The ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships kicked off in electrifying fashion on Friday at a sold-out Helsinki Ice Hall, where the world’s best teams delivered breathtaking performances in the Short Program. Leading the charge are Finland’s own Helsinki Rockettes, who thrilled the home crowd and soared to the top of the standings, setting the stage for an exhilarating Free Skating showdown on Saturday.

Helsinki Rockettes (FIN) ©International Skating Union ISU

Helsinki Rockettes (FIN) and Team Unique (FIN) fuelled by home crowd energy

Finland’s Helsinki Rockettes and Team Unique made the home crowd proud by taking the two top spots in the Short Program. Reigning ISU World silver medalists The Haydenettes (USA) are sitting not far behind in third place while the three-time and defending ISU World Champions Les Suprêmes of Canada will face an uphill battle on Saturday after a surprising fifth-place finish. 

The crowd erupted as the Helsinki Rockettes took the ice and turned in a stunning performance to “Laponie” by ZAZ and “Ma Terre Promise” by Karl Hugo. Their routine showcased impeccable unison, intricate footwork, and a spectacular intersection, earning them the highest degree of difficulty, for four out of five required elements in the Short Program to achieve a season’s best score of 79.49 points. 

The Helsinki Rockettes are now in prime position to claim their fourth ISU World title, and their first since 2011.

“Of course, we will just go there (into the Free Skating) and enjoy as we did today, because the atmosphere was like crazy,” commented Eveliina Tikkinen from the Helsinki Rockettes. “I hope that everyone does their best, because that's the best competition, and we'll also enjoy every second and every moment of it as well.”

Team Unique (FIN) (FIN) ©International Skating Union ISU

 Team Unique is hot on their heels after an energetic and original program set to “One MC, One Delay” and “Lose Yourself”. Their intersection was spectacular and with 10.71 points the highest-scoring element of the evening. One fall right at the end of the program cost them a precious point, but nevertheless the Finns posted a seasons best of 77.31 points. 

“I think you have to just let that go immediately when it happens and I think it tells a lot about the team, how they proceeded after a fall and I think we did well,” said Emilia Balistreri from Team Unique.

Team the Haydenettes (USA) ©International Skating Union - ISU

Skating first among the top contenders, The Haydenettes set the bar high with a very musical and technical performance to “Lim Fantasy of Companionship for Piano and Orchestra” that was highlighted by a high quality move element and intersection. The reigning ISU World silver medalists netted 76.53 points, just shy of their season’s best.

"We took the competition breath by breath and element by element, and really fed off each other's energy,” said Paige Felton from the Haydenettes. "It felt calm and confident throughout and we hit the ending pose knowing we put out something very special."

Nova Senior (CAN) delivered a strong program to music by Jonathan Roy securing the fourth place with 69.27 points. 

Reigning champions Les Suprêmes were chasing an unprecedented fourth consecutive world title, but faced unexpected setbacks. Two falls in the Synchronized Spin and in the Move Elements were costly and left the Canadians in fifth place at 68.50 points. However, they still can come back strong in the Free Skating. 

Les Suprêmes (CAN) ©International Skating Union - ISU

Ice on Fire (ITA) rounds up the top six with 64.99 points.

With the Short Program complete, all eyes turn to Saturday’s Free Skating, where the world’s best teams will battle for the ultimate prize in Synchronized Skating. With fierce competition and national pride on the line, the stage is set for an unforgettable finale.

Schedule of the event

The schedule of the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships is as follows: 
Friday, April 4:  Short Program
Saturday, April 5:  Free Skating
For full entries and results, please see the ISU event page and the official event page. Follow the event on social media using the hashtag: #SynchroSkating.

Where to Watch the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships 2025

Please visit Where to Watch to find out where you can watch the Championships.