From May 8 to 17, the spotlight shifts to Garmisch, Germany as the second stop of the 2026 Artistic World Cup takes over the iconic Olympia-Eissport-Zentrum. Ten days of nonstop action promise intensity, artistry, and unforgettable moments.

The stakes rise sharply at this stage. Free Skating, Pairs, Solo Dance, and Couples Dance all unfold as athletes fight to secure their place in the decisive Final. The World Cup format continues to unite continents and cultures, showcasing the very best of artistic skating on a global stage.

This year also marks a milestone moment. Haiti, Morocco, and Thailand will make their World Cup debut bringing new flags, new stories, and fresh energy to the sport’s growing international family.

From Cadet to Senior levels, skaters are chasing medals, World Skate Ranking points, and qualification for the Final. Even the youngest athletes—Tots, Minis, and Espoir—get to compete in the same venue and further their dreams. In total, more than 600 skaters from 34 nations and five continents will arrive in Germany.

What to watch in Germany

Pairs

Italy continues to dominate this discipline with unmatched consistency. Their programs combine power, and fearless technical elements. Reigning 2026 World Champions Tommaso Cortini and Micol Mills are expected to deliver standout performances defined by innovation and perfect unison. It could be a Cortini brother gold medal haul in Germany. Younger brother Rodolfo Cortini and partner Ginevra Riccardo, 2025 Junior World Silver Medalists, plan to climb up the podium in Junior Pairs.

Dance

In Senior Couples Dance, the level has never been higher. Italy leads again with two powerhouse teams: Gherardo Altieri & Roberta Sasso and Raoul Allegranti & Caterina Artoni. These rivals aren’t just competing, they’re redefining the sport. Currently ranked first and second in the world, they bring both technical brilliance and emotional depth to every performance.

Italy’s future also looks strong. Junior Couples skaters Matteo Di Nunzio & Mariaclaudia Parziale and Alessandro Grossi & Carlotta Bruzzi have already reached the World podium, signaling continued dominance and look to carry it forward.

Sasso will also be a major contender in Senior Ladies Solo Dance, where she is building a remarkable legacy. Meanwhile, Quinty Van Lare of the Netherlands, with her history making 2025 Junior World Champion title, steps into the Senior ranks.

In Senior Mens Solo Dance, Altieri’s refined style stands out, while Argentina’s Facundo Nieva arrives determined to challenge for the podium. Italy’s Luca Buonincontro is building momentum for the season in Junior Mens Solo following his silver medal in Buenos Aires.

Ladies Free Skating

Portugal’s Madalena Costa enters as the skater to beat. The reigning Senior World Champion, fresh off gold in Buenos Aires, is not just winning—she’s commanding attention as the sport’s leading star. In Junior Ladies Free Skating, fellow Portuguese skater Rita Azinheira, the 2025 Junior World Champion and current world ranking leader, continues that momentum.

Mens Free Skating

All eyes are on Spain, where two World Champions are set to clash. 2025 Senior Mens World Champion Héctor Diez will face 2025 Junior Mens World Champion Guillermo Gómez. Spain has been building a strong legacy in men’s free skating, and this rivalry adds another chapter. Fresh off a win at the Buenos Aires World Cup, Germany’s Tiziano Martino aims to secure another gold medal in Junior Mens Free Skating.

Spanning the globe

Seventeen nations are represented in Senior Ladies Free Skating alone—a clear sign of the sport’s rapid global growth. Expanded education, coaching, and athlete development programs are elevating performance levels worldwide.

High-stakes format

In Cadet, Youth, Junior, and Senior categories, the top 18 skaters or teams advance to Free Dance and Long Programs. From the first performance, pressure is immediate. This year Cadet and Youth skaters are also included in the World Skate Rankings that brings the added goal of becoming the number one ranked skater in the World.

The bigger picture

Across all categories, every performance carries weight. Junior and Senior athletes are competing not only for medals, but for crucial ranking points that influence starting order at the 2026 World Championships.

Between Buenos Aires and Garmisch, the highest ranked skater from each nation is considered first to receive one of the eight invitations for the World Cup Final in Italy this June. For Seniors, the reward will go beyond prestige at the Final—a top-three finish earns a share of a $36,000 prize pool.

In a sport where outcomes can be decided by as little as 0.01 points, nothing is guaranteed. But that razor-edge pressure is where these athletes thrive.

Garmisch is ready. The world is watching. Now it’s time to deliver.

Catch all the action live at www.worldskate.tv