It was a night of incredible skating at the 2026 World Skate Games in Asunción, Paraguay, as the medal rounds for Pairs and Couples Dance took center stage.

The SND Arena was electric as the world’s best skaters brought power, passion, and artistry to the rink. Pairs is arguably the most dynamic discipline in Artistic Skating. These athletes don’t just skate together. They literally fly. It is a breathtaking display of emotion, unwavering trust, shared vulnerability and unison.The female partner is among the bravest athletes in sport, placing extraordinary trust in her partner as she soars through daring lifts, throws, and breathtaking elements. Blending power, elegance, and courage, every performance reveals the remarkable connection that makes Pairs so special.

Junior Pairs

1st Place — Leonardo Malloggi & Maelle Milzi (ITA) — 153.47 points

2nd Place — Riccardo Nale & Martina Nale (ITA) — 144.93 points

3rd Place — Alejo Castro & Rocio Parera (ARG) — 104.92 points

Italy claimed gold as Leonardo Malloggi and Maelle Milzi delivered an impressive performance to Ghost, earning 153.47 points. Italy also secured silver through sibling duo Riccardo and Martina Nale. Skating to music from Napoleon, they scored 144.93 points, with their entry into the inside death spiral standing out as a highlights. Argentina completed the podium, with Alejo Castro and Rocio Parera taking bronze with 104.92 points. The young pair showcased their potential in Asunción, hinting at a bright future in the sport.

Senior Pairs

1st Place — Jose Enrico Inglese & Angelica Polli (ITA) — 199.30 points

2nd Place — Tommaso Cortini & Micol Mills (ITA) — 194.71 points

3rd Place — Alessandro Bozzini & Gloria Di Bella (ITA) — 186.69 points

The Senior Pairs Long Program proved that anything can happen at any moment. In Pairs, the bar is constantly being pushed, and every element presents an opportunity to make history.

Italy’s Jose Enrico Inglese and Angelica Polli rose to the top with a performance to Anna Karenina that combined speed and grace. Their 199.30 points earned them the gold medal and their first Senior title of World Champions. Last year’s winners, Tommaso Cortini and Micol Mills, took silver. Performing a dramatic program to Dracula, they fought for every point, finishing with 194.71. Completing an all-Italian podium were Alessandro Bozzini and Gloria Di Bella. Their bronze-medal performance featured a quadruple twist, an element completed by only a select few pairs in the sport’s history. The evening also delivered a powerful reminder of what makes Pairs so special. Rather than celebrating exuberantly, the Italian skaters displayed remarkable sportsmanship and compassion. Mills consoled the newly crowned champion Polli in a touching moment that reflected the respect these athletes share. Despite winning gold, Polli and Ingelese knew their performance had not fully reflected what they had hoped to deliver. Their determination to keep improving, even at the highest level, speaks volumes about the grit and character of these athletes. All three teams will undoubtedly return hungry for more. Moments like these remind us that these skaters are not only powerful athletes, but human, too. Behind their strength and determination are vulnerability, compassion, and deep respect for one another. It is this humanity, just as much as their athleticism, that makes this sport so special.

Couple Dance: Where Music Comes to Life

Couple Dance is a mesmerizing blend of rhythm, passion, and perfect unison, where two skaters become one with the music. At the highest level, their artistry transcends interpretation. They seem to create the music itself, bringing every beat and melody to life on wheels.

Junior Couples Dance

1st Place — Luca Buonincontro & Ludovica Ambrosino (ITA) — 148.62 points

2nd Place — Alessandro Grossi & Carlotta Bruzzi (ITA) — 146.02 points

3rd Place — Gonçalo Cunha & Maria Rita Gonçalves (POR) — 118.23 points

Italy’s Luca Buonincontro and Ludovica Ambrosino in their first World Championship captured the Junior Couple Dance title with a breathtaking performance to Turandot. Their 148.62 points, including Level 4 on every element, secured their place at the top of the podium.

Fellow Italians Alessandro Grossi and Carlotta Bruzzi claimed silver with an energetic, fast-paced routine to Rocky. Their 146.02 points placed them just 2.60 points behind the winners. Full of speed and intricate partnering, their dynamic performance added another major achievement to their growing careers. Portugal’s Gonçalo Cunha and Maria Rita Gonçalves rounded out the podium with 118.23 points, earning bronze for their country.

Senior Couple Dance

1st Place — Gherardo Altieri De Grassi & Roberta Sasso (ITA) — 161.54 points

2nd Place — Raoul Allegranti & Caterina Artoni (ITA) — 156.07 points

3rd Place — Jeshua Folleco & Maria Muñoz (COL) — 155.32 points

Gherardo Altieri De Grassi and Roberta Sasso of Italy are truly special. When they take the floor, they take the audience on a journey, bringing music to life through artistry, emotion, and extraordinary connection.Their free dance to The White Crow earned 161.54 points and gold for Italy. The victory marked their fourth Senior Couple Dance World Championship title, adding another chapter to their remarkable legacy. Fellow Italians Raoul Allegranti and Caterina Artoni won silver with 156.07 points. Their free dance to Moonlight Sonata showcased classical elegance and passion, blending grace and deep musical expression into a timeless performance of this very exquisite team. Jeshua Folleco and Maria Muñoz proudly placed the Colombian flag on the podium with their free dance to Puede el silencio. Despite a fall, the team achieved Level 4 on all their elements and scored 155.32 points to secure bronze which is a testament to their resilience and determination.

A Night to Remember

Beauty was alive at the SND Arena tonight. New champions were crowned, valuable points were earned toward the World Skate Rankings, and names were written into the history books. How fortunate we are to witness these magnificent disciplines of Pairs and Couple Dance, which have been part of every World Championships since 1947. Congratulations to all the skaters representing 15 countries. Through their talent, dedication, and passion, they continue to honor the sport’s rich legacy while pushing its artistry and athleticism forward. The next medal round features Junior Solo Dance, with the Top 10 performances beginning October 14 at 7:00 p.m. local time in Asunción.

Catch all the action live at worldskate.tv. Asunción is ready.

The skaters are ready. And we are all United By Wheels!