The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2025 in Nagoya, Japan, turned out to be a historic event for the U.S. National Team, which claimed gold in all three senior categories — an accomplishment they first achieved last season.
The highlight of the competition was the remarkable performance by ice dance duo, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who earned their third Grand Prix Final gold medal and their seventh overall medal, setting a new record for the most medals earned by an ice dance team at this event. Displaying impeccable skill, they achieved the coveted Level 4 on all their lifts, dance spins, and twizzles, gathering nearly 30 points for execution in their captivating flamenco/Paso Doble routine to Ramin Djawadi’s interpretation of “Paint it Black.” Their total score of 220.42 points, including a free dance score of 131.68 points, cemented their status as the most decorated team in Grand Prix Final history.
In men’s singles, Ilia Malinin, self-styled as the ‘Quad God,’ earned the title with a record-breaking free skate by landing seven quadruple jumps and setting the new world record free skate score, surpassing his previous best by nearly 10 points. His performance reinforced his dominance, going unbeaten in competitions over the last two years and tying Nathan Chen for the most Grand Prix Final titles won by a U.S. male skater, both holding three gold medals.
The event also marked Alysa Liu’s thrilling debut, where she clinched gold with her sharp routine to “MacArthur Park,” solidifying her place as the sixth American woman to win this title. Liu’s ability to remain consistent throughout the competition has made her a formidable contender on the world stage. Meanwhile, Mariah Bell showed resilience, moving from sixth place after the short program to fourth overall, showcasing her determination and skill.
In the junior ice dance event, the pair of Sofia Aboian and Artem Veselukhin continued their success streak, marking their fifth international title of the season. Their dynamic performance secured them the top position and highlighted the strength of U.S. figure skating at both junior and senior levels.
Overall, the nation’s strong showing at the Grand Prix Final signifies a promising trajectory leading into the upcoming 2026 U.S. Championships in St. Louis, which will serve as a critical opportunity for athletes to secure spots for the Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina. The achievements at Nagoya not only showcase individual brilliance but also establish a solid foundation for Team USA as they prepare for the forthcoming Olympic season.