Major International Figure Skating Competitions in 2025

The world of figure skating in 2025 is poised to dazzle fans with a series of major international competitions that showcase the pinnacle of the sport. From the beginning of the year through March, several key events will determine the trajectory of skaters’ careers, offer thrilling performances, and set the stage for the Winter Olympics. The next Winter Olympics Games will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 to February 22, 2026.

Here’s a look at what to expect from the upcoming major international figure skating competitions.

2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships

Kicking off the figure skating calendar for 2025 are the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, scheduled to take place from January 20-26 in Wichita, Kansas. This event is crucial as it serves as the primary selection mechanism for U.S. skaters aiming to compete in international championships. Medals will be awarded in men’s singles, women’s singles, pair skating, and ice dance at senior, junior, and novice levels. The outcomes here directly influence who gets to represent the U.S. at the Four Continents Championships, World Championships, and World Junior Championships. The competition not only highlights the talent within the U.S. but also sets the tone for the upcoming international season.

The 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships are set to feature a lineup of talented skaters across various disciplines. Here’s a look at some of the skaters who are expected to perform well:

Men’s Singles:
Ilia Malinin: Coming off a strong performance at the 2024 World Championships where he won his first world title, Malinin is a prime contender. His ability to land quadruple jumps, including the quad Axel, sets him apart.

Aleksandr Fegan: After showing significant promise in the junior events with personal-best scores, Fegan is expected to make an impact in the senior competition. His performance at the 2024 Championships was notable for its technical prowess.

Women’s Singles:
Amber Glenn: With the second-highest senior score in the world during the 2024-25 season and having clinched the Grand Prix Final, Glenn is poised to defend her title. Her mastery of the triple Axel and overall consistency make her a favorite.

Isabeau Levito: After taking silver at the 2024 Worlds, Levito’s technical skill and artistry continue to elevate her standing in the sport, making her a strong contender for the podium.

Pairs Skating:
Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea: They’ve already established themselves as champions at the 2024 U.S. Championships. Their focus on lifts and twists post-surgery for Ellie suggests they’ll remain competitive.

Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov: Although not explicitly mentioned for 2025, their silver medal performance in 2024 suggests they could be in the mix, given their consistent progression.

Ice Dance:
Madison Chock and Evan Bates: As reigning world champions in ice dance and having won their third straight national title while battling illness in 2024, they are expected to continue their dominance.

Leah Neset and Artem Markelov: While they’ve dominated the junior level, their transition to senior could see them contending for higher placements, especially given their performance at the U.S. Ice Dance Final.

Junior and Novice Competitors:
Sophie Joline Von Felten: Highlighted as a junior-level skater on the rise with notable technical prowess and developing artistry, she’s one to watch in the junior events.

Aleksandr Fegan: Also mentioned in junior men’s, his previous performances suggest he could continue to excel in the junior category.

Emerging talents not yet widely recognized might also make significant impacts at U.S. Nationals. Who do you think that might be this month?

2025 European Figure Skating Championships

The European Figure Skating Championships in 2025 will occur from January 28 to February 2 in Tallinn, Estonia. This event is one of the four major ISU Championships, specifically dedicated to skaters from European countries. It’s a battleground where skaters vie for continental supremacy in men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance. The competition not only crowns the European champions but also sets the entry quotas for nations at the subsequent European Championships. With Russia and Belarus still banned due to geopolitical issues, the competition landscape has shifted, providing opportunities for emerging talents from other nations to shine.

The 2025 European Figure Skating Championships are anticipated to feature a strong lineup of skaters, with several expected to shine based on their performances in recent competitions and current form. Here are some of the skaters who are expected to perform well:

Men’s Singles:
Adam Siao Him Fa (France): After his impressive performances in the previous year’s Grand Prix series and winning the 2024 European title, Siao Him Fa is poised to defend his crown with his strong quadruple jumps and artistic expression.
Matteo Rizzo (Italy): Known for his consistency and technical prowess, Rizzo is a favorite on home ice, having secured a bronze at the 2024 Europeans. His performances in the Grand Prix have also been commendable.

Women’s Singles:
Loena Hendrickx (Belgium): With a silver medal at the 2024 Europeans and consistent top finishes globally, Hendrickx’s technical skills and artistic interpretation make her a strong contender for the top spots.
Anastasia Gubanova (Georgia): Her move to Georgia and subsequent success, including a bronze at the 2024 Europeans, mark her as one to watch. Gubanova’s ability to balance technical difficulty with performance quality is noteworthy.

Pairs:
Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin (Germany): This pair has shown significant improvement, securing a bronze at the 2024 Europeans. Their combination of lifts, twists, and emotional storytelling could lead them to another strong performance.
Rebecca Ghilardi and Filippo Ambrosini (Italy): With home advantage, this pair could leverage their recent successes in the Challenger Series to claim a podium spot. Their jumps and throw elements are particularly strong.

Ice Dance:
Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri (Italy): After coming close to the title in 2024, this duo is expected to be among the frontrunners. Their rhythm dance and free dance programs have been both technically sound and artistically compelling.
Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson (Great Britain): Their rise has been meteoric, with a silver at the 2024 Europeans. Their innovative choreography and technical execution continue to set them apart.

Keep An Eye On…
Kristen Spours (Great Britain): Selected for the women’s category, Spours has shown promise at national levels, potentially making her a surprising contender if she can translate that into international success.
Edward Appleby (Great Britain): In the men’s event, Appleby’s selection suggests he’s expected to make an impact, especially with his technical elements.

As we know, the landscape of figure skating can change rapidly with injuries, form changes, or new competitors emerging. These expectations are based on the latest available information and performances leading into the championships.

These predictions are based on information from various sources, including: The official announcement of the British team for the 2025 Championships. General historical data and performance analysis from past championships and Grand Prix events.

FISU World University Games Winter Torino 2025

Following closely, the 32nd FISU World University Games, set in Torino, Italy, from January 13-23, marks an exciting intersection of academic excellence and athletic prowess. This event, often less highlighted but no less significant, includes figure skating among its winter disciplines. The figure skating segment features practice sessions from January 14-15, with competitions spanning from January 16-18, culminating in an exhibition gala on January 19. It’s a unique opportunity for university students from around the world to showcase their skills in an international platform, blending the spirit of collegiate competition with high-level figure skating.

2025 World Figure Skating Championships

The crown jewel of the figure skating season, the World Figure Skating Championships, will be held from March 25-30 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. This championship is the most prestigious annual event, determining the entry quotas for the 2026 World Championships and the 2026 Winter Olympics. Skaters must have turned 17 by July 1, 2024, to be eligible, and they need to meet specific technical elements scores from previous competitions. Worlds will be a spectacle of grace, athleticism, and innovation, with athletes from around the globe, excluding Russia and Belarus due to ongoing sanctions, competing for the world titles across all disciplines.

ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series

Although the Grand Prix events themselves occur throughout the season, the outcomes from these earlier competitions in the 2024-25 season directly influence the lineup for the Grand Prix Final, which happens in the first half of 2025. The Grand Prix Series includes Skate America, Skate Canada International, Cup of China, NHK Trophy, Grand Prix de France, and the Finlandia Trophy. These events are critical for skaters to accumulate points toward qualifying for the Grand Prix Final, which in 2025 will be held in Japan from December 4-7, as noted in previous announcements. The Grand Prix Final is where the season’s best performances are distilled into a few days of elite competition.

Great Skating on Tap

The first half of 2025 in figure skating is not just about competition; it’s a narrative of personal triumphs, national pride, and the relentless pursuit of perfection on ice. Each event builds upon the last, creating a crescendo that leads to the World Championships, where the world’s eyes will be fixated on the artistry and athleticism of figure skating.

For fans, athletes, and officials alike, these months promise unforgettable moments, new champions, and the continuation of one of the most beautiful sports in the Olympic realm. What are you most looking forward to? Chime in below!