Excitement is building as the 2026 ISU World Figure Skating Championships prepare to take the ice in Prague from March 24 to March 29. With the entry list showcasing Olympic medallists like Ilia Malinin, Alysa Liu, and Kaori Sakamoto, this event promises thrilling performances and fierce competition.
Ilia Malinin, the U.S. superstar and two-time world champion, is eagerly seeking his third consecutive title following a disappointing eighth-place finish in the men’s singles event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. Malinin has openly stated that this championship is about redemption, hoping to reclaim his top spot on the podium in front of an international audience. He expressed, “I’m definitely looking at that, and I can be satisfied with it if everything goes well.”
Meanwhile, multiple Olympic and world competitors will elevate the event’s prestige. Olympic men’s champion Mikhail Shaidorov will not compete, allowing silver medallist Kagiyama Yuma and bronze medallist Sato Shun of Japan to vie for dominance. On the women’s side, Liu will strive to defend her title against challenges from fellow Team USA skaters Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito.
Adding to the intrigue, Sakamoto Kaori is set for her final competition before transitioning into coaching responsibilities after a noteworthy career that includes an Olympic silver medal. The Japanese athlete Nakai Ami is also making her senior Worlds debut, adding a fresh narrative to the roster.
In pairs, noteworthy performances are anticipated from Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava, both silver medallists from Milano Cortina, aiming for their first world title. The competition will also feature the return of two-time U.S. champions Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, who missed the Olympics, promising an eagerly awaited showdown.
Ice dance will be headlined by Olympic champions Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron, up against veteran teams like Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who are perennial contenders with multiple world titles. With young talents emerging alongside established stars, the event promises a captivating showcase of artistry and athleticism.
As fans gear up for this world-class competition, the anticipation continues to rise, offering an unforgettable experience featuring the elite of professional figure skating.
