Twelve U.S. Skaters Cap off 2025 at Grand Prix Final
As the figure skating world turns its gaze toward Nagoya, Japan, twelve talented U.S. skaters are poised to compete in the highly anticipated ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2025 and the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2025. These prestigious events mark the culmination of the fall season and showcase the best in the sport.
The U.S. National Team features an impressive lineup: three junior entries consisting of two ice dance teams and one male skater, as well as five senior entries including two women, one man, and two ice dance teams. Collectively, these athletes previously earned six golds at their Grand Prix events, the highest number since 2022.
Last season proved historic for the U.S. as they clinched three of the four senior disciplines for the first time ever. Former champions Amber Glenn, Ilia Malinin, and Madison Chock with Evan Bates aim to defend their titles in Japan. It’s a significant moment, as the U.S has not had two women vying for medals at the Grand Prix Final since 2015.
Amber Glenn, reigning Grand Prix Final champion, hopes to achieve back-to-back titles, following in the footsteps of Tara Lipinski, who accomplished this feat in 1996-1997. Her remarkable performances have resulted in seven wins from her last nine competitions, including a gold at the 2025 Cup of China.
Joining her is Alysa Liu, the reigning World champion and a participant in the 2022 Olympics. Liu’s strong showing sealed her qualification for her first Grand Prix Final. The men’s field sees Ilia Malinin, a two-time World champion, enter with the best qualifying score, establishing a record-breaking streak with 12 consecutive golds.
For ice dance, Chock and Bates aim for their third consecutive gold, targeting a new record for the Grand Prix Final with seven medals. Their teammate duo of Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik also seeks to make waves after securing a silver at Cup of China.
In the Junior Grand Prix Final, five U.S. competitors will debut their skills. Among them, Hana Maria Aboian and Daniil Veselukhin remain undefeated this season and will compete for podium recognition.
Competition kicks off Thursday in Japan, spotlighting U.S. talent in both junior and senior categories, setting the stage for an exhilarating finale to the figure skating season. Fans can catch all the action live on Peacock Premium and the ISU’s YouTube channel. The Grand Prix Final, since its inception in 1995 with junior events added in 1997, remains the pinnacle of figure skating, featuring top performers in each discipline.
