How it unfolded
On March 29, 2026, the world of figure skating witnessed a remarkable event in Prague, Czech Republic, as Ilia Malinin, known as the ‘quad god’, took to the ice for the World Championships. Just before the competition, anticipation was high, especially after Malinin’s eighth-place finish at the Olympics, which had left fans and critics questioning his form and future in the sport.
As the competition progressed, Malinin showcased his extraordinary talent, landing five quadruple jumps during his free skate. His performance was nothing short of breathtaking, earning him a score of 218.11 in the free skate and a total of 329.40 points. This remarkable achievement marked his third consecutive world championship title, a feat not accomplished since Nathan Chen’s reign.
In a fiercely competitive field, Yuma Kagiyama finished in second place with a total score of 306.67 points, while Shun Sato secured third with 288.54 points. Kagiyama expressed his focus on delivering a satisfying performance, which he successfully achieved, but it was Malinin who stole the spotlight.
Despite the pressure, Malinin’s determination shone through. “It was really challenging, really hard but with you guys I was able to make it through,” he stated after his victory. His ability to perform under pressure and execute complex jumps has solidified his reputation in the figure skating community.
Notably, Malinin chose not to attempt the quad axel jump during this championship, a decision that raised eyebrows but ultimately did not hinder his performance. His strategic approach paid off, allowing him to focus on the jumps he could execute with precision.
In the ice dance category, Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron captured the title with a total score of 230.81 points, while Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier took silver for the third consecutive year. Poirier remarked on their satisfaction with the event, highlighting the joy of performing in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Stephen Gogolev also made headlines, finishing fourth with a personal-best score of 281.04 points, showcasing the depth of talent present at the championships. However, the absence of Mikhail Shaidorov, the Olympic champion, left a noticeable gap in the competition.
As the dust settles on this year’s World Championships, Ilia Malinin’s victory is a significant milestone in his career. His ability to overcome challenges and deliver under pressure not only elevates his status but also inspires the next generation of skaters. The implications of this victory extend beyond the podium, marking a pivotal moment in the landscape of competitive figure skating.