He retained the crown he won in 2013 with a total score of 173.75, to finish ahead of Canada's Darcy Sharpe on 169.50 and the United States' Kyle Mack on 163.50.

Tonteri, who claimed a silver medal in the slopestyle event on Wednesday (January 21), is now the most decorated freestyle snowboarder at the World Championships with three golds and one silver. 

"I didn't expect to take another gold," Tonteri said after a superbly executed backside 1080 had helped him to victory. 

"I played it safe on my last jump, and it turned out really good."

Switzerland's Elena Könz celebrates after claiming the first-ever women's big air world title ©Getty Images



Meanwhile in the inaugural women's event, Switzerland's Elena Könz registered a total of 157.75 to stave off the challenge of Finland's Merika Enne on 148.75 and compatriot Sina Candrian on 143.25.

"It's something very special to be the first ever big air world champion", Könz said.

"Snowboarding is still developing, and it's good to have more contests we can compete in."

The World Championships come to an end tomorrow with the men and women's ski cross rounding off the action.  

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