From May 9 to 18, all eyes will turn to Trieste, Italy, as the second semifinal of the Artistic International Series unfolds. Set in the legendary Palapikelc in Opicina, this high-stakes edition of the Semifinal of the AIS is poised to leave a lasting mark in the world of artistic skating.
For over 40 years, Trieste has been where skaters bring their best. Now, for nine action-packed days, it’s game on. Who will rise, who will shine, and who will punch their ticket to the AIS World Cup Final?
Skaters from 27 countries will be chasing personal bests to eyeing the podium. Cadet through Senior skaters will also be looking to secure a spot for the AIS World Cup Final- the competition is next level. But that’s not all. Junior and Senior skaters are also throwing down for crucial World Skate Rankings points, with the power to shape the starting order for Short Programs and Style Dance at the 2025 World Championships.
What to Watch
The road to the future is being paved in Trieste. Tots, Minis, and Espoirs in Free Skating and Solo Dance will embrace the challenge of international-level competition, showcasing the sport’s next generation.
Italy has long been a trailblazer in Couples Dance and Pairs, consistently setting the standard while redefining the limits of partnership and innovation. At AIS Trieste, eight other nations will join Italy in the quest for the podium in these cherished disciplines.
Among the standout athletes:
Yenè Soro of Ivory Coast is the reigning Senior Ladies Free Skating champion at AIS Trieste, Soro made history last year as the first African AIS champion, a trailblazer for the region's emerging skating talent. She will return to defend her title and inspire a new generation of skaters.
Quinty Van Lare of the Netherlands currently holds the top spot in the World Skate Rankings and will be aiming for gold in the Junior Solo Dance event. Van Lare will be competing in Free Skating as well.
Madalena Costa of Portugal, has made winning gold a habit and breaking records just comes with the territory. Keep an eye out for Costa in the Junior Ladies Free Skating, where she’s expected to deliver another standout performance.
Guillermo Gómez of Spain in Junior Mens Free Skating seamlessly blends artistry with technical skill. Entering his fourth season with the AIS, he’s focused on claiming the gold. Gómez is currently ranked #1 in the World Skate Rankings and is the reigning World Champion.
Gherardo Altieri of Italy, in Senior whose exquisite artistry will be featured in both Solo and Couples Dance events. Alongside partner Roberta Sasso, a gold medalist at AIS Buenos Aires and reigning World Champion, Altieri is poised to dazzle the home crowd. Sasso will also compete in Senior Ladies Solo Dance.
For Cadet through Senior skaters, the ultimate goal is an invitation to the AIS World Cup Final. But for Seniors, the reward goes beyond prestige—top-three finishers at the World Cup Final in June will receive cash prizes from a $36,000 pool. This prize underscores the AIS’s commitment to recognizing excellence and elevating the sport’s competitive platform.
With 500 athletes from all five World Skate continents and six of the world’s seven continents represented, AIS Trieste is more than a semifinal—it’s a celebration of artistic skating’s global evolution and growing appeal.
Every move counts. Every moment matters. This is where dreams ignite.
Experience the thrill of AIS Trieste from May 9 to 18.
Watch it all live at worldskate.tv .