From March 10–17, the weather window opens for the Natural Selection Tour to hit the slopes in Revelstoke, and the final list of competitors that will drop in has been announced.
In March 2023, some of the top snowboarders in the world descended on Revelstoke for the Natural Selection Tour (NST). Last year, every participant had to earn their spot by facing off against other professionals in ‘DUELS’. Most returning athletes were granted a fast pass to the event in Revelstoke, but a whole new round of DUELS were hosted to add six new riders to the mix.
Sebbe De Buck vs. Kevin Backstrom in Andermatt, Switzerland
In the heart of the Alps, it was Sweden’s, Kevin Backstrom, who punched his ticket to Revelstoke.
Raibu Katayama vs. Torgeir Bergrem in Myoko, Japan
On the sultry slopes of Japan, it was Norwegian, Bergrem, who emerged victorious in the Duel against Katayama on his home turf.
Spencer O’Brien vs. Mary Rand in Rossland, British Columbia.
On the southern slopes of the Rossland’s Red Mountain, it was American, Mary Rand who took the win over Canada’s Spencer O’Brien.
Red Gerard vs. Austen Sweetin in Irwin, Colo.
Sweetin overcame the home field advantage in Gerard’s home state of Colorado to win the DUEL and earn his spot in Revelstoke.
Nils Mindnich vs. Victor Daviet in Durango, Colo.
American, Nils Mindnich, came away with the win in Durango over France’s Daviet.
Jamie Anderson vs. Emma Crosby in Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Colo.
With a proven record of big performances on big occasions, Jamie Anderson won her spot in Revelstoke, with a win over Emma Crosby.
With the six winners of the DUELS added to the list of competitors bound for Revelstoke, they will join the 17 riders who had already confirmed their spots, bringing the list of competitors up to 23. One last rider will be added to the roster, but the rider will be chosen by the vote of the fans, which can be done online.
READ MORE: Revelstoke to host expanded Natural Selection Tour finals in 2024