Freeskiing
The world's top freeskiers just competed on one of the most extreme slopestyle courses ever created. Here's what went down in Gastein, Austria.
After a four-year hiatus, the world of slopestyle freeskiing made its return to the historic streets of Gastein, Austria, for Red Bull PlayStreets. Combining quarter pipes, road gaps, challenge rails and even trampolines, this unique slopestyle competition showcased 21 of the world’s top riders and their creativity on a pair of skis.
What went down at Red Bull PlayStreets 2023?
The ninth edition of Red Bull PlayStreets saw more than 10,000 spectators pack the streets of Gastein and line the 400-metre-long slopestyle course from start to finish. They were treated to an epic shown as 21 of freeskiing’s best battled for the prestigious PlayStreets crown.
Following a hard-fought qualifying session, the top 16 riders faced off in a knockout format. Despite Canada’s Max Moffatt and Austria’s Matěj Švancer delivering standout performances, the finals saw Swedish freeskiing icon Jesper Tjäder and Swiss slopestyle prodigy Andri Ragettli go head-to-head – just as they had done back in 2017.
Relive the entire round of 16 from Red Bull PlayStreets 2023 in the player below.
First to drop was Tjäder, whose near-perfect run left the crowd in awe after linking together a Switch Flair on the KIA Quarterpipe into Misty 720 Reverse Mute Grab on the Big Air. This was followed by a Cork 540 up and 180 down the nine-metre-high Oakley Wallride, a flat spin over the Völkl Hip and a 450 to Switch on the final rail section.
Next up came Ragettli, who seemingly matched Tjäder with a Switch 720 on the KIA Quarterpipe into a Double Cork 1080 on the Big Air. That was followed by a Flair on the Oakley Wallride, a Flat 450 over the Völkl Hip and a 450 Disaster on the final rail section.
With both athletes pulling out all the stops, it was no surprise that the decision was a tight one. But Tjäder’s score of 285 was enough to secure victory and earn the Swiss star a second Red Bull PlayStreets title.
“It's just great to win here,” said Tjäder. “It’s a really difficult course that can’t be compared to any other contest. The atmosphere pushes you so hard and makes Red Bull PlayStreets unique. I’m so stoked I won my second star.”
Red Bull PlayStreets 2023 results
- Jesper Tjäder (Sweden) - 285 points
- Andri Ragettli (Switzerland) - 282
- Kim Gubser (Switzerland) - 261
- Matej Svancer (Austria) - 259
Download the free Red Bull TV app to watch unmissable movies, shows and sports action on all your devices!