The artistic season roars to life in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as the first round of the 2026 World Cup takes place April 11 to 19, bringing together athletes from 17 countries. Now in its fifth year, this multi-event series has evolved into the Artistic World Cup and stands as clear proof of the growing strength and depth of artistic roller skating around the world.
More than 250 skaters across the Cadet through Senior categories will take the floor, all vying not only for medals and glory but also for crucial World Skate ranking points that determine start order in major competitions throughout the season. Every performance is an opportunity to leave a mark and secure a coveted spot in the World Cup Final.
From Free Skating to Pairs, Solo Dance, and Couples Dance, athletes will perform with focus, chasing personal bests, podium finishes, and the experience of competing on the world stage.
Innovative programs and refined skills will be on display in Argentina. Hosted at the top tier Parque Olimpico de la Juventud, Buenos Aires has quickly become the beating heart of artistic skating in the Americas, a city where artistry and athleticism come together at the highest level.
The Contenders
The Senior Ladies Solo Dance event is set to captivate audiences with elegance. The top three skaters in the World Skate Rankings who also made up the podium at the 2025 World Championships are set to compete for supremacy. Italy’s Roberta Sasso reigns as the queen of dance with multiple world titles and record breaking performances. Paraguay’s Erika Alarcon brings speed, energy, and consistency, continuing to make history for her country with every performance. Joining the podium fight is fellow Italian Caterina Artoni, the 2025 World Bronze Medalist, who always brings her elegance and passion to every competition.
In Senior Mens Solo, all eyes turn to Colombia’s Brayan Carreño, 2025 World Champion and current number one in the World Skate Rankings, who arrives with one goal: gold. Argentinian hero Facundo Nieva brings a presence and determination that few can match, aiming to redeem a roller coaster 2025 season. Italy’s Yuri Allegranti will make his much anticipated Senior debut. The two time Junior World Champion will arrive in Buenos Aires ready to embrace the Senior challenge and compete among the sport’s elite.
In Senior Ladies Free Skating, Portugal’s Madalena Costa is the skater to watch. The 2025 World Champion and current number one in the World Skate rankings has grown up within the World Cup system, capturing Final titles at the Cadet, Youth, and Junior levels. She now aims to extend that success into the Senior category.
The Americas have been hard at work in Pairs and Couples Dance. Skaters from five different nations are looking to make their mark in Pairs, while eight countries will compete in the Couples Dance categories, each aiming to showcase skill and artistry on the floor. Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia will be among the teams seeking podium finishes, joined by the Italians.
In the Free Skating events, the 2026 season reflects continued progression in technical elements. Skaters are expected to incorporate higher level content, including the triple axel, as the standard of difficulty continues to rise. There is also growing discussion about whether fully rotated quadruple jumps may begin to emerge in competition.
In Junior Solo Dance, Colombia’s Jeshua Felleco has his sights set on two gold medals. He will compete in Junior Mens Solo Dance and is also aiming to win Senior Couples Dance with his partner Maria Muñoz. In Junior Ladies Solo, Italy’s Mariaclaudia Parziale is ready to enchant audiences as the reigning World Silver Medalist.
With over 100 skaters in the youngest divisions of Tots, Minis and Espoir, the next generation is ready to take the same floor as their heroes and start making their mark on the sport. It is in these events that Venezuela takes its inaugural steps onto a stage of this magnitude.
The World Cup in Buenos Aires promises a showcase of talent, creativity, and skill among the more than 400 skaters. While skating enthusiasts may think they know how the season will unfold, this is a sport where anything can happen and every performance has the potential to shift the standings. Fans can expect carefully executed skills, polished artistry, and memorable performances that highlight the technical and aesthetic depth of artistic skating.
All roads lead to the Artistic World Cup Final, coming this June in Cesena, Italy!
Do not miss any of the action at www.worldskate.tv