Nordic Combined Awards 2026: A night of emotion, excellence, and farewell

The Nordic Combined Awards 2026 were presented following an unforgettable season finale in Oslo, Norway. Held in the iconic Holmenkollen arena, the ceremony once again highlighted the deep traditions of the sport while also introducing a fresh and exciting element: for the first time, the athletes themselves played a central role in the voting process.

This year, the Athlete of the Year awards for both women and men were decided exclusively by the athletes. With no predefined nominees, every competitor had the chance to receive votes, making the honor even more meaningful. Each athlete cast one vote for a female and one for a male athlete, with the winners revealed during the evening’s celebrations.

Meanwhile, fans around the world contributed by voting online for the Moment of the Year and Nation of the Year, adding to the strong sense of community that defines Nordic Combined.

Fan Favorites: Moments that defined the season

The evening began with the announcement of the Moment of the Year awards.

On the women’s side, Finland’s Minja Korhonen captured the hearts of fans with her maiden World Cup victory in Lahti, earning her the top spot. She triumphed over strong contenders including Katharina Gruber, who celebrated her first win in Trondheim, and Alexa Brabec, recognized for her breakthrough victory during the Triple in Seefeld.

For the men, Eero Hirvonen claimed the award thanks to his bronze medal performance at the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina. His achievement stood out among other remarkable moments, including Marco Heinis’ record-breaking flight in Kulm and Jens Luraas Oftebro’s incredible comeback victory in Seefeld.

Nation of the Year: Finland’s golden season

The fans also crowned Finland as Nation of the Year, recognizing a truly outstanding season across both the men’s and women’s teams. With three Olympic medals, multiple World Cup victories, and consistent podium finishes, Finland set the benchmark in the 2026 season.

Athletes choose their own: the top honors

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Athlete of the Year awards, chosen by the athletes themselves.

In the women’s category, Minja Korhonen added another accolade to her remarkable season, securing the title after already winning Moment of the Year.

On the men’s side, the competition was fierce, but ultimately it was Jens Luraas Oftebro who stood above the rest. His exceptional performances during the Olympic Games made him the clear choice among his peers.

Emotional farewells: legends say goodbye

As the ceremony drew to a close, the focus shifted from celebration to reflection. Four legendary athletes Akito Watabe, Johannes Rydzek, Alessandro Pittin and Espen Andersen returned to the stage one final time.

Each delivered heartfelt words of gratitude, thanking teammates, competitors and the entire Nordic Combined community for years of shared memories.

They were honored with a standing ovation lasting several minutes, an emotional tribute that left hardly a dry eye in the crowd.

A perfect ending to a remarkable season

The Nordic Combined Awards 2026 were more than just a ceremony. They were a celebration of achievement, community and legacy. From breakthrough victories to emotional goodbyes, the evening captured everything that makes the sport so special.

A grand finale to a truly grand season!