Figure Skating Championships Shape Final Path to Olympics

BOSTON, Massachusetts — The 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships are set to begin on March 26 at TD Garden, marking the first time the prestigious event returns to the United States in nearly a decade. Defending champions Ilia Malinin, Madison Chock, and Evan Bates are leading the U.S. team as they compete for top honors in this crucial event, which serves as a precursor to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Ilia Malinin, who became the youngest U.S. men’s singles champion in over 40 years last year, seeks to make history by becoming the second American male skater to win consecutive world titles since Nathan Chen. Malinin won the title in 2024 by a commanding margin of 24.11 points over Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama, who is again expected to be his primary competitor.

“It’s all about my focus and confidence,” said Malinin in a recent interview. “I’m excited to defend my title and show what I can do on the ice.” He enters the championships with a remarkable streak of eight consecutive event wins, a first in his category.

In ice dance, married duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates are aiming for their third consecutive world title, a feat not accomplished in nearly three decades. Following victories at the Grand Prix Final and U.S. Championships, they hope to build on their momentum despite a recent runner-up finish at the Four Continents Championships.

Chock noted the significance of maintaining their winning spirit. “Every competition is a new chance to prove ourselves, and we thrive on the challenge,” she said.

The U.S. women’s team also boasts formidable competitors, including Amber Glenn, who has claimed victory in all five events this season. Glenn reflects on her previous experiences at major competitions, hoping to claim gold against last year’s champion, Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, who is pursuing her fourth consecutive world title.

“Standing on that podium is what I’ve worked for every day,” Glenn stated. Her compatriots, Isabeau Levito and Alysa Liu, are also in contention, having shown impressive performances despite facing their challenges this season.

Meanwhile, the pairs event will showcase a clash of titans, including 2024 champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps from Canada, along with Japan’s Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who claimed the 2023 title. “We’ve spent years perfecting our craft, and this is the culmination of our efforts” shared Stellato-Dudek.

The championships will be held from March 26 to March 30, featuring daily events that include men’s, women’s, pairs, and ice dance competitions. NBC Sports will provide live coverage, ensuring fans can follow the high-stakes performances in real-time or catch up on missed events through streaming services like Peacock.

The full schedule includes practice sessions starting March 25, with the official competition kicking off on March 26 at 12:05 p.m. ET. Each day features multiple events, concluding with the exhibition gala on March 30.

As anticipation builds for the 2025 Championships, fans and competitors alike are eager to see how these athletes rise to the occasion, not only for medals but for a chance to secure their place in the Olympic spotlight next year in Italy.