History Made in Japan – Melbourne Pilot Eddie Saunders Wins Saga’s 38th Pacific Cup! 🇯🇵

Australian ballooning history has just been made!
Global Ballooning Australia is thrilled to share that our very own Melbourne pilot, Eddie Saunders, and his navigator Jacob, have taken home first place at Saga’s 38th Pacific Cup, 2025 in Japan – one of the world’s most prestigious and time-honoured hot air ballooning championships.

This incredible victory marks a historic first for Australia, as no Australian pilot had ever won this international competition before. It’s a proud moment for Global Ballooning Australia, for Eddie and Jacob, and for Australian aviation as a whole.

What is the Saga International Balloon Fiesta?

The Saga International Balloon Fiesta is held annually in Saga, Japan, and attracts over 100 of the world’s best hot air balloon pilots from across 20+ countries. The festival combines stunning public displays with intense competition, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators each year.

Within the event, the Pacific Cup is a highly technical and strategic ballooning championship, where pilots must demonstrate extraordinary precision and skill. Competitors navigate a series of tasks – flying to pre-determined targets using only the wind and their skill in altitude control.

Each target hit with precision earns points. The pilot with the highest total points across all tasks wins. It’s not about flying the fastest or the furthest — it’s about accuracy, control, and expert understanding of the wind.

Eddie’s Historic Win

Flying his Zoncello balloon Eddie displayed incredible tactical decision-making and mastery of the skies. With the help of his navigator Jacob, he outperformed 69 competing balloonists among a total of 120 balloons in the sky, in front of around 1m spectators, soaring to victory and etching his name in ballooning history.

This win is particularly special — it’s the first time an Australian has ever won the Pacific Cup and only the fifth time in the event’s 38-year history that the title has gone to an international pilot.

Adding to the achievement, Eddie was also recognised with the Newcomer Pilot Award, presented to standout pilots under the age of 30, making this an even more remarkable double victory.

“Saga is one of those events every pilot dreams of flying in,” says Eddie. “To not only compete but win – it’s an incredible feeling. I’m so proud to represent Australia and Global Ballooning on the world stage.”

Why Global Ballooning Australia Leads the Way

At Global Ballooning Australia, we’re more than just a flight company — we’re a team of world-class balloonists who are passionate about precision, safety, and creating unforgettable experiences.

Eddie’s win is a reflection of the standards and expertise that define our entire team. When you fly with Global Ballooning, you’re flying with some of the most skilled and experienced pilots in the world, trained in the same meticulous accuracy and professionalism that wins international competitions.

A Moment for Australian Ballooning 🇦🇺

This historic win is not only a proud moment for Eddie and the Global Ballooning family, but for Australian ballooning as a whole. It showcases the depth of talent and dedication that exists right here in Australia, and reaffirms why we continue to lead the way in both recreational and competitive ballooning.

Congratulations once again to Eddie, Jacob, and the mighty Zoncello for this monumental achievement. You’ve made history and inspired the next generation of balloonists to dream big!

Experience the expertise of Australia’s best pilots – book your next flight with Global Ballooning Australia today.

Fly with us in the Yarra Valley, Melbourne, or Mansfield and see why we’re trusted by thousands of guests each year to deliver once-in-a-lifetime 5-star adventures.

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