2026 Sofia Trophy

Alexandra Feigin © Pinterest

The international skating community is turning its eyes to Bulgaria as the 11th Sofia Trophy prepares to host a massive field of talent. From January 6 to 11, 2026, the Winter Sports Palace in Sofia will welcome over 330 skaters representing more than 25 nations, making it one of the largest early-year events in the European Criterium series.

Headlining Competitors

• Alexandra Feigin (Bulgaria): The undisputed star of the host nation. She is a multi-time Sofia Trophy champion and Olympian. She enters the 2026 event as the defending Senior Women’s champion.
• Alexander Zlatkov (Bulgaria): A top Bulgarian male skater who frequently reaches the podium at this event and will lead the home team in the Senior Men’s category.
• Beat Schuemperli (Bulgaria): Another strong local contender expected to compete in the Senior Men’s division.

A Global Meeting Ground

Organized by the Bulgarian Skating Federation and the Denkova–Staviski Skating Club, the tournament has become a vital platform for both elite competitors and rising stars. The diverse entry list features skaters from:

• The Americas & Oceania: Australia and Mexico.
• Asia: Malaysia and Kazakhstan.
• Europe: Heavy hitters like France, Italy, Great Britain, and Switzerland, alongside strong regional contingents from Turkiye, Romania, and Serbia.

Competition Schedule

While the exact skate times for each flight are finalized following the initial draw, the week-long event follows a structured progression across all age categories (Novice, Junior, and Senior):

• January 6–7: Opening Rounds & Non-ISU Categories The tournament kicks off with younger age divisions and the European Criterium non-ISU categories, showcasing the future of the sport.
• January 8–9: Junior & Advanced Novice Short Programs The intensity picks up as Junior competitors take to the ice. Expect high-level technical elements as these skaters vie for world ranking points.
• January 10: Senior Short Programs & Junior Free Skates The highlight of the weekend features the Senior Men and Women. All eyes will be on Bulgaria’s own Alexandra Feigin as she leads the home team.
• January 11: Senior Free Skates & Awards Ceremony The final day determines the podium finishers. The Senior Free Skates are expected to draw the largest crowds before the closing medal ceremonies.

What to Watch For

• Technical Mastery: As part of the European Criterium, skaters are looking to solidify their technical scores ahead of the major ISU Championships later in the season.
• Home Ice Advantage: Host club Denkova–Staviski (named after the legendary two-time World Ice Dance Champions) has a reputation for producing disciplined, artistic skaters.
• Spectator Accessibility: In an effort to grow the sport’s popularity in Eastern Europe, the event remains free of charge for all spectators.

If you are a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the rink, the 2026 Sofia Trophy promises an unforgettable week of world-class competition and the celebration of figure skating’s next generation.

Source: informational on isu-skating.com

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer