Monster Energy's Ayumu Hirano and Gaon Choi Claim Podium Spots at the Inaugural Snow League Competition in Aspen Snowmass
26-Year-Old Hirano from Japan Takes 3rd Place in Men's Snowboard Halfpipe
16-Year-Old Choi from South Korea Claims 3rd Place in Women's Snowboard Halfpipe
ASPEN, Colo., March 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Monster Energy congratulates Ayumu Hirano on taking third place in Men's Snowboard Halfpipe at the Snow League competition in Aspen Snowmass. In the snowboard contest hosted by snow sports icon Shaun White, the 26-year-old from Murakami, Japan, claimed a podium spot in an elite field of invited riders. Also rising to the podium, 16-year-old Gaon Choi from Seoul, South Korea, took third place in the Women's Snowboard Halfpipe competition.
From March 7-8, Buttermilk Resort hosted the first installment of the new Snow League snowboard halfpipe contest series created by snowboard icon Shaun White. For two action-packed days, the event featured 36 riders from across the globe battling for the top spots and tour points in a global ranking system.
Contested on the Superpipe on Buttermilk Mountain, the competition was broadcast in 90 countries. Fans tuning in across the United States could follow the event live on Peacock via NBC Sports.
In the Men's Halfpipe final, Ayumu Hirano competed in a field of eight finalists from Friday's qualifiers. The finals pitted athlete against athlete in a best two of three run, head-to-head format. According to Snow League rules, each athlete must drop into both the right and left-hand walls of the halfpipe in their first two runs. The first athlete to win two runs will advance to the next round, and ultimately, the rider that wins each of their head-to-head matchups claims the win.
In the battle for third place, Hirano faced American Alessandro Barbieri. Hirano put down a perfect run featuring his signature frontside triple cork 1440, Cab 1440, huge method crippler, and backside 1260 and frontside double cork 1080 to claim third place.
The Women's Halfpipe final saw Gaon Choi claim her podium spot in the battle for third place against Ono Mitsuki from Japan. Standout tricks, including switch backside 900 Weddle, Cab 720, and frontside 1080 earned Choi the upper hand in the head-to-head battle for third place.
What's next? Additional Snow League events will be contested at China's Secret Garden (4-6 December 2025), Aspen (26-28 February 2026), and Switzerland (19-21 March 2026). At the end of the season, rankings will determine the first Snow League World Champion. Stay tuned!
For more on Ayumu Hirano, Gaon Choi, and the Monster Energy snow sports team, visit www.monsterenergy.com. Follow Monster Energy on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok for exclusive updates from the 2025 snow sports season.
For interview or photo requests, contact Kim Dresser C: (949) 300-5546 E: kim.dresser@indiepragency.com
About Monster Energy
Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it's the way of life lived by athletes, bands, believers, and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com.
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