A double New Zealand’s win across the weekend as Jack Jordan puts on a jaw-dropping show in Budapest, as he sets an incredible world record in the final of the 2026 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Trophy to win the competition for a historic fourth time in a row whilst fellow New Zealand team-mate Mathew Gower gains victory at the 2026 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Rookie World Championship.
The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Trophy delivered another unforgettable night of high-speed action in Budapest as Jack Jordan emerged victorious from a world-class field to claim one of the sport's most prestigious titles, in a World Record breaking final round.
Jordan’s triumph capped off a thrilling night of action at the 2026 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Trophy here in Budapest, with USA's Matthew Cogar claiming second place and Australia's Kody Steers rounding out the podium in third.
The evening was packed with roars and waving flags from the growing crowd throughout the competition, where the world’s elite athletes went head-to-head in the premier knockout competition. The crowds were treated with intense match ups, creating a wall of noise for every athlete that stepped onto the stage in Budapest.
Break it once, Break it twice, Jack Jordan makes a fourth consecutive win and a World Record in the race:
Jack Jordan, continued to build momentum throughout the round of 16, reaching the fastest time of 53.22 in the quarter finals before reaching the final to gain victory in the 2026 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Trophy.
Matthew Cogar set a national record in the semi final with a 53.92 time against opponent Kody Steers before progressing onto the final stretch against history maker Jack Jordan. Sweden’s hero, Emil Hansson walked away with a national record of 59.35 as he axed through the Semi-final.
The Next Generation of STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® stars shine in Budapest:
On Friday evening, Budapest witnessed the future of STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® as the world's top 12 rookie athletes went head-to-head for the Rookie World Championship title in a dramatic evening of elite competition, with New Zealand’s Mathew Gower hungry from the beginning gaining victory at the competition, ahead of Australia’s Awatea Moore Barrett finishing second and Belgium’s Kamiel Van Raemdonck in third.
Heading into the final round, USA’s Daniel Miner’s PB wasn’t enough for the win at Budapest with a 50.40 time, handing it nicely to New Zealand’s Mathew Gower and Australia’s Awatea Moore Barrett to battle out for the number one spot. Mathew Gower showered the crowd with Champagne in his victory celebration after a total time of 1:32.37 across all five disciplines.
Taking place in the City Park in Budapest across the weekend, the World Trophy closed off the two-day event with a loud and proud crowd cheering on their respective nations as the very best of global loggers came head-to-head with all three events rounding off in a champagne spritz.
Jack Jordan, 2026 World Trophy Champion: “I feel great, it’s great to be able to come over here and succeed. It’s been tough going, all the training you put in at home, you sometimes wonder what it’s for when you have no competition. To get over here and put on a performance like that, I’m extremely happy about it. There was a lot of pressure in that final, so I had to try and put on my best performance. To come away with the win is great. Matthew Cogar always pushes me as hard as he can, and he probably brought the best out of me because of this. Five years ago, no one knew about me so hopefully I can keep on doing it, I’m really grateful to be able to come over here and win these events so let’s hope I can continue doing so.”
Matthew Cogar, 2026 World Trophy Runner Up: “I accomplished my goal and that was a tough race against a legend in the final, but I did try to push him in that race. It’s great to be here and be in Hungary. I want to thank STIHL and the organizers for getting the wood as it was great wood for the race, World Record quality.”
Kody Steers, 2026 World Trophy Bronze Medallist: “A pretty good day today, probably didn’t perform my best against Matt. He has been good all day and I didn’t quite perform so I just tried to make up in the small final. Still happy to get Australia on the podium, I didn’t have much left in the tank towards the end but just had to go through the motions. It has been a great experience, it seems a little bit quicker round here, so I didn’t get much of a break between the last two rounds so was feeling it in the final round but happy to of got Australia on the podium.’
Mathew Gower, 2026 Rookie World Championship Winner: It hasn’t fully sunk in yet, but I know all the boys and family at home are watching. It’s been an honour; I’m honestly lost for words. It feels so good to know everyone is watching at home and I wouldn’t of been able to do it without the supportive community I have back at home. It was definitely worth the trip, it’s been amazing. It was a long start to the day, waiting for the event to come around this evening. I can’t really remember what it felt like when I realised I win, next is to go against Jack Jordan.”
