Final Showdown Before Milan Dreams

The ice is set to sizzle as the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships 2026 take over Beijing from January 21 to 25. For the world’s elite skaters, this isn’t just a competition—it’s the ultimate dress rehearsal before the Olympic Winter Games in Milan.

The Return of Royalty

All eyes are on the legendary Chinese pair Wenjing Sui and Cong Han. The 2022 Olympic Champions are continuing their spectacular comeback, looking to prove that their technical mastery and emotional storytelling remain unmatched as they aim for another Olympic peak. They face stiff competition from U.S. Champions Efimova and Mitrofanov, who currently hold a slight edge in season-best scores.

High-Stakes Rivalries

The Men’s field is a battlefield of quads and charisma. Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov enters as the man to beat, fresh off a title-defending mission. He faces a hungry Junhwan Cha (Korea), who is eager to put early-season equipment issues behind him, and Japan’s powerhouse Kao Miura.

In the Women’s event, redemption is the theme for Mone Chiba. After a dominant Grand Prix season, she aims to reclaim her throne. However, she must fend off the “next-gen” threat of Ami Nakai, whose breakthrough season has put the entire skating world on notice.

A New Era in Ice Dance

With last year’s podium finishers absent, the Ice Dance crown is up for grabs. USA’s Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik are the heavy favorites following their brilliant Grand Prix Final run. Meanwhile, Hanna Lim and Ye Quan are skating for history, hoping to become the first Korean ice dancers to ever medal at this prestigious event.

Competition Days

Thursday, January 22

• Women’s Short Program
• Ice Dance: Rhythm Dance
• Pairs Short Program

Friday, January 23

• Ice Dance: Free Dance
• Women’s Free Skating
• Medal ceremonies for Ice Dance and Women to follow

Saturday, January 24

• Men’s Short Program
• Pairs Free Skating
• Medal ceremony for Pairs to follow

Sunday, January 25

• Men’s Free Skating
• Exhibition Gala
• Medal ceremony for Men to follow

With 100 competitors from 17 nations, the Four Continents promises a week of high-drama, redemption stories, and a first look at the form that will define the podium in Milan.

Source: article on isu-skating.com, published January 21, 2026.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer