For the second year in a row Allen, Texas plays host to Skate America which kicks off this season’s ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating.

When is it on?

Skate America begins Friday, 18 October with the pairs short programme and concludes Sunday, 20 October with the exhibition gala.

Who is skating?

World champion Ilia Malinin (USA) is the hot favourite to pick up his third consecutive Skate America men’s title. He was an impressive winner at last month’s Lombardia Trophy and it is hard to see any other skater in Allen challenging him. 2023 Four Continents champion Kao Miura (JPN) finished fourth behind the American in Bergamo, Italy and will be aiming to step onto the podium. 2022 European bronze medallist Deniss Vasiljevs (LAT) has two competitions under his belt this season already taking silver at both Nebelhorn Trophy and Shanghai Trophy. Kevin Aymoz experienced a truncated 2023/2024 and has not competed internationally since the European Championships in early January.

Isabeau Levito (USA) is the top seed in the women’s event in Allen. The World silver medallist got her season off to a start at Nebelhorn Trophy where she came second to compatriot Elyce Lin-Gracey (USA). They will be facing each other once more at Skate America. European bronze medallist Nina Pinzarrone (BEL) will be trying to post a good result to secure her place in the Grand Prix Final for a second time. 2018 World silver medallist Wakaba Higuchi (JPN) leads a trio of Japanese skaters.

2023 World pairs champions Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara (JPN) will look to get their season back on track after finishing second at Lombardia Trophy. They will come up against World Junior gold medallists Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava (GEO) and Four Continents bronze medallists Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates (USA) are in line to bag their third straight Skate America ice dance title and fifth overall. Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson (GBR) were victorious at Nebelhorn Trophy at the end of September and will attempt to get close to their American rivals. There will be a fierce fight for the medals with Marie-Jade Lauriault and Roman Le Gac (CAN) and Diana Davis and Gleb Smolkin (GEO) among the teams in contention.

Everything you need to know (and some things you did not) about the skaters, the competition schedule and results can be viewed here.

When is the skating on?

Lunchtime till the evening in North America, evening till early morning in Europe and morning till lunchtime in Asia. The times listed for Skate America are local and if you want to know what the time difference is between where you are and Allen then this link is your friend.

Where can I watch the pretty skaters?

This season’s ISU Grand Prix can be viewed on the Skating ISU YouTube channel. Geographic restrictions may apply.

What are the hashtags?

#SkateAmerica #GPFigure #FigureSkating