What Is 2018 Grand Prix of Figure Skating

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 Grand Prix of Figure Skating was a series of six international senior events held from October to December 2018, culminating in the Grand Prix Final in Vancouver, Canada, on December 6–9, 2018.

Key Facts

The 2018 Grand Prix series included six senior international events starting October 19, 2018, in Helsinki, Finland.
Skaters earned points based on placement, with top six in each discipline qualifying for the Final.
The Grand Prix Final took place December 6–9, 2018, at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre in Vancouver.
Nathan Chen won the men’s title with a world record short program score of 110.38 points.
Alina Zagitova won the ladies’ title, while Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron claimed ice dance.

Overview

The 2018 Grand Prix of Figure Skating was a prestigious series of senior-level international competitions organized by the International Skating Union (ISU). It served as a qualifying pathway for the Grand Prix Final, featuring top skaters across men’s singles, ladies’ singles, pairs, and ice dance disciplines.

The series spanned seven weeks, beginning in October 2018 and concluding with the Final in December. Skaters earned points based on their placements at each event, with only the top six in each category advancing to the Final in Vancouver, Canada.

Event Duration: The series ran from October 19 to December 9, 2018, with six preliminary events leading to the Final.
Host Cities: Events were held in Helsinki, Moscow, Vancouver, Grenoble, Osaka, and Turin, representing five countries across three continents.
Qualification System: Skaters were seeded based on prior season performance and needed to compete in at least two Grand Prix events to qualify.
Scoring Format: Points were awarded based on final placement—first place earned 15 points, second earned 13, and so on down to sixth place.
Final Location: The 2018 Grand Prix Final was hosted at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia.

How It Works

The Grand Prix series operates on a tiered qualification model where skaters compete across designated events to earn points and secure a spot in the Final. Each event follows strict ISU judging protocols and contributes to the season’s competitive narrative.

Assignment Process:Skaters were selected by their national federations and assigned to two events based on world standing and geographic distribution, ensuring global representation.
Competition Structure:Each discipline competed in short and free programs, with scores from both segments combined for final placement using the ISU Judging System.
Point System:First place earned 15 points, second 13, third 11, fourth 9, fifth 7, and sixth 5, with ties broken by total segment score.
Final Qualification:Only the top six point-earners in each discipline advanced to the Grand Prix Final, regardless of number of events competed.
Judging Panel:Each event featured nine judges from different countries, with scores calculated after removing the highest and lowest marks for each element.
World Record Impact:Nathan Chen scored 110.38 in the short program at the Final, setting a new world record under the +5/-5 GOE scoring system.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2018 Grand Prix Final results across disciplines highlights standout performances and competitive depth.

Discipline	Gold Medalist	Final Score	Key Achievement
Men’s Singles	Nathan Chen (USA)	330.20	Won with a world record short program of 110.38
Ladies’ Singles	Alina Zagitova (RUS)	227.16	Consistent triple jumps secured her first Final title
Pairs	Evgenia Tarasova / Vladimir Morozov (RUS)	221.68	Strong free skate overcame initial second-place standing
Ice Dance	Gabriella Papadakis / Guillaume Cizeron (FRA)	211.88	Won by over 6 points despite missing one Grand Prix event
Junior Final (Men)	Yuma Kagiyama (JPN)	234.76	Youngest male finalist at 15 years old

This table illustrates the dominance of Russian and American skaters in the senior categories, while also highlighting emerging talent in junior divisions. The Final served as a preview of the 2019 World Championships, with many medalists carrying momentum into the next phase of the season.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Grand Prix Final was a pivotal moment in the figure skating season, influencing rankings, confidence, and preparation for upcoming championships. Its results had lasting implications on national team selections and media narratives.

World Record Setting:Nathan Chen’s 110.38 short program score became the highest under the current ISU system, elevating technical expectations.
Competitive Depth:Only 2.14 points separated second and third in men’s singles, showing the narrowing gap among elite skaters.
Injury Impact:Yuzuru Hanyu missed the Final due to ankle injury, altering the men’s competitive landscape.
Rising Stars:Young skaters like Kagiyama signaled a generational shift, especially in men’s and junior disciplines.
Scoring Trends:Higher GOE marks reflected improved execution across spins, jumps, and transitions in all events.
Global Reach:Broadcast in over 120 countries, the series expanded figure skating’s international audience and sponsorship appeal.

The 2018 Grand Prix of Figure Skating not only determined seasonal champions but also shaped the trajectory of careers and national programs leading into the 2019 World Championships.