What Is 2019 CS Golden Spin of Zagreb

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 CS Golden Spin of Zagreb was a senior-level international figure skating competition held from December 18–21, 2019, in Zagreb, Croatia, as part of the 2019–20 ISU Challenger Series. It featured events in men's singles, women's singles, pairs, and ice dance.

Key Facts

Event took place from December 18–21, 2019, in Zagreb, Croatia
Part of the 2019–20 ISU Challenger Series (CS) circuit
Hosted over 120 skaters from more than 20 countries
Held at Dom Sportova arena with a capacity of approximately 5,500
Gold medalists received prize money ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the discipline

Overview

The 2019 CS Golden Spin of Zagreb was a prestigious senior-level figure skating competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union (ISU). Held annually in Croatia, the 2019 edition marked the 52nd iteration of the event and served as the final Challenger Series competition of the 2019–20 season.

Skaters competed across four disciplines: men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance. The competition provided athletes with valuable ranking points and preparation ahead of the 2020 European and World Championships.

18–21 December 2019: The event spanned four days, with the short programs and rhythm dances held on the first two days and free skates concluding the competition.
Dom Sportova Arena: Located in Zagreb, this multi-purpose venue has hosted the Golden Spin since the 1970s and accommodates up to 5,500 spectators during skating events.
ISU Challenger Series: As the ninth event in the 2019–20 Challenger Series, it offered skaters a chance to earn minimum technical scores for World Championships qualification.
International Participation: Over 120 skaters from 23 countries including the U.S., Japan, Russia, and South Korea participated in the competition.
Prize Money: Gold medalists in each discipline received between $1,500 and $2,500, with lower amounts awarded for silver and bronze placements.

How It Works

The Golden Spin of Zagreb follows the standard ISU competition format, with each discipline judged using the International Judging System (IJS) that evaluates technical elements and program components.

Short Program/Rhythm Dance:Each skater performed a required short program or rhythm dance lasting 2 minutes 50 seconds, with a technical panel verifying element levels and GOEs.
Free Skate/Free Dance:The free skate lasted 4 minutes for men and 3 minutes 30 seconds for women, with higher base values assigned to complex jump combinations.
Scoring System:Judges used the IJS, which combines technical element scores and program component scores, with deductions applied for falls or time violations.
Minimum Technical Scores:Skaters aimed to achieve minimum scores (e.g., 27 for men’s singles) to qualify for the 2020 World Championships.
Competition Order:Skaters were seeded based on previous season results, with lower-ranked skaters performing first and medal contenders skating last.
Video Review:Technical panels used instant replay to confirm jump rotations, step sequence levels, and illegal elements during live competition.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of medal-winning performances across disciplines at the 2019 Golden Spin of Zagreb:

Discipline	Gold Medalist	Score	Country
Men’s Singles	Keegan Messing	268.79	Canada
Women’s Singles	Alexa Knierim / Brandon Frazier	195.59	USA
Pairs	Alexa Knierim / Brandon Frazier	195.59	USA
Ice Dance	Loïc Desriac	182.49	France
Women’s Singles (corrected)	Alysa Liu	203.10	USA

The competition saw strong showings from American skaters, with Alysa Liu winning women’s singles with a total score of 203.10, the only woman to surpass 200 points. Canada’s Keegan Messing won men’s singles with 268.79, the highest score of the event. The U.S. also took gold in pairs, while France claimed the ice dance title. These results helped several skaters secure ISU minimums and boost international rankings ahead of major championships.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Golden Spin of Zagreb played a crucial role in the competitive season, offering skaters a final opportunity to refine programs and achieve qualifying standards before major events.

World Championship Qualification:Skaters used the event to meet minimum technical scores required for entry into the 2020 ISU World Championships.
Ranking Points:Performance here contributed to ISU World Standings, influencing seeding at future international competitions.
Technical Refinement:Athletes tested new jump combinations and choreography under competition conditions before peak season events.
International Exposure:Young skaters gained experience competing against elite global talent in a high-pressure environment.
Team Selection:Some national federations used results as one factor in selecting teams for European and Four Continents Championships.
Prize Incentives:Cash awards provided financial support for independent athletes training without full national funding.

The 2019 CS Golden Spin of Zagreb underscored the importance of the Challenger Series in the figure skating calendar, bridging the gap between national and world-class competition levels while promoting athlete development and international participation.