TEAM USA - JOE ZVADA

Joe Zvada is a passionate balloonist dedicated to the mastery of the craft. A pilot for over 25 years, Joe has been an avid competitor participating in every US National Championship since 2006 — claiming back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025.

He has qualified for Team USA in 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2022, and again in 2026, when he will compete at the 26th World Championship in Krosno, Poland.

Other notable recent finishes include winning the 2024 Styrian Regional Championship in Austria, finishing 4th at the 2026 Swiss Cup in Langenthal against a field of eight top-30 world ranked pilots, and second at the 2025 National Balloon Classic in Indianola Iowa. He is currently ranked 1st in the USA and 14th in the world

Outside of competition, Joe brings broad experience in ballooning including long-distance flights, corporate operations, and flight training. He has shared his passion for the sport through BalloonPong.com and as a contributor to the BFA’s Ballooning magazine. He currently serves as an At-Large member of the BFA’s Hot Air Competition Division.