Euphoric home crowd as Austrian skier claims world champion title

Austrian skier Raphael Haaser claimed a remarkable victory in the men’s giant slalom event at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Saalbach, Austria, making history on his home turf.

Haaser narrowly defeated Switzerland’s Thomas Tumler, clinching the gold with a lead of just 0.23 seconds in Friday’s thrilling race. Tumler, who gave a strong performance, finished in second place, while his fellow Swiss skier Loic Meillard secured the bronze, trailing Haaser by 0.51 seconds.

Defending world champion Marco Odermatt, who had hoped to defend his title, narrowly missed out on a podium finish, placing fourth with a 0.58-second gap to the leaders.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Haaser, who celebrates his first-ever World Championship title. In addition, it is his second medal at the 2025 Saalbach Championships, having previously earned a bronze in the super-G event just one week earlier.

Haaser’s triumph adds to his growing reputation on the world stage, and his performance is a testament to his skill and resilience. With his victory, Haaser not only delighted local fans but also solidified his place among the top Alpine skiers in the world.