The ISU Grand Prix Final 2025 has come to a spectacular finish in Nagoya, Japan, leaving fans and athletes buzzing as we look toward the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026. This competition served as a critical platform for skaters to showcase their talent and position themselves as strong contenders for Olympic glory. Here are the standout moments from three action-packed days of competition.
Ilia Malinin shines once more
Ilia Malinin, aptly nicknamed the “Quad God,” confirmed his status as one of the top athletes in the sport. After a turbulent start with a slip on his quadruple Axel, Malinin claimed third place after the short program. However, he turned the tides in the free skate, executing a jaw-dropping seven-quadruple jump routine that shattered his own world record by an incredible 10 points. This historic achievement showcases Malinin’s potential for Olympic gold and solidifies his trajectory toward breaking Nathan Chen’s world record of 335.30 points.
The women’s singles race heats up
In women’s singles, reigning world champion Alysa Liu displayed her prowess by winning gold on her Grand Prix Final debut. Yet, the race for Olympic gold remains unpredictable. As Liu impresses upon her return, fierce competition awaits from Japan’s formidable skaters, who eagerly anticipate competing in 2026. The U.S. squad, including talents like Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, is equally equipped to steal the spotlight, while Adeliia Petrosian is primed following her qualification.
Pairs contest remains competitive
The pairs competition showcased Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi, who clutched victory and kindled hopes for Japan’s first Winter Olympic medal in this discipline. Diminutive margins define the pairs event, as Deanna Stellato-Dudek noted—a misstep could significantly alter results. With five different winners this Grand Prix season, there’s still much to unfold.
Icing on the cake: Ice dance showdown
U.S. stars Madison Chock and Evan Bates completed a remarkable three-peat at the Final, keeping a romantic rivalry alive against Laurence Fournier-Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron. Finishing with just a one-point lead clinched by a critical slip from their French opponents, this dynamic pairs keeps the intrigue brewing leading up to the Olympics.
Future talents shine
Remarkable 17-year-old Nakai Ami grabbed silver in her Grand Prix Final debut, while three-time world champion Sakamoto Kaori rebounded from a rocky short program to take bronze. Chiba Mone’s rollercoaster experience ended with a fifth-place finish. The outcome of Japan’s national championships soon could introduce further curveballs, especially regarding rising star Shimada Mao’s potential participation. With the stakes this high, all eyes remain razor-focused on Milano Cortina 2026!
