Contents
Profile
ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating
- Sport
- Figure skating
- Organiser
- ISU
- Since
- 1995
- Events
- 6 plus final
- Period
- October to December
- Final
- top 6 per discipline
The autumn series
The Grand Prix forms the backbone of the figure skating season in autumn. It consists of six events in different countries. Traditional stops include Skate America in the USA, Skate Canada, the Grand Prix de France and the NHK Trophy in Japan. The exact hosts can change from season to season. The series was introduced in 1995; many of the events already existed as standalone competitions.
Who can compete?
Participation is by invitation. The ISU allocates places based on world ranking positions, season's bests and the previous year's results. Each skater can compete at up to two events in the series. Host countries may also enter their own skaters.
Points and final
Each placing earns points. The top six in each discipline, after adding their points from both events, qualify for the Grand Prix Final in December. Ties are broken by further criteria such as total score. After the Worlds, Europeans and Olympics, the final is considered one of the most important titles. For some years now, the senior final and the Junior Grand Prix final have been held together.
Prize money
Unlike many championships, the Grand Prix awards prize money for placings. For many skaters, this is an important source of income alongside sponsors and shows.
Format of an event
Each Grand Prix event lasts a weekend. Skaters perform the short program and free skate, or the rhythm and free dance. Scoring follows the ISU judging system. There is often an exhibition gala at the end.
Significance
For many skaters, the Grand Prix is the first real test of the season. New programs are shown to an international audience, and judges form their first impressions. Strong performances in autumn can have an effect right up to the Worlds in March. For spectators, the series offers top-level sport almost every weekend in late autumn.
German and Swiss skaters
Skaters from Germany, Austria and Switzerland receive Grand Prix invitations if they are ranked high enough in the world standings. Pairs such as Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy won the Grand Prix Final several times.
Places and replacements
If an invited skater withdraws, for example due to injury, others move up. Hosts often have a choice of their own skaters.
Frequently asked questions
+How many events does the Grand Prix have?
Six, plus the Grand Prix Final in December.
+Who qualifies for the final?
The top six in each discipline by points from their two Grand Prix events.
Sources & further links
Editorially researched and checked against association and rulebook information. Found a mistake? Write to us via the Contact page.
Read more in the encyclopedia
Sport
Figure skating
Figure skating combines athleticism and expression: skaters perform jumps, spins and step sequences to music, which a judging panel scores under the ISU judging system. Olympic disciplines are singles, pair skating, ice dance and the team event.
League & competition
ISU Junior Grand Prix
The ISU Junior Grand Prix is the international competition series for young figure skaters. It has been held since 1997, usually from August to October at several stops. The best juniors qualify for the final.
League & competition
World Figure Skating Championships
The World Figure Skating Championships are the most important annual figure skating competition. They have been held since 1896 and usually take place in March. Titles are awarded in men's and women's singles, pair skating and ice dance.
Term
Figure skating judging system (IJS, GOE, PCS)
Since 2004, figure skating has been scored under the ISU Judging System (IJS). The total score is made up of the technical score (base value of the elements plus the GOE execution score) and the program components, minus any deductions, for example for falls.