2026 Olympic Men's Snowboard Cross Prediction & Preview
Updated July 9, 2026
The men’s snowboard cross competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina is set to be a thrilling racing event at these Games. With a deep field of top athletes and unpredictable, high-intensity head-to-head racing, snowboard cross often delivers dramatic upsets and photo-finishes. This year’s edition promises no shortage of excitement as riders jostle for position on a challenging course in Livigno and aim to etch their names into Olympic history. Here, I break down this competition and you will find my Olympic men's snowboard cross prediction below.
Below are the current betting odds for the men’s snowboard cross event at the 2026 Winter Games. These odds reflect how major bookmakers view each athlete’s chances of winning the gold medal in Livigno:
Canada’s Eliot Grondin is the top story coming into this event. He arrives as both the reigning world champion and a dominant force on the World Cup circuit. Grondin won the World Championship title in 2025 and has backed that up with strong performances throughout the current season, making him a clear favorite in betting markets. His consistency and ability to navigate through chaotic heats position him as the rider to beat heading into Milano Cortina.
Australian Adam Lambert has also surged into contention. Lambert secured his first World Cup victory in January and followed it with multiple podium finishes, demonstrating the form and confidence needed to challenge for gold. His aggressive yet calculated racing style has earned him strong support from bettors and analysts alike.
Reigning Olympic champion Alessandro Haemmerle of Austria remains a notable contender. While not favored as highly as Grondin or Lambert in some markets, Haemmerle’s experience and previous Olympic success give him the pedigree to threaten for a medal. Similarly, Austria’s Jakob Dusek and France’s Jonas and Aidan Chollet provide depth to the field and could upset the podium order if conditions or heat draws fall in their favor.
An unfortunate and emotionally charged storyline is the injury to Australian veteran Cam Bolton. Bolton, who had experience and strong results, is dealing with a neck injury suffered in training just days before competition, opening the door for new representatives like James Johnson to make Olympic debuts in snowboard cross.
Eliot Grondin (CAN): Grondin’s world championship win and multiple World Cup victories this season make him the standout contender. His ability to manage the physical nature of snowboard cross and push through to finals consistently suggests he has the tools to convert favoritism into gold.
Adam Lambert (AUS): Lambert’s rise on the World Cup circuit has been hard to ignore. His recent victory shows he can win outright against top rivals, and his momentum heading into this major event should not be underestimated.
Alessandro Haemmerle (AUT): As the defending Olympic champion, Haemmerle brings valuable experience and calm under pressure. He may not be the top favorite, but he certainly belongs among the likely medal winners.
Jakob Dusek (AUT): Consistent podium finishes on the World Cup tour and strong technical ability make Dusek a dark horse. If he finds rhythm in his heats, he could easily ascend onto the podium.
Jonas Chollet (FRA): The French rider has shown speed and tactical acumen, making him a credible threat, especially if he navigates early rounds without incident.
Pick: Adam Lambert (AUS) ATS PRO
Confidence: 3 out of 5
Choosing a winner in snowboard cross is always a challenge given the unpredictable nature of the sport, where crashes, lane draws, and split-second decisions can dramatically alter outcomes. That said, I'm willing to go with Lambert of Australia to win the gold here. Grondin’s odds reflect his status as the frontrunner, but Lambert’s recent form makes him a compelling alternative, and I'm willing to take him at a better price than you can get Grondin.
Jay Sanin is the GM and Head of Sports at ATS.io. He has been writing about sports gambling since 2013, handicapping tens of thousands of sporting events. He plays sides and totals aggressively across most sports and is more selective in player prop markets. He does his own modeling across most sports, and his family is jealous of how much time he spends on his precious spreadsheets.
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