Beijing Welcomes the World to the 69th World Artistic Skating Championships
The world of Artistic Skating is gearing up for the ultimate showdown. The 69th World Artistic Championship is set to light up Beijing, People’s Republic of China! From October 17–30, nearly 950 skaters will bring their best to the floor at the Yanqing District Comprehensive Gymnasium in the Fitness Center. It’s been eight years since the continent of Asia last hosted this prestigious event, and 2025 promises jaw-dropping performances, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments.
Here are the must-watch events that will define the championship:
Debuts — Madalena Costa of Portugal is set to make her World debut at the Senior level in Senior Ladies Free Skating. Renowned for pushing the limits in technical elements, Costa enters this season with a focus on artistry, aiming not just for gold but to shatter yet another record. Expect fierce competition from Gioia Fiori of Italy who stands atop the World Skate Rankings and Ivory Coast’s Yenè Soro, both determined to deliver their best performances while chasing personal bests and podium glory.
The Triple Axel continues to stand as one of the most demanding elements in Artistic Skating. This season, several Senior Men have dared to attempt it in Free Skating, showcasing both skill and determination. The big question: will this be the season when fully executed Triple Axels claim their place on the podium? Portugal’s Diogo Craveiro and Spain’s Hector Diez are poised to lead the charge in both the Triple Axel and podium battles.
Knowledge — An important cornerstone of the sport is its dedicated officials. This season, officials from more than 15 countries, representing four of the five World Skate continents, will come together in Beijing with tremendous responsibility and commitment to serving the sport.
Elegance in Motion — Number 1 in World Skate Rankings and reigning World Champions Roberta Sasso and Gherardo Altieri of Italy continue to craft a breathtaking legacy, capturing audiences both as solo dance skaters and as a couples dance team. In Senior Couples, fellow Italians Caterina Artoni and Raoul Allegranti are turning up the heat, promise to be adding to their medal collection. Look for all four skaters to also be competing the Senior Solo Dance events.
Athletic Artistry and Personal Bests. While the spotlight often falls on the podium, there are quieter, equally compelling competitions unfolding within the competitions themselves. Skaters push toward new personal bests, striving not only to rise in the World Skate Rankings but to transcend their own limits. Others skate with the soul of artists, seeking to leave behind more than scores and hoping instead to etch lasting memories into the hearts of those who watch. These are truly incredible moments that define artistic skating.
Keeping Legacy — Pairs has been a cornerstone of the World Championships, contested every year since 1947. It remains one of the most demanding disciplines to coach and train, requiring two extraordinary skaters to unite as one. This season, all eyes are on Italy’s Micol Mills and Tommaso Cortini. Fresh off their gold medal triumph at the 2025 World Cup Final, they are pushing the boundaries in the sport. With momentum on their side, Mills and Cortini are aiming to close their season by capturing the ultimate prize: the World Championship title.
The Americas — Keep an eye out for the Americas on the podium. In Senior Men’s Solo Dance, former World Champion and number one in the World Skate Rankings Brayan Carreño of Colombia is looking for the top spot. Argentina’s dazzling Facundo Nieva is one to watch in a stacked field. In Senior Ladies Solo Dance, Paraguay’s Erika Alarcón has her sights set on bringing home another World medal for her country.
Beijing is set to make history! Over 34 nations from all five World Skate continents will converge, driven by one goal: to see their flags rise and their champions shine.
This year’s championship will welcome a total of 1,261 participants, including 943 athletes and 318 National Technical Officials (NTOs) — a remarkable demonstration of Artistic Skating’s global reach and growth.
Participating Nations:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Czechia, Côte d'Ivoire, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Republic of Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Neutral Athletes (Russia), Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Chinese Taipei, United States of America, and Uruguay.
For two action-packed weeks, the world will witness fierce battles for 23 gold medals, unforgettable moments, and memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss a single second.
Catch all the live action from the 69th World Artistic Skating Championships at worldskate.tv