Excitement builds for Ski Jumping showdowns at Ruka Nordic weekend

Following a lively start to the 2025/26 FIS Ski Jumping World Cup, the men’s circuit heads to the traditional Ruka Nordic weekend in Finland, held alongside Cross-Country Skiing and Nordic Combined. Across three days, eight World Cup competitions are scheduled across the disciplines, with around 400 competitors from 30 nations expected.

In Ski Jumping, two large hill World Cups are set for 29–30 November. Event CEO Narri Keskiaho highlights Ruka Nordic’s growing stature, strong media interest, and ambitions to enhance the spectator and partner experience.

Anže Lanišek (SLO) will wear the yellow bib for the first time in his career after winning the second Falun World Cup earlier in the week. Nearest rival Stefan Kraft (AUT), who set a record overall points haul with victory in the first Falun competition, will not compete in Finland as he returns home ahead of the birth of his child.

Crystal Globe holder Daniel Tschofenig (AUT) sits third in the overall standings after four events and seeks his first Ruka podium following finishes of 4th, 5th, and 6th in recent seasons. His campaign opened with a victory at Lillehammer (NOR). Olympic champion Ryoyu Kobayashi (JPN), winner of the second Lillehammer event, is fourth overall and has an excellent Ruka history, including a double in 2018 and a win in 2021. World champion Domen Prevc (SLO) rounds out the current top five after taking third in Falun despite a hard training fall earlier that day.

Ruka, which debuted on the World Cup calendar in 1996, is known for challenging wind conditions. This year’s test jumpers include Finnish juniors Andreas Helanne and Riku Vartiainen. Six Finnish athletes will start qualifying, led by Antti Aalto, 11th at Ruka last season.

FIS Ski Jumping World Cup – Ruka (FIN) Schedule (EET): • 28 Nov 2025: 15:45 Training; 18:15 Qualification Men’s LH • 29 Nov 2025: 15:00 Trial Round; 16:05 WC Men’s LH • 30 Nov 2025: 10:00 Qualification Men’s LH; 15:50 WC Men’s LH

All times are subject to change.