Holy grail ?

US Masters holy grail ?

This is the tournament that every skier dreams about attending, and for the most tenacious, to win. The event takes place once a year in Callaway Gardens, Georgia. Over decades, the US Masters has become the most anticipated tournament of the year. It’s a highlight for every skier to show their abilities in front of the pavilion. Historically, the top six athletes in every category (slalom, trick, jump) got an invitation to the event. One spot was reserved for the winner of the LCQ (Last Chance Qualifier), held at Jack Travers Sunset Lakes. To qualify for the US Masters, you had to win the LCQ and get at least the reserved “qualifying” score (3@10,25m 41off, for example).

For the last two years, however, the system changed. The current World Champion (fair enough) and the Moomba Masters winner received invitations. Additionally, there are now three events in Florida where you have to place first or second to win an invitation.

The system is controversial. Most of the skiers not in favor argue that it increases the chances of American skiers to qualify and leaves out the rest of the world, which is not wrong. Another argument is that if the Masters are gathering the best skiers in the world, then judging a skier on three events, instead of its overall season, is pretty rough. Those in favor push the argument that it gives “hot” skiers of the moment an opportunity to shine at this prestigious event.

There are no right answers. In the end, the Masters are delivering a hell of a show and most likely, the same skiers are on the water either way. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see in the following years how the “qualifying” system evolves.