The World Figure Skating Championships are a significant event, and this year’s competition in Boston holds special importance. Apart from determining the world champions, the next five days will impact each country’s participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Among the Canadian contenders to watch are the pairs team of Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, who clinched Canada’s first figure skating world title in 2018. Despite facing health setbacks this season, they aim to defend their title. Ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, consistent podium finishers, are also ones to watch for potential success.
Canada boasts a strong ice dance team in Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha, while Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud are set to compete in pairs along with Kelly Ann Laurin and Loucas Éthier. The singles events feature Madeline Schizas and Roman Sadovsky, although they are not expected to contend for medals.
Internationally, Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto seeks her fourth consecutive women’s world title, while American Ilia Malinin defends his title in the men’s event. The pairs competition includes strong contenders like Japan’s Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara and Germany’s Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin.
In ice dance, the battle for supremacy includes Canada’s Gilles and Poirier up against the reigning champions Chock and Bates. The qualification process for the Olympics is complex, with each country vying for up to three entries in each event based on performance.
Viewers can catch the action live on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem, with a detailed streaming schedule available for easy access. Additional coverage will be broadcast on the CBC TV network to keep fans updated on the exciting world of figure skating.
