Crankworx and the Freeride Mountain Bike Association (FMBA) announce a major evolution in the world of Slopestyle mountain biking with the launch of the Slopestyle Super League (SSL). Debuting in 2026, this new competitive structure redefines what the typical Slopestyle season looks like and is designed to strengthen the sport, expand opportunities for athletes, and provide a clearer, more engaging global season for fans.
The Slopestyle Super League is the result of an extensive review of the FMBA competition framework, incorporating input from the FMBA Advisory Board, event organizers, and athlete representatives. The SSL replaces the former Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship (SWC) and introduces a streamlined, high-stakes format featuring a Regular Season followed by Playoffs, culminating in a “Winner Takes All” Slopestyle Super League Final.
A New Structure for a New Era
Beginning in 2026, the Slopestyle Super League will feature:
1. Regular Season
A calendar of designated Gold and Diamond events will make up the SSL Regular Season.
Key elements include:
- Athletes accumulate points across all Regular Season events.
- All results count toward SSL standings each year.
- The number of counted results will be based on the final number of confirmed events in the season.
- At the conclusion of the Regular Season:
- Top 3 men and top 2 women in the standings receive automatic qualification to the SSL Finals.
- Men ranked 4–15 and women ranked 3–8 in league standings qualify for Round 1 of thePlayoffs.
2026 SSL Regular Season Events
The inaugural season will include five events:
- February: Gold – Crankworx Christchurch Slopestyle, New Zealand
- March: Diamond – Crankworx Rotorua Slopestyle, New Zealand
- May: Gold – Event in Europe (details coming soon)
- July: Diamond – Event in Europe (details coming soon)
- August: Diamond – Crankworx Whistler Slopestyle, Canada
The two European events will be revealed in 2026.
2. Playoffs
The SSL Playoffs will determine the first-ever Slopestyle Super League Champions.
Round 1
The first Playoffs event will feature a total of 18 men and 9 women, drawn from:
- 12 men + 6 women from SSL Regular Season standings
- Additional 6 men + 3 women invited from the FMB 52-week World Ranking
Additional details:
- Points earned in this competition count toward the FMB World Ranking.
- The top 7 men and top 3 women from Round 1 advance to Round 2 – the SSL Finals.
- In 2026, this event will be the Crankworx SilverStar Slopestyle (Gold)
Round 2: Finals
The SSL Finals will bring together 10 men and 5 women:
- 3 men + 2 women pre-qualified from the Regular Season
- 7 men + 3 women advancing from Round 1 of the Playoffs.
Additional details:
- Points earned in the Finals also contribute to the FMB World Ranking.
- The 2026 Slopestyle Super League Finals will be hosted at the Crankworx Mont-Sainte-Anne Slopestyle (Diamond) in Québec
At the conclusion of the Finals, winners will be crowned Slopestyle Super League Champions.
Invitation Criteria
Regular Season
- Invitations to all Gold and Diamond events continue to follow the FMB World Ranking, as outlined in the FMBA Rulebook.
- Points earned at SSL events align with the existing FMB World Tour points structure.
- Automatic qualification for Finals:
- Top 3 men and top 2 women in SSL standings
- Round 1 of Playoffs qualification:
- Men ranked 4–9 and women ranked 3–5 in SSL standings
Playoffs: Round 1
- 12 men + 6 women from SSL standings
- 6 men + 3 women added from the FMB 52-week World Ranking
- Total: 18 men + 9 women
Playoffs: Finals
- 3 men + 2 women pre-qualified from Regular Season
- 7 men + 3 women advancing from Round 1 of the Playoffs
- Total: 10 men + 5 women
Calendar Transition
The 2026 season will serve as a condensed inaugural edition, running January to September 2026.
Starting with the 2026/2027 cycle, the Slopestyle Super League will adopt a dual-year season structure: October 2026 – August 2027 (continuing in similar overlapping seasons each year thereafter).
This change is designed to create a natural competition arc, allow for better planning for organizers and athletes, and align the league with broader seasonal rhythms in mountain biking.
A Vision for the Future
The introduction of the Slopestyle Super League marks a milestone moment for Slopestyle mountain biking. By simplifying the structure, increasing competitive opportunities, and establishing a clear progression toward a season finale, the SSL provides a more compelling framework for athletes and fans alike.
The full structure of the Slopestyle Super League – including rules, rankings, and pathways, is detailed online: fmbworldtour.com/slopestyle-super-league/