The road to the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games is heating up! This October, the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series kicks off, bringing together the world’s top skaters in a high-stakes competition that sets the tone for the Olympic season. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know. 

What is the ISU Grand Prix Series? 

Launched in 1995 (originally called the ISU Champions Series), the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series (GP) is a six-event international circuit featuring the best senior skaters from around the world. Each stop is hosted by a different country, with points earned counting toward qualification for the Grand Prix Final, where only the top six athletes or teams in each discipline compete in December. 

How are skaters selected for GP Assignments? 

Skaters and teams are invited to compete on the GP circuit based on their results at the previous year’s ISU World Championships, World Standings, and Season’s Best scores, with each eligible skater or team receiving up to two assignments. 

•  Top finishers at the World Championships: The top 12 men and women automatically receive two Grand Prix assignments each. The top ten pairs and dance teams also lock in two events. 
• Rankings & scores: Skaters ranked in the top 24 of either the ISU World Standings or the Season’s Best list earn at least one assignment.
• Come-back eligibility: Skaters or teams who placed in the top six at the World Championships within the past ten seasons and did not compete last season may receive two assignments.
• Host country: Each host nation can add up to three of their own skaters or teams per discipline.
• Eligibility rules: All competitors must be at least 17 years old by July 1, 2025, and meet minimum score requirements.

When is the GP series taking place?

Mark your calendars! Here’s the full GP schedule:

• Grand Prix de France: Angers, France – October 17-19
• Cup of China: Chongqing, China – October 24-26
• Skate Canada International: Saskatoon, Canada – October 31-November 2
• NHK Trophy: Osaka, Japan – November 7-9
• Skate America: Lake Placid, USA – November 14-16
• Finlandia Trophy: Helsinki, Finland – November 21-23
• Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final: Nagoya, Japan – December 4-7.

Canadians to Watch

Ice Dance
Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier return as Canada’s top ice dancers after winning two consecutive World silver medals and a fifth straight Skate Canada International gold last season.

Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha will also return to Skate Canada International, looking to repeat their second place finish from last year.

Pairs
Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps will headline the Canadian pairs lineup after two Grand Prix golds last season.

Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud are another pair to watch as they look to build on last season’s momentum where they claimed bronze at the ISU Four Continents Championships.

Men
Roman Sadovsky, the Canadian national champion, will hit the GP circuit running after earning his first senior international gold medal at the 2025 Cranberry Cup.

Stephen Gogolev, fresh off his gold medal and personal best score from the Nebelhorn Trophy, will challenge Sadovsky for the top Canadian men’s ranking when they face off at Skate Canada International.

Women
Madeline Schizas returns to the GP series riding strong momentum after reclaiming her national title at the 2025 Canadian National Skating Championships and coming off her bronze medal at the 2025 Denis Ten Memorial.

Also in the mix, Sara-Maude Dupuis will bring excitement to Skate Canada International as she aims to land a clean triple axel, after becoming the first Canadian woman to land the jump in international competition earlier this season.

Where to Watch

All Grand Prix Events- ISU Youtube channel
Skate Canada International- Skate Canada Daily Motion & CBC Sports

The 2025–26 ISU Grand Prix Series promises plenty of excitement and a preview of who will attend 2026 Milano Cortina, making it a season you won’t want to miss!