Australian snowboarder Scotty James is positioned as the favorite to win gold in the men’s halfpipe at Milano Cortina 2026 after a standout qualifying run in Livigno, where he scored 94.00 and led by 2.75 points.

James, a two-time Olympic silver medallist and prominent figure in the sport, is viewed as the gold medal favorite, and his leadership and feedback helped shape course design during a Livigno training review.

James led the qualifiers in the men’s snowboard halfpipe with a top score of 94.00 after his first run, earning the advantage of performing last in the final.

Guseli signals a high-difficulty approach for his own final run and praises James, noting the field could produce an unpredictable finals showdown.

Yuto Totsuka and Ryusei Yamada were the only other competitors to surpass 90 points in qualifying, joining James.

The finals are set for Friday, with broadcast coverage on Nine Network, 9Now, and Stan Sport, and ongoing updates via the SMH sports section.

Chasing gold remains highly competitive, with rivals like Ayumu Hirano and Australian Valentino Guseli in the mix, Guseli showcasing a first cab triple cork 1440 mute.

James recalls Beijing 2022 disappointment when Hirano edged him for gold and says he plans to bring something special to the finals to secure Australia’s first gold of the Games.

Chase Blackwell did not advance, finishing with 69.00.

Alessandro Barbieri of Team USA led Americans in fourth with 88.50, while Chase Josey and Jake Pates finished 11th and 12th with 76.50 and 75.50 respectively, narrowly making the final field.

The top 12 finishers from the 25-strong qualifying field, after two runs, advanced to Friday’s medal round.

James hints at a secret trick or plan, described as a “wizard’s sleeve,” to be revealed in the finals, suggesting a strategic edge for the gold bid.