Everything You Need to Know for the 2026-2027 ISU Grand Prix Series
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 will set the tone for the new quadrennial. 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.
Lia Pereira & Trennt Michaud | 2025 Skate Canada International
How are skaters selected for Grand Prix 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. For a skater or team to be eligible to compete, a minimum total score must have been achieved in the 2024/25 or 2025/26 season in an ISU event or a Challenger Series event. Exceptions apply to host country skaters, previously ranked skaters or split ranked couples who return with new partners.
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, 2026, and meet minimum score requirements.
Marie-Jade Lauriault & Romain Le Gac | 2025 Skate Canada International
When is the Grand Prix series taking place?
Mark your calendars! Here’s the full Grand Prix schedule:
- Grand Prix de France: Angers, FRA – Oct. 23-25, 2026
- Skate Canada International: Kelowna, CAN – Oct. 30- Nov. 1, 2026
- Cup of China: Shenzhen, CHI – Nov. 6-8, 2026
- Skate America: Everett, USA – Nov. 13-15, 2026
- Finlandia Trophy: Helsinki, FIN – Nov. 20-21, 2026
- NHK Trophy: Tokyo, JPN – Nov. 27-29, 2026
- Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final: Chongqing, China – December 10-13, 2026.
Canadians to Watch
Ice Dance
Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain Le Gac enter the season following the high of representing Canada at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games and the World Championships. Fans can expect the duo’s distinctive style and dynamic performances to be on full display at Skate Canada International and Finlandia Trophy.
The Grand Prix circuit will see new partnerships including Marjorie Lajoie and Jean-Luc Baker who announced their pairing in June 2026. They will make their first Grand Prix appearance as a team at NHK Trophy.
Layla Veillon & Alexander Brandys | 2026 Canadian National Skating Championships
Up-and-comers Layla Veillon and Alexander Brandys will make their senior Grand Prix debut at Skate Canada International after a fourth-place finish at the World Junior Championships.
Pairs
Canadian champions and World bronze medallists Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud will lead Canada’s pairs contingent, aiming to build on the momentum of last season. They will look to add to their medal collection at Skate Canada International and Finlandia Trophy.
Fresh off their Junior World title, Ava Kemp and Yohnatan Elizarov will make their senior Grand Prix debut with assignments at Skate Canada International and Skate America.
Jazmine Desrochers & Kieran Thrasher (left) and Ava Kemp & Yohnatan Elizarov (right) | 2026 ISU Figure Skating Junior World Championships
Also joining the senior Grand Prix for the first time are World Junior silver medallists Jazmine Desrochers and Kieran Thrasher who are assigned to Cup of China and NHK Trophy.
Men
Canadian champion Stephen Gogolev returns this season looking to continue his rise through the world rankings after finishing fifth at the Olympic Winter Games and fourth at the World Championships. He will be a contender for the podium at both Skate Canada International and Finlandia Trophy.
Wesley Chiu | 2026 Canadian National Skating Championships
Another athlete to watch at Skate Canada International is Wesley Chiu, who returns to the Grand Prix circuit after being sidelined due to injuries for the past two seasons. His gold medal at the 2025–2026 Skate Canada Challenge highlighted his comeback, setting the stage for an exciting return to the Grand Prix circuit.
Women
Madeline Schizas returns after securing her fourth national title and representing Canada at her second Olympic Games last season. She will compete at Skate Canada International and NHK Trophy.
Madeline Schizas (left) & Gabrielle Daleman (right) | 2026 Canadian National Skating Championships
Gabrielle Daleman enters the season on the heels of a successful comeback from injury. The two-time Olympian claimed silver at the 2026 Canadian National Skating Championships and placed seventh at the 2026 Four Continents Championships. She is set to compete at Grand Prix de France this fall.
Where to Watch
All Grand Prix Events – ISU YouTube channel
Skate Canada International – Skate Canada Daily Motion
The 2026–2027 ISU Grand Prix Series promises plenty of excitement and an early glimpse at the skaters that could shape the next four years of competition. We can’t wait to see how the season unfolds!
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