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Fan Rink — Figure Skating Guide

Everything you need to know about the sport, its four disciplines, and the champions who have lit up the ISU Grand Prix Final over the years.

A wide, bright photograph of an empty ice rink inside a modern arena, with soft blue-white ice reflecting overhead lights and rows of empty seats in warm grey tones, conveying anticipation and elegance.

About Figure Skating

The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating® Final brings together the world's best skaters across four disciplines at both Junior and Senior levels. Each discipline demands a unique blend of athleticism, artistry, and technical precision.

Men

Solo skating for men, combining powerful jumps, fast spins, and intricate footwork in both the short program and free skate.

Ladies

Solo skating for women, showcasing grace, strength, and technical mastery across two competitive segments.

Pairs

Two skaters performing in unison — featuring overhead lifts, throw jumps, side-by-side elements, and death spirals.

Ice Dance

Focused on rhythm, interpretation, and intricate footwork. Couples perform a rhythm dance and a free dance, with restrictions on lifts and jumps.

Senior Former Champions

The ISU Grand Prix Final has crowned some of the most celebrated names in figure skating history. Below is a selection of past Senior champions across all four disciplines.

YearDisciplineChampion(s)Nation
2018MenNathan ChenUSA
2018LadiesRika KihiraJPN
2018PairsVanessa James / Morgan CiprèsFRA
2018Ice DanceMadison Hubbell / Zachary DonohueUSA
2017MenNathan ChenUSA
2017LadiesAlina ZagitovaRUS
2017PairsAljona Savchenko / Bruno MassotGER
2017Ice DanceGabriella Papadakis / Guillaume CizeronFRA
2016MenYuzuru HanyuJPN
2016LadiesEvgenia MedvedevaRUS
2016PairsEvgenia Tarasova / Vladimir MorozovRUS
2016Ice DanceTessa Virtue / Scott MoirCAN

At the Torino 2019 Final, Alena Kostornaia (RUS) claimed gold in Senior Ladies with record-setting performances, while Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron (FRA) won their second Grand Prix Final crown in Senior Ice Dance.

Figure skating is a sport that fuses athletic power with artistic expression, and the ISU Grand Prix Final represents the pinnacle of both. Across four disciplines, skaters push the boundaries of what is possible on ice, combining technically demanding elements with choreography designed to move audiences. The event in Torino brings together the world's best, from juniors just beginning their international journeys to senior champions who have already made history. Every performance is scored with precision, rewarding both the difficulty of the jumps and the elegance of the presentation, making each competition a compelling showcase of dedication and craft.

The men's discipline has long been defined by extraordinary athleticism and relentless ambition. Skaters in this category must master quadruple jumps, lightning-fast spins, and intricate step sequences, all while maintaining composure across both the short program and the free skate. The physical demands are immense, requiring years of training to build the strength and timing needed to land the most difficult elements cleanly. Equally important is the artistry, as competitors must tell a story through their movement and music. The result is a discipline that consistently delivers some of the most electrifying moments in the entire sport.

The ladies' discipline has evolved dramatically, with technical difficulty rising to unprecedented levels in recent years. Modern competitors routinely attempt the most demanding jumps ever performed by women, while also delivering sophisticated programs that balance athletic risk with visual beauty. Beyond the jumps, skaters must master spins, footwork, and choreographic sequences that demonstrate complete command of the ice. The depth of talent across the field means that every element counts, and even small mistakes can shift the final standings. This combination of high difficulty and fierce competition makes the ladies' event one of the most anticipated at any Grand Prix Final.

Ice dance celebrates the partnership between two skaters, emphasizing rhythm, interpretation, and seamless coordination. Unlike the jumping disciplines, ice dance focuses on intricate footwork, lifts, and transitions that must flow naturally with the music. Couples spend countless hours perfecting their connection, ensuring that every movement appears effortless and synchronized. The rhythm dance and free dance offer different opportunities for expression, from upbeat patterns to deeply emotional narratives. At the Grand Prix Final, the world's top teams bring their finest programs, competing not only on technical merit but also on the strength of their artistic storytelling and the chemistry between partners.

For fans attending the event in Torino, the Fan Rink serves as a gateway to a deeper appreciation of the sport. Understanding the scoring system, the structure of each discipline, and the history of the Grand Prix Final enhances the experience of watching live performances. The atmosphere inside the arena is electric, with audiences cheering for every successful element and celebrating the achievements of athletes from around the world. Whether you are a longtime follower of figure skating or new to the sport, the competition offers an unforgettable glimpse into the dedication, grace, and sheer determination that define the world's finest skaters.

Junior Former Champions

The Junior Grand Prix Final showcases the rising stars of the sport. Here are selected past Junior champions.

YearDisciplineChampion(s)Nation
2018MenStephen GogolevCAN
2018LadiesAlena KostornaiaRUS
2018PairsAnastasia Mishina / Aleksandr GalliamovRUS
2018Ice DanceArina Ushakova / Maxim NekrasovRUS
2017MenAlexei KrasnozhonUSA
2017LadiesAlexandra TrusovaRUS
2017PairsEkaterina Alexandrovskaya / Harley WindsorAUS
2017Ice DanceAnastasia Skoptcova / Kirill AleshinRUS