Henna Blomroos tees off at the 2020 Waco Annual Charity Open. Photo: DGPT

“I’m ready.”

It was a simple but strong response from Eveliina Salonen heading into her first PDGA Elite Series event in the United States in almost two years.

The last time that Salonen competed in the U.S., she left with a trophy at the 2020 Waco Annual Charity Open. That weekend in Texas, the COVID-19 pandemic began in full force and since then, Salonen, the fourth highest-rated FPO player in the world,, and the rest of the international contingent of professionals have been absent from U.S. competition.

That changes now.

“I’m ready for the challenge,” Salonen said Wednesday on the eve of the Disc Golf Pro Tour – Las Vegas Challenge.

How to Watch: 2022 Las Vegas Challenge presented by Innova »

Salonen and Henna Blomroos, as well as 25 international players, re-join the PDGA Elite Series stateside beginning today, ending a two-year absence of the best players from Europe.

Elevliina Salonen leads a strong FPO field at the 2022 Las Vegas Challenge. Photo: DGPT

They trained and competed together back home in Finland and throughout Europe.

“I’m not sure how my game has progressed because I haven’t seen the world’s best women in two years,” said Blomroos, the third highest rated FPO player in the world, one point ahead of Salonen. “Let’s see.”

Added Salonen: “It’ll be fun to see what level we’re at now.”

Blomroos took down the 2020 European Disc Golf Championship with a two-stroke victory over Estonia’s Kristin Tattar, who is back in the U.S. after a limited – but highly successful – run in 2021.

Ultiworld: Q&A with Kristin Tattar »

Earlier in Wednesday’s press conference ahead of the LVC, five-time PDGA World Champion and defending LVC champion Paige Pierce noted that Blomroos is one of her favorite players to watch throw.

“That feels really good,” Blomroos said of Pierce’s comment. “I can’t wait to play with her.”

All four – Pierce, Tattar, Blomroos and Salonen – will start their 2022 season together in Vegas on a loaded feature card for the opening round.

Seppo Paju is shown here at the 2019 Beaver State Fling. Photo: PDGA Media

Seppo Paju, a fan favorite, is back as well and with him, a large group of Europe’s best MPO players. Several are on hand for the LVC, and more are on the way for future 2022 tour stops.

Paju says they’re ready to show what the best of European disc golf has to offer.

“This year, all of those players are coming here with experience under their belt and it’s really going to show,” Paju said. “I think they’re just as good as most of these top American players. The only thing is that they must get consistent and comfortable with the feel of being on this tour. I think they’re ready.”

Beyond ready, Paju says that the strong international group will let their presence be felt on the leader board.

“I think they can shake the American disc golf scene,” Paju said. “I think it’s going to happen this year – they’re going to be in top 5s, top 10s, podiums and maybe wins. It’s definitely possible. I think we have been looking for that moment when Americans can see that, ‘ok, now it happened’ when the Europeans actually get to their level. This year is definitely going to be the year when it happens.”

The 2022 Las Vegas Challenge is underway now. Catch the action live this weekend on the Disc Golf Network.