The Czech Figure Skating Association is looking forward to building on the success of hosting the ISU European Figure Skating Championships in Ostrava in 2017 by welcoming another major event: the ISU World Figure Skating Championships. This prestigious competition will return to the Czech Republic after 33 years, bringing the world’s top male and female figure skaters to Prague’s O2 Arena. Athletes will compete for championship titles in the Czech capital from 24 to 29 March 2026.
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 (after 1993 in Prague), 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 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, I am convinced that hosting this major figure skating event – the 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, at a press conference on Monday in Prague.
“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 regarding the competition programme, which will kick off on 25 March 2026.
The event will take place under one roof. The organisers will use the O2 Arena as the competition venue, while the O2 Universum will serve as a practice area, significantly enhancing the comfort of all competitors.
The first-ever ISU World Figure Skating Championships held in Czech territory took place in 1962. During their debut at the World Championships, 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,” recalls Eva Romanová. Together with her brother Pavel, she went on to win the next three world titles, remaining undefeated from 1963 to 1965.
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 on home soil in Prague, which, unfortunately, we did not achieve. The home environment is rare and unique, providing incredible support from both spectators and organisers. 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, went on to dominate the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Birmingham two years later.
Ticket sales are tentatively scheduled to begin in late winter or early spring 2025, with organisers aiming to fill the O2 Arena to capacity for all competition and practice days. In addition to the sports programme, organisers are planning a variety of accompanying events to enhance fans’ experiences.
For more information about the event, please visit the official website at www.prague2026.org.
