Jussi Meresmaa

From the moment Jussi Meresmaa discovered disc golf - a game where a flying disc is aimed across a course at a basket - he had the vision to take the sport to a wider global audience. Fueled by his love for the game and passion for entrepreneurship, Jussi founded Discmania in 2001 when disc golf was still emerging in Europe.  

Starting from his parents’ garage, he has grown the company into a global brand leader and now manufactures his disc golf equipment from three factories in Finland. Having established a strong brand profile, Jussi took the business forward by adding the design and delivery of disc golf courses and global tournament events to Discmania’s operations. Forever aiming to bring enjoyment to all, from experienced pros to first-time trialists, the team has designed and delivered over 500 courses around the world.    

Jussi’s promotion of the sport internationally has created new markets and a growing base of enthusiastic players. Discmania runs the biggest tournaments in Finland and Europe as well as the Disc Golf World Tour, which is a highlight of the sport’s calendar.  

Jussi uses his business and sporting success as a former disc golf Finnish champion to support others. Together with partners, Discmania advocates the sport’s health benefits and helps to bring this sustainable outdoor activity to underserved communities. He also mentors budding entrepreneurs at his former business school, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, as he says: “nothing is as inspiring as talking to young entrepreneurs.”

Back to the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Class of 2022