Four Hills Tournament begins: Prevc and Kobayashi set for Golden Eagle showdown

The Four Hills Tournament, one of ski jumping’s most storied traditions, opens on 28 December with the world’s top men competing for the prestigious Golden Eagle trophy. World Cup leader Domen Prevc (SLO) and three‑time Four Hills champion Ryoyu Kobayashi (JPN) are the headline contenders after strong early‑season form, joined by Stefan Kraft (AUT), Anze Lanisek (SLO), Philipp Raimund (GER) and Felix Hoffmann (GER).

Now in its 74th edition, the Tour spans four venues—Oberstdorf and Garmisch‑Partenkirchen in Germany, and Innsbruck and Bischofshofen in Austria—with the overall winner decided by cumulative points across all four hills. Qualification in Oberstdorf is set for 28 December, with the finale in Bischofshofen on 6 January.

Domen Prevc is chasing a family milestone: he could become the third Slovenian to win the Tour after Primoz Peterka (1996/97) and his brother Peter Prevc (2015/16). Despite five World Cup wins this season, Domen has never podiumed in a Four Hills event, with a best of fourth in Bischofshofen (2016/17). Cautious about the long season ahead, he emphasized staying focused and learning from rivals.

Kobayashi, Four Hills champion in 2019, 2022 and 2024, snapped Prevc’s recent streak with a win in Engelberg last weekend, setting up a compelling duel. He also acknowledged pre‑Tour nerves.

Hosts Austria and Germany seek home success. Defending champion Daniel Tschofenig (AUT) has had a difficult start, while Austria—record holders with 17 titles—also count on Jan Hörl and Stefan Kraft. Germany’s last overall win dates back to Sven Hannawald in 2002, but in‑form Philipp Raimund and Felix Hoffmann fuel optimism.

The piece also outlines the distinctive Four Hills format: after qualification, 50 athletes are paired into 25 head‑to‑head duels in the first round; winners plus five highest‑scoring ‘lucky losers’ advance to a 30‑man final round. To remain in contention for the Golden Eagle, athletes must reach the second round at each event, with total points across the four hills deciding the champion.

Schedule: • 28 Dec (Oberstdorf, GER): 16:30 Qualification • 29 Dec (Oberstdorf, GER): 16:30 Individual competition • 31 Dec (Garmisch‑Partenkirchen, GER): 16:00 Qualification • 1 Jan (Garmisch‑Partenkirchen, GER): 14:00 Individual competition • 3 Jan (Innsbruck, AUT): 14:30 Qualification • 4 Jan (Innsbruck, AUT): 13:30 Individual competition • 5 Jan (Bischofshofen, AUT): 16:30 Qualification • 6 Jan (Bischofshofen, AUT): 16:30 Individual competition