Hugely popular event draws top level talent
Germany’s Christina Weiss and her dog Circus pulled off a stunning upset to win the Power of Magic Cup in Krusdorf, Austria on July 13, toppling some of the biggest names in UFO competition in the process. The Austrian UFO Major, held as the second leg of a back-to-back with Slovenia’s SummerCup, drew teams from 13 countries and featured a mix of elite competition and community celebration, with campfires, music, and a uniquely international spirit. But it was the competition on the field that delivered the biggest surprise. Multiple-time World Cup Champion Adrian Stoica was widely tipped to dominate, and he didn’t disappoint, claiming both Open Toss & Catch and Open Freestyle titles. His performances, particularly in T&C, were expectedly world-class. Yet the overall title slipped from his grasp. That honor went instead to Weiss and Circus, whose consistency, especially in Toss & Catch, proved decisive.“Circus was 3rd in freestyle only. So I actually beat [Stoica] with our T&C score,”“Circus was 3rd in freestyle only. So I actually beat [Stoica] with our T&C score,” Weiss said afterward, still stunned. “Quite amazing.” Weiss and Circus sat in fourth after the opening round of Freestyle, but an impressive 15-point Throw & Catch round vaulted them into serious contention. They held that position through the final rounds, despite fierce pressure from some of the sport’s top Freestyle teams. A polished second Freestyle performance, typical of the consistent German, sealed the deal and lifted them to the top of the podium. Hungary’s Csenge Bálint and Viego dazzled with the highest Freestyle score of the event—a blistering 36.7. But the consistency required for an overall title favored Weiss. The event also saw a return to form for the legendary Stoica and his 2022 World Cup overall champion partner Inu. The Italian duo reminded the field why they remain a standard in the sport, taking the top Freestyle spot with grace and precision. Still, Weiss’s upset win underscored just how competitive the European scene has become.
Photo by Ana Idzojtic
A gathering of nations and good vibes
Event organizer Eva Steiner, who oversaw the Austrian leg of the double-header, called the turnout both expected and heartwarming. “We planned since December 2024, but the last three months were intense,” Steiner said. “Aleš [Horvat] was the master of the event page on Facebook. He really posted a lot!” And the effort paid off. Teams from across Europe arrived, some staying the full week, drawn in by more than just the sport. Campfires, evening gatherings, and a strong sense of camaraderie turned the Power of Magic Cup into a cultural happening.“People had contact and conversations with others they had never spoken with before,” Steiner added. “I think this is the greatest part—that so many countries had a good time together.”“People had contact and conversations with others they had never spoken with before,” Steiner added. “I think this is the greatest part—that so many countries had a good time together.” Despite some wind and a packed Saturday schedule, including a D-Tour, Kanjam competition, and players’ dinner, the event ran smoothly thanks in large part to an army of volunteer support from across the continent. “We had help from Switzerland with judging, Germans cooking and cleaning, Andy from Switzerland did the music, Bulgarians helped clean the field, Slovenians marked lines, and my daughters Lilli and Adriana helped the whole time.”