Worlds 2026 MEN’S PREVIEW — Figure Skating Championships

As we look forward to the Worlds 2026 Men's Competition, a theme emerges: redemption. After a brutal Olympics event where many of the men fell short of their potential, we think many head to Prague with something to prove.

March 24, 2026

MEN’S PREVIEW: World Figure Skating Championships 2026 — The Road to Redemption

The men’s event at the 2026 World Championships is all about redemption. Ilia Malinin comes in as the favorite, but with questions around the effect his Olympic experience may have on what he delivers in Prague. Best case scenario is he “goes ham” and holds nothing back. Ilia is almost always at his best when he’s going for the biggest and boldest programs.

Also looking to have two consecutive clean skates are the Olympic Silver and Bronze medalists from Japan, Yuma Kagiyama and Shun Sato. Both of these men had one brilliant skate in Milan, and several that were less than they would have wished for. If they can bring great short and free programs to the competition, they will try likely both be getting medals on this podium as well.

Coming to Prague as well for redemption is France’s Adam Siao Him Fa. His short program in the men’s event at the Olympics gave us a glimpse at the Adam we have been missing all season. He was nearly flawless, breaking 100 points and giving us hope. His free skate didn’t meet the moment, though, and he will be seeking to change that storyline here. If he’s great, he’s in the medal mix for sure.

Some others who should not be counted out: Stephen Gogolev from Canada had a great Olympics and will hopefully carry that momentum into this event. Kevin Aymoz is hot and cold, but when he’s hot he’s everything. Nika Egadze may not have the artistry of the other men, but he has an arsenal of quads that keeps him in the conversation. Daniel Grassl had a strong early season that’s been marred by some weaker showings at Europeans and the Olympics that he’ll want to erase here.

There’s a long list of others that are sure to make this an exciting — and likely nerve wracking — event to watch. Who gets their redemption arc?! Only time will tell.

Chapters

00:00 Intro
00:52 Withdrawals: Who WON’T Be There
05:32 Ilia Malinin
12:21 Yuma Kagiyama
16:14 Shun Sato
18:12 Daniel Grassl
19:07 Adam Siao Him Fa
21:11 Stephen Gogolev
24:52 Kao Muira
26:12 Nika Egadze
27:51 Kevin Aymoz
29:15 Andrew Torgashev
31:19 Other Men in the Competition
33:55 Podium Predictions
36:38 Wrap-Up

Scoreography Podcast

Scoreography is a show about the art, athleticism, culture, and entertainment of Figure Skating. We discuss current competitions, the sports history and legacy, up-and-coming skaters and absolute legends, and the action outside of the rink.

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