Felix Hoffmann and the Gross-Titlis ski jump – it just fits. The 28-year-old Thuringian flew to second place behind ski jumping dominator Domen Prevc at the World Cup in Engelberg on Saturday (December 20, 2025).
The German’s top ranking was already in the air days before. Hoffmann dominated every training session and the qualification on Friday, and in the competition only the Slovenian overall World Cup leader Domen Prevc was just 3.8 points better. Hoffmann celebrated his best career result.
After 138 meters, the 28-year-old late starter was in fourth place after the first round. In the final, he put his competitors under a lot of pressure with a magnificent jump of 141 meters. Prevc countered (142 m), but the Japanese Ren Nikaido (129 m) fell back to third place. The half-time leader Ryoyu Kobayashi (131 m) was extremely unlucky with the wind, had to wait a long time before his jump and fell out of the top three.
Only two Germans are at the top level
In addition to Hoffmann, Philipp Raimund was also convincing. The second German newcomer from SC Oberstdorf impressed in fourth place in difficult conditions with 138 and 135 meters and was overjoyed: “I just know what I have to do. This is a nice situation. I have to appreciate it.”
There is a big gap behind the two top German jumpers shortly before the start of the Four Hills Tournament. It’s fortunate that there is no team competition on the prestigious tour in Oberstdorf, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck and Bischofshofen.
But with a view to the Olympic Games in February, Germany needs four reliable DSV eagles if it is to win a medal in team jumping.
Paschke takes a step forward
Two years ago, Pius Paschke amazed the ski jumping world in Engelberg with his victory. At the age of 33, he was suddenly at the top of the world and the victory in Switzerland was no flash in the pan. The veteran from WSV Kiefersfelden is currently a long way from such highs. 123 meters in the first round was enough for the second round, but not for a top place. With 130 meters in the final, the 35-year-old improved and finished the jumping in a conciliatory 15th place.
If a 17th place is worth its weight in gold…
The German Ski Association cannot compensate for the loss of jumpers from the second league. The nomination of youngster Ben Bayer shows that there is a big gap behind the A team. The 21-year-old replaced Wellinger (break from competition). A 17th place in the second-class continental competition was enough. Bayer was the best German and got the World Cup ticket. The youngster found out about the nomination last Sunday in Ruka.
Ben Bayer celebrated his World Cup debut in Engelberg.
It will be his World Cup premiere “exciting” said Bayer, who had successfully overcome the qualification hurdle. He finished his first World Cup competition in 38th place – 127 meters were not enough for the final. “I am happy and proud of my World Cup debut. It was okay for now.”he said after his first appearance in the concert of the greats.
Wellinger and Geiger return to Oberstdorf
The real hopefuls, Andreas Wellinger and Karl Geiger, have recently fallen off in terms of performance and were missing in Engelberg. Instead of competing for World Cup points, the two veterans should find their form again in training. Wellinger and Geiger will definitely be there at the start of the Four Hills Tournament, said Stefan Horngacher on Saturday.