In a groundbreaking event set to redefine the landscape of ski jumping, the inaugural Red Bull Skoki w Punkt competition is poised to take place at the iconic Wielka Krokiew in Zakopane. This unique format combines the thrill of traditional ski jumping with an innovative twist: teams will aim for precision rather than distance, as they attempt to achieve a combined distance of exactly 1000 meters over eight jumps.
Five teams, each comprising four competitors, will take to the slopes, with the focus on hitting a pre-selected target point. This new approach challenges captains to blend mathematical strategy with the technical skills of their athletes, making for an exciting and unpredictable competition.
Leading the teams are legends of the sport, including Adam Małysz, Martin Schmitt, Andreas Goldberger, Thomas Morgenstern, and Gregor Schlierenzauer. These captains bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the competition, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown.
Among the competitors are rising stars such as Daniel Tschofenig, Ryoyu Kobayashi, Domen Prevc, and Andreas Wellinger. The Polish contingent is particularly strong, featuring well-known names like Dawid Kubacki, Piotr Żyła, Maciej Kot, Jakub Wolny, Aleksander Zniszczoł, and Kacper Tomasiak, all eager to showcase their skills in this innovative format.
"Today, I jumped to a target for the first time. It was a lot of fun, and I’m sure tomorrow will bring plenty of laughs," remarked Paweł Wąsek during a press conference held prior to the event.
The competition kicks off at 16:00 local time on April 5, 2025, and fans can catch all the action live on TVN and Eurosport. With the excitement building, the teams are ready to put their strategies to the test.
During the press conference, which took place on April 4, 2025, the captains shared their thoughts on the event and the state of ski jumping. Adam Małysz expressed his views on the current World Cup format, stating, "I would stop wind measurements in the World Cup, but keep the gate adjustments, and return to the old rules." This sentiment reflects a desire among some in the sport to simplify the competitive environment.
Martin Schmitt, another team captain, passed the microphone to Gregor Schlierenzauer, who added, "I think we need to address equipment issues and improve television coverage, similar to what is done in Formula 1." This highlights a growing awareness of the need for modernization within the sport to enhance viewer engagement.
Andreas Goldberger defended the current state of ski jumping, suggesting that events like Red Bull Skoki w Punkt provide positive entertainment and bring a lighter spirit to the competition. "I believe that ski jumping is good right now; we shouldn’t speak too negatively about it. Of course, it needs improvements, but events like this, which aren’t too serious, bring a positive vibe to the sport," Goldberger stated.
The captains also discussed the challenges of integrating such events into the World Cup. They concurred that the distinct rules and evaluation criteria of Red Bull Skoki w Punkt make it difficult to incorporate into the traditional format. Małysz noted, "I hope for more events like this, emphasizing fun and understanding for fans. It was great to see all the athletes laughing together today; it’s not just about competition but also about enjoyment and camaraderie in the sport."
As the competition unfolds, fans are eager to witness how the teams will strategize and execute their jumps. The unique format is expected to generate significant excitement, drawing attention not only for its competitive nature but also for the fun and entertainment it promises.
With the clock ticking down to the start of the event, anticipation is palpable. Ski jumping enthusiasts are ready to see how the athletes perform under this new format, where precision is key and every jump counts. The Red Bull Skoki w Punkt competition is not just a test of skill but a celebration of the sport, showcasing the talents of both seasoned veterans and emerging stars.
This event marks a significant moment in ski jumping history, as it seeks to blend tradition with innovation. As teams prepare to take the stage at Wielka Krokiew, the world will be watching to see who can master the art of jumping to a target and claim victory in this exciting new format.
