The ISU has announced Astana, Kazakhstan as the host of the ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships 2027. One year after Mikhail Shaidorov’s stunning Olympic victory at Milano Cortina 2026, his home country of Kazakhstan will welcome for the very first time an ISU Figure Skating Championship, underscoring the continued growth and global expansion of the sport.

The ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships will be the biggest Figure Skating event ever held in Kazakhstan. The Central Asian country has previously successfully hosted the 2017 Winter Universiade and the 2011 Asian Winter Games, both of which included figure skating. 

Olympic Champion Shaidorov looks forward to home Four Continents Championships in 2027

Olympic champion Mikhail Shaidorov is eagerly anticipating the ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships in his home country.

“To be honest, I’m jumping for joy—this is a huge victory for me and for all of Kazakhstan,” Shaidorov said. 

“For many years, I’ve been dreaming that an ISU Championship will happen in my home country and I am over the moon that this dream finally comes true.”

Shaidorov's historic Olympic figure skating title - the first ever for Kazakhstan - has boosted interest in the sport, although the country already had many dedicated skating fans.

“Since my victory at the Olympics, the popularity of figure skating has significantly grown in Kazakhstan, and I would very much like to see this continue,” the Olympic Champion commented. “I will support young figure skaters whenever possible; I consider this my mission.”

Mikhail Shaidorov celebrates after winning a gold medal in the Figure Skating Men's Single at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy © Getty Images

Astana - a perfect host for the ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships

The Championships will mark a historic milestone for both Astana and Kazakhstan. Astana boasts state-of-the-art sports facilities and has hosted major international competitions including the Asian Winter Games, the World Judo Championships and the Wrestling World Championships.

A vibrant young city with impressive architecture, Astana is ready to welcome the best skaters from North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania for the ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships.

“Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan; every year, it is visited by heads of state at the highest level, and numerous business, sports, and cultural events are held there,” Shaidorov noted. “The ISU Championship will be a bright new chapter in the history not only of Astana, but all of Kazakhstan.

“It is a modern and beautiful city with its own unique history, impressive architecture and landmarks that reflect the rich culture of Kazakhstan. 

“I will train hard for the upcoming season and hope that the ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships will bring unforgettable moments to the fans and remain in their memories for a long time to come,” Shaidorov concluded.

Denis Ten, who is the first Kazakh figure skater to win an Olympic medal, celebrates during the medal ceremony for the Men's Figure Skating at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia © Getty Images

Figure Skating history in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has steadily built its figure skating legacy over the past 13 years. The ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships mark another milestone in Kazakhstan's growing figure skating story: