Trieste, Italy pulsed with energy during the 2025 Artistic International Series Semifinal, as the world’s top artistic skaters gathered for an unforgettable week of competition. The iconic Palapikelc venue in Opicina with an enthusiastic crowd set the stage for a major moment in the global skating calendar.
Skaters from all five World Skate continents brought a vibrant artistry and athletic skill to the rink. The event began with the Tots, Minis, and Espoirs. All young talents who proved that dedication starts early and potential knows no age.
As the days progressed, the spotlight shifted to the Cadet, Youth, Junior, and Senior skaters. Each athlete arrived with a clear mission: to achieve personal bests, claim podium finishes, earn World Skate Ranking points for Junior and Seniors and, for many, secure a coveted spot in the upcoming AIS World Cup Final this June.
The highlights were so many. Some favorites included…
The Senior Ladies Solo Dance took the floor during golden hour, and it turned out to be a truly beautiful evening. Leading the pack was reigning World Champion and current number one in the World Skate Ranking was Roberta Sasso of Italy. She delivered a gold-medal performance and secured her spot in the World Cup Final with an impressive 159.33 points. Spain’s Natalia Baldizzone continued to shine as both a top-tier athlete and a captivating performer, earning the silver medal with 153.62 points. Rounding out the podium was Italy’s Ilaria Golluscio, who claimed the bronze with a total score of 141.14.
The Senior Mens Solo Dance event was a thrilling showdown, with two points separating the top three finishers. The current World champion Gherardo Altieri of Italy claimed the gold medal with a score of 142.73. Close behind, fellow Italian Andrea Loguercio secured silver with 141.27 points, adding another Italian flag to the podium. Spain’s Aleix Bou put in a strong performance to earn the bronze, finishing with 140.83 points.
Italy continues to demonstrate its depth in Couples Dance and Pairs, achieving a clean sweep on home turf. In the Senior Pairs, Micol Mills and Tommaso Cortini secured first place. Renowned for their innovation and distinctive style, the duo delivered a performance marked by unison and incredible lifts, setting the stage for what they hope will be a golden season.
In Senior Couples Dance, reigning World Champions Roberta Sasso and Gherardo Altieri reaffirmed their status at the top of the sport. Their Free Dance to Exogenesis Part 3 was a masterclass in elegance and technique with 160.57. A performance so captivating it may be remembered as one of the most remarkable in the discipline’s history, leaving the audience spellbound.
In Senior Ladies Free Skating the competition continues to evolve as the skaters showcase both remarkable strength and graceful elegance. Italy’s Gioia Fiori captured the gold with a score of 206.19 points, leading to a three flag podium. Representing the Ivory Coast, Yenè Soro earned the silver medal with a strong performance and a score of 171.59 points, proudly standing as a leading figure for the African continent. Spain’s Sira Bella rounded out the podium, securing the bronze.
Spain pulled a triple flag podium in Senior Mens Free Skating. High technical elements and incredibly difficult spins gave Hector Diez the win with 245.79 points. Teammates Arnau Perez and Lucas Yáñez earned silver and bronze medals to make La Bandera de España proud.
Solo Dance
Junior Ladies
1 Quinty Van Lare NED 137.64
2 Mariaclaudia Parziale ITA 136.36
3 Jimena Cervera ESP 134.15
Junior Men
1 Joel Ribeiro ESP 140.83
2 Luca Buonincontro ITA 131.65
3 Yuri Allegranti ITA 123.24
Senior Ladies
1 Roberta Sasso ITA 159.22
2 Natalia Baldizzone ESP 153.62
3 Ilaria Golluscio ITA 141.14
Senior Men
1 Gherardo Altieri ITA 142.73
2 Andrea Loguercio ITA 141.27
3 Aleix Bou ESP 140.83
Couples Dance & Pairs
Junior Couples Dance
1 Allegranti & Cavina ITA 131.54
2 Di Nunzio & Parziale ITA 126.51
3 Buonincontro & Ambrosino ITA 123.65
Senior Couples Dance
1 Alitieri & Sasso ITA 160.57
2 Allegranti & Artoni ITA 148.03
3 Stasi & Golluscio ITA 127.49
Junior Pairs
1 Cocci & Pozzobon ITA 140.83
2 Nale & Nale ITA 135.33
3 Cortini & Riccardo ITA 134.09
Senior Pairs
1 Cortini & Mills ITA 175.04
2 Bozzini & Di Bella ITA 168.12
3 Russo & Locuratolo ITA 163.45
Free Skating
Junior Ladies Free Skating
1 Madalena Costa POR 255.01
2 Rita Azinheira POR 158.36
3 Quinty Van Lare NED 140.19
Junior Mens Free Skating
1 Guillermo Gomez ESP 248.91
2 Unai Cereijo Garcia ESP 221.40
3 Gianmaria Giacomi ITA 196.84
Senior Ladies Free Skating
1 Gioia Fiori ITA 206.19
2 Yenè Soro CIV 171.59
3 Sira Bella Gallardo ESP 159.55
Senior Mens Free Skating
1 Hector Diez ESP 245.79
2 Arnau Perez ESP 228.82
3 Lucas Yáñez ESP 209.36
The AIS Trieste livestream on worldskate.tv highlighted the sport's expanding global popularity, attracting viewers from over 75 countries and drawing more than 52,000 unique viewers. Combined with a vibrant social media presence, it's evident that Artistic Skating is rapidly becoming the sport to watch on the world stage.
The intensity and athleticism on display among the 500 skaters at AIS Trieste made this Semifinal a standout moment in the 2025 season, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable World Cup Final. Adding to the excitement, the Senior events will feature a $36,000 prize purse, an investment that not only rewards excellence but also helps elevate artistic skating to stand alongside other major sports on the global stage.
“I’m proud of the progress the sport has made over the five years of the AIS,” said Nicola Genchi, World Skate ATC Chairperson. “From emerging young athletes to the world’s elite, everyone plays a vital role in this important style of competition. Many thanks to the wonderful organizing committee in Trieste. I’m looking forward to the AIS World Cup Final.”
Invitations have been sent, and excitement is building as skaters and fans prepare to converge in Reggio Emilia, Italy from June 7–15 for the AIS World Cup Final. Stay tuned for coverage, results, and exclusive highlights.
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