Buenos Aires, Argentina, is gearing up to take center stage as it hosts the first 2025 Artistic International Series of the season from April 5-13. For the first time ever, the newly built Microestadio de Patinaje Artístico will welcome international Artistic Skaters, creating an exciting atmosphere for both competitors and spectators.
With a seating capacity of 3,000, the Microestadio will be the epicenter of action as top skaters vie for medals and rankings. This marks the fourth edition of the Artistic International Series (AIS), which has become one of the most thrilling events on the World Skate calendar. The first AIS of the 2025 season will feature over 300 skaters from 16 countries, including Cadet-Senior athletes looking to secure a coveted spot in the Artistic International Series World Cup Final, set to take place in Italy in June 2025.
What to Look for in Argentina:
Intensity: Get ready for an exhilarating kickoff to the 2025 season as several World Champions & Medalists head to Argentina. The Senior Dance events will feature the extraordinary talent of Roberta Sasso from Italy, the 2024 World Senior Solo Dance Champion and #1 in the World Skate Rankings. Renowned for her elegance and fluid movements, Sasso will be aiming for gold as she faces top competitors from around the world, including the dynamic Erika Alarcon of Paraguay, a World Medalist and frequent podium contender.
In the Senior Men's Free Skating event, Germany's Tim Schubert will be in pursuit of gold. A dedicated supporter of the AIS, Schubert is known as a "skater's skater" due to his unique style and unwavering commitment to the sport. Representing Brazil with impressive versatility, Erik Leite will compete in both Senior Men’s Free Skating and Senior Men’s Solo Dance.
A number of skaters will be making their Senior debut on the international stage. Argentina's own Juan Rodriguez moves up to the Senior Men's Free Skating category. Former Junior World Champions Jeshua Folleco and Maria Paula Munoz of Colombia will compete in the Senior Couples event. Both Folleco and Munoz will compete in their respective Solo Dance categories.
Stars of Tomorrow: The inclusion of Tots, Minis, and Espoir events brings emerging stars to a global stage. These young skaters are a testament to the sport's continuous evolution, showcasing the next generation of talent.These categories will bring together a diverse range of countries, laying the pathway for the future and highlighting the incredible potential of up-and-coming athletes.
Road to Worlds: Junior and Senior skaters will compete for vital World Skate Rankings points, which will be crucial in deciding their starting positions for Short Program and Style Dance at the 2015 World Championships.
Qualification for the AIS World Cup Final: After the two SemiFinals being held in Argentina and in May in Trieste, Italy, the top skaters will converge in Italy for the AIS Final, which will be held in June. This is where the best of the best will battle it out to see who lands on the podium and wins the title of Artistic International Series Champion.
The qualification process for the Final ensures a fair and competitive field of skaters, with up to 8 men and 8 women from the Cadet, Youth, Junior, and Senior categories as well as Pairs and Couple Dance will be eligible. Excluding Wild Cards and Last Chance Finalists, skaters are selected based on their highest overall score from the SemiFinal rounds. The highest-ranked skater of each nation from the SemiFinal rounds will be considered first, ensuring each country is represented. If spots remain after this initial selection, the next highest-ranked skaters from each nation, starting with the highest overall score, are considered until all 8 spots are filled. In the event that a continent has no representation in the final, a Wild Card is awarded to the highest- ranked skater from that continent, further promoting global participation.
Building Better Athletes & Coaches
As the 2025 Artistic International Series brings together athletes from all corners of the world, it also focuses on elevating the sport as a whole. Nicola Genchi, Chairperson of the World Skate Artistic Technical Commission, emphasizes the importance of this event in nurturing the sport.
"The AIS isn't just a competition; it's a chance to develop stronger athletes and coaches," Genchi explains. "By offering a global platform for growth and international competitions across all age groups, we're helping to shape the future of the sport. These events are crucial for ensuring Artistic Skating’s ongoing evolution. I am looking forward to the AIS in the Buenos Aires”
Don't Miss Out!
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