Stoica Shines as UFO Major Delivers Fireworks
Marstetten, Switzerland played host to one of the most electric weekends on the European disc dog calendar, as the UFO Swiss Major and DTour Qualifier took center stage. Perfect conditions, two full days of action, and a stacked international roster made sure this one will be talked about for a long time. The Champ Returns—and Dominates
When Adrian Stoica, the 2022 World Cup Champion, rolls into town, you expect something special—and he didn’t disappoint. The Italian maestro brought Iris and Inu to the party, and the pair promptly took control of the leaderboard. Iris ruled Combined and Throw & Catch, while Inu soared to the Freestyle crown, giving Adrian a clean sweep across all three Major events.
But the story wasn’t just about winning—it was about doing it in style. Adrian racked up back-to-back 19-point Throw & Catch rounds, but for the perfectionist champion, even that wasn’t enough:
"No top is 20. 19 is nice and cool. But 20…", he said, leaving little doubt that the hunt for perfection never stops.
After settling for second in Austria, this was redemption: “In that competition I learn,” Adrian said. Lesson learned, podium reclaimed. Local Hero Steps Up
Home fans had plenty to cheer for too. Andreas Keller delivered one of the best performances of his career, pushing hard through both rounds to lock in 3rd overall in a fiercely competitive Major field. Jasmin Keller, event co-host and Andreas’ biggest supporter, summed it up:
"Andreas is overjoyed with his result… on Sunday, everything came together. It was an honor for him to stand on the podium with Adrian." Cut Lines Tell the Story
If you wanted to make finals in Marstetten, you had to bring the heat. Freestyle? A brutal 32.5 cut for the top 10. Throw & Catch? Double-digit scores needed for Round Two—starting at 13 points. No freebies, no easy rounds.
And the depth of talent? Teams from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, USA, France, and the Netherlands brought their A-game, proving why Europe’s disc dog scene is hotter than ever.
Photo by Peter Voort
-Andreas Keller and Velvet
Quotes from the Field
Event host Jasmin Keller captured the spirit of the weekend perfectly:
"We had some great teams competing—from all over Europe and even one from America… Our beginners also had reason to celebrate, with several competing for the first time. The 13-year-old Finja shone particularly brightly, winning Combined and Distance." "We had some great teams competing—from all over Europe and even one from America… Our beginners also had reason to celebrate, with several competing for the first time."
Adrian echoed the sentiment:
"Always fun when you see competitors from a lot of countries… All routines is beautiful to see. I look especially to the Beginner class because they bring new ideas with simplicity."
DTour Delivers Drama—and Distance
As if the Major wasn’t enough, the DTour Qualifier cranked up the intensity even further. In the men’s division, reigning DTour Champion Timo Kehlbeck returned to familiar territory—1st and 2nd place finishes with his borrowed partners Imani and Bacardi, owned by Jasmin Keller and Vanessa Lieber, respectively.
The bombshell moment happened in round 1: an 80-meter catch by Bacardi, the longest in DTour this season, surpassing last year’s World Cup-winning mark of 74.8 meters. Timo was still buzzing:
"This one was really awesome… With a bit more wind I think there are some meters left." "This one was really awesome… With a bit more wind I think there are some meters left."
Timo and Imani would go on to have a meter catch in round 2-long enough to move them into first place ahead of Bacardi.
Consider the bar officially raised ahead of the DTour European Championship in Valkenswaard.
Not to be outdone, the women’s division served its own fireworks. Italy’s Carlotta Salzano and Bebe held the lead after Round One, but Lea Heldt and Groot had other plans. With everything on the line, they unleashed a career-best 52.7-meter throw to steal the win and book their ticket to the Netherlands.
"I was whining the whole day that I‘m going to be super bad… So it was a little embarrassing!" Lea laughed. Not bad for a team that registered “just for fun.”
Groot is known as a very skilled freestyle dog. When asked if he now prefers long distance events, Lea admitted "He is a super dog! I am super glad to have him as my first frisbeedog. He taught me a lot. I do think freestyle will continue to be our thing!". So maybe Groot isn't giving up his day job just yet. One Step Closer to the Big Show
The Swiss Major reminded everyone why this tour matters—big names, breakout stars, and moments that will live long in memory. With just one more stop before the European Cup Final in Valkenswaard (August 29-31), the stakes couldn’t be higher.
One thing’s certain: if Marstetten was any indication, the best is yet to come. - The UFO
Stoica Shines as UFO Major Delivers Fireworks