The 2017 World Rookie Finals went down with fantastic vibes as the quest to unveil the next Rookie snowboard superstars heated up when the world's finest young snowboarders converged on Kitzsteinhorn, Kaprun, Austria. Around 140 riders from all over experienced a whole week full of snowboard action having fun in the Snowpark Kitzsteinhorn, and – of course – to battle it out for the famous and much desired title of the World Rookie Champion.

Chase Blackwell (USA) and Sena Tomita (JPN) are the first ever World Rookie Champions in Halfpipe. At this year’s edition, it is the first time that the World Rookie Finals include Halfpipe as a discipline. The title was hard fought as becoming the first World Rookie Champion in Halfpipe is one of the greatest rewards for tomorrow’s pro snowboarders. The riders field was 40 boys and 18 girls packed with a large variety of nations.

But Chase Blackwell from the USA and Japanese rider Sena Tomita, who both landed heavy runs, were better than the rest, and take home the Black Yeti trophies and prizes such as TSG helmets, Nitro bags, Surfcamp from Surftolive, Pieps, Shooting in Kitzsteinhorn Monday-Wendsday, Ticket for 2 weeks freeride trip to Chile, Pieps, shovel.

The girl’s podium was completed by Leilani Ettel (GER) 2nd place and Berenice Wicki (SUI) 3rd place. On the boy’s side Toby Miller (USA) 2nd and Elias Allenspach (SUI) 3rd placed behind the winner Chase Blackwell.