How Does the ISU Figure Skating World Championships Work? Competition Format Explained

The most important facts about the competition format of the ISU Figure Skating World Championships 2027 in Tampere, Finland, explained in brief.

What is the competition format at the ISU Figure Skating World Championships?

There are four disciplines: Women's Single, Men's Single, Pairs Skating and Ice Dance
The competition for each discipline consists of two phases:
- Women's Single, Men's Single and Pairs Skating include a Short Program and Free Skating
- Ice Dancer includes a Rhythm Dance and Free Dance
The two segments of the competition are happening on different days
In total, there is a total of eight competition events at the ISU Figure Skating World Championships

What is the difference between Short Program and Free Skating?

Each discipline begins with a Short Program (Women's Singles, Men's Singles and Pairs Skating) and a Rhythm Dance (Ice Dance)
The Short Program and Rhythm Dance determine the intermediate standings
The top 24 Women and Men and top 20 Pairs and Ice Dance teams from the Short Program/Rhythm Dance advance to the Free Skating/Free Dance, which takes place on a different day
The scores from both Short Program/Rhythm Dance and Free Skating/Free Dance are added up and form the final result

What happens outside of the competition?

Skaters take part in official practice sessions each day in preparation for competition
Tuesday, March 16, is an Official Practice Day with practice sessions only
Sunday, March 21 it is Show Day

What tickets are available for the ISU Figure Skating World Championships?

All event tickets are available for all the competition sessions including practice sessions
Day tickets are available for multiple sessions taking place on the same day
Session tickets are available for the Show on the final day of the event