Max Eberhardt had never attempted a triple-cork jump in competition before, but the one he landed in Saturday night's Monster Energy Shred Show big air contest was worth $15,000.
The Canadian snowboarder stomped a backside triple 1440 for his last trick of the night, earning a score of 95.33 to take top spot and the grand prize in the World Ski and Snowboard Festival event held at the base of Whistler Mountain.
"I've actually never tried that in my life," a champagne-soaked Eberhardt said of his winning trick, right after stepping off the podium. "I've been waiting all season for the right jump for it, and it just felt right."
Kyle Mack, who landed a triple 1440 of his own, finished in the runner-up spot, and top qualifier Justin Morgan placed third.
Nobody had attempted a triple-cork on Saturday until Eberhardt did it midway through the last round of the 10-man final. The large crowd gathered at Skiers Plaza erupted when he put the trick to his feet.
Eberhardt said it became possible to give it a try when the in-run to the jump sped up, as temperatures dropped over the course of the night.
"I actually almost pulled out of the contest in practice because I kept knuckling the jump," said the 19-year-old from North Bay, Ont.
Canadian Olympian Sebastien Toutant finished just off the podium in fourth spot. Defending champion and X Games double gold medallist Maxence Parrot fell on both his jumps in the final and wasn't in the mix for a podium.
Mack said he was thrilled to finish in the top three against a high-quality field that included several Olympians.
"A podium is unbelievable," he said. "I'm hyped I finished second. Max killed it."
The Shred Show continues Sunday, April 13, with a slopestyle contest in the Blackcomb Terrain Park. Visit www.wssf.com for full details, and see Pique on Thursday, April 17 for a full recap.
