just one back of his friend and countryman Totsuka on the all-time list.
Without Scotty James in Copper, Japan’s main challengers this week will be the 16-man U.S. contingent featuring his 2018 runner-up Josey, as well as up-and-comer Alessandro Barbieri. Last season the 17-year-old claimed his first podium with third place at the 2024/25 season finale in Calgary behind Totsuka and Ruka Hirano.
