Stars to Watch at the ISU 2025 European Figure Skating Championships
The Men’s Event: Rising Stars and Established Champions
Siao Him Fa, the defending men’s champion, is eyed as the favorite for the 2025 European Championships. However, the French star will be entering his first competition since the Cup of China Grand Prix in November, following an injury withdrawal from the Grand Prix Final in December and non-participation in the French national championships.
Fellow Frenchman Kévin Aymoz, who capitalized on Siao Him Fa’s absence to win the national title, is showing promising form this season with the top European score of 282.88. The confidence regained by Aymoz might challenge Siao Him Fa’s status.
Italy is represented by their seasoned skaters, with Daniel Grassl making a much-anticipated return. His presence, alongside three-time medallist Matteo Rizzo, could stir the competition, as they hone their prowess on the European stage.
Latvian skater Deniss Vasiljevs and Switzerland’s Lukas Britschgi are other former European medallists ready to showcase their skills, adding depth and dynamism to the men’s field.
The Women’s Category: Open Battle for Gold
The women’s event, embroiled in unpredictability due to defending champion Loena Hendrickx’s withdrawal over injury concerns, is wide open. Georgian skater Anastasiia Gubanova, a one-time European champion, will be keen to overcome her recent challenges, including two eighth-place finishes in her Grand Prix assignments.
Lara Naki Gutmann, who secured her first Grand Prix medal with a significant score of 198.49 at the Finlandia Trophy, poses a substantial threat. Could she clinch her inaugural ISU Championships medal? Swiss skater Kimmy Repond and Belgium’s Nina Pinzarrone, both proud holders of European bronze medals, aim to make their mark on the podium.
Pairs Competition: Seamlessly Artistic and Athletic
The pairs category is set to be a thrilling display of grace and athleticism, with five of the top eight scores this season by European teams. Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin, the Grand Prix Final champions and world bronze medallists from Germany, rise as formidable contenders.
Italy presents strong contenders even without Lucrezia Beccari and Matteo Guarise, as Sara Conti / Niccolò Macii and Rebecca Ghilardi / Filippo Ambrosini target medals. The Georgian pair, Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava, along with Hungary’s Maria Pavlova and Alexei Sviatchenko, are also positioned for success.
Ice Dance: The Artistic Duel
All top 11 teams from last year’s championship will be returning, led by defending champions Guignard / Fabbri. British pair Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson, having triumphed in their Grand Prix performances, eye a historic victory – the first British grand slam since Torvill and Dean’s legendary win in 1994.
The contest for bronze is tight, featuring significant performers such as France’s Evgeniia Lopareva / Geoffrey Brissaud, Georgia’s Diana Davis / Gleb Smolkin, Juulia Turkkila / Matthias Versluis from Finland, and Spain’s Olivia Smart / Tim Dieck.
FAQ Section
What makes the men’s competition so unpredictable?
The mix of returning stalwarts and emerging talents, combined with Siao Him Fa’s recent form, creates an environment ripe for surprise performances.
Who stands out in the women’s category?
Lara Naki Gutmann’s recent performances position her as a strong contender for a maiden championship medal.
What pairs should fans be watching?
Minerva Fabienne Hase / Nikita Volodin from Germany are expected to be a thrilling duo to watch.
Pro Tip: Who to Keep an Eye On?
For an electrifying display of synchronization and style, don’t miss the ice dance competition, especially the British pair, Fear and Gibson, who are poised to make history.
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