The Czech Figure Skating Association is thrilled to take the next opportunity following successful hosting of the ISU European Figure Skating Championships in Ostrava in 2017. The ISU World Figure Skating Championships will make a long-awaited return to the Czech Republic after 33 years. From March 24 to 29, 2026, the world’s top male and female figure skaters will compete for medals at Prague’s O2 arena.
The ISU World Championships took place in 1908 in Opava. In Czechoslovakia’s history, the ISU World Championships were held twice: in 1962 in Prague and in 1973 in Bratislava. As an independent country, the Czech Republic will host the ISU World Figure Skating Championships for the second time, having been awarded the event by the International Skating Union (ISU) in December 2022. The Czech Republic will take the hosting baton from the USA, which will host the 2025 event edition in Boston.
“Being awarded the event was a delightful surprise for me. While I knew we had hosted many excellent events, including the outstanding 2017 ISU European Figure Skating Championships in Ostrava, the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships, and several ISU Junior Grand Prix events, I still had to discuss our candidacy with the ISU Council members, led by its chairman. I am convinced that hosting this major figure skating event, second most important competition after the Olympic Games, is significant not only for Czech figure skating but for the entire country,” says Stanislav Židek, President of the Czech Figure Skating Association.
Training facilities at the O2 universum; sports program under negotiation
We have tentatively agreed on the final competition schedule, but we are still awaiting consultation and final approval from the ISU. We know which event is currently the strongest in Czech figure skating, and we have tailored the schedule accordingly,” explains Stanislav Židek the competition program, which will kick off on March 25, 2026. The event will take place under one roof. The organizers will use the O2 arena as the competition venue (ice rink of 58×28), while the O2 universum will serve as a practice area (56×28 m), significantly enhancing the comfort of all competitors.
Graphic identity featuring Prague’s “hundred towers”
The graphic identity of the championships is built on three key elements: figure skating as an elegant winter sport, the historic city of Prague aa the heart of Europe, and a team spirit rooted in competition and international cooperation. “We aimed to create an energetic and youthful brand that would be easily recognizable and appealing to both professionals and the general public,” says graphic designer Eliška Vojtěch. “The logo reflects the familiar term ‘hundred-towered’ Prague and symbolizes the iconic skyline of the city. The triangle serves as a foundational element throughout the entire identity, appearing in various formats across all graphic materials for the championship, including typography, photography, and illustrations.”
Will the current generation build on its successful legacy?
The first-ever ISU World Figure Skating Championships held in Czech territory took place in 1962. During their debut at the World Championships, the siblings Pavel Roman and Eva Romanová won gold in the ice dance category. “It was our first major event, and we didn’t know what to expect. We thought finishing in the Top 10 would be a success, so we were genuinely surprised to take home gold medals. At the same time, we were quite mentally exhausted because the technology back then was not as advanced as it is today, and we had to wait a long time for the final results, which was quite stressful,” recalls Eva Romanová. Together with her brother Pavel, she went on to win the next three world titles, remaining undefeated from 1963 to 1965. “Fantastic! That’s exactly what I thought when I heard the ISU World Figure Skating Championships were returning to Prague. I look forward to the atmosphere, and I believe both athletes and spectators will fully enjoy this unique event, especially since we have two promising couples in the ice dance category,” adds Eva Romanová.
Thirty years later, the tradition of Czech figure skating continued with Radka Kovaříková and René Novotný, who earned their first medal (silver) among the world elite in 1992 in Oakland. “A year later, we were expected to win the world title at the home soil in Prague, which unfortunately we did not achieve. The home environment is rare and unique, providing incredible support from both spectators and organizers. Everyone speaks your language, and you feel a closer connection to the audience compared to other participants. When you step onto the ice, the cheers are immediate. However, you must also prepare for significant psychological and media pressure,” says René Novotný, who, along with Radka Kovaříková, dominated the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Birmingham two years later. “I would advise our promising athletes to keep their expectations lower during the home event in Prague. They should approach the championship with the same mindset as any other competition because, in most cases, unrealistic expectations can lead to unfavorable outcomes. A medal win can be the icing on the cake of their figure skating journey,” he adds.
Ticket sales set to begin in spring; organizers expect high attendance
Ticket sales are tentatively scheduled to begin in late winter or early spring 2025, with organizers aiming to fill the O2 arena to capacity for all competition and practice days. “This will be an exceptional experience for both Czech and international fans. We want to make tickets accessible to a broad audience so that we can all celebrate a figure skating together in the O2 arena,” adds Stanislav Židek. In addition to the sports program, organizers are planning a variety of accompanying events to enhance fans’ experiences.
For more information about the event, please visit the official website at https://www.prague2026.org or follow the championship on social media:
Facebook – ISU Worlds 2026
Instagram – @isuprague2026
