The 2018 Grand Prix assignments are out! With retirements, partner changes and those opting not to compete on the Grand Prix circuit this season, spaces opened for many of the next generation of skating stars, who will have opportunity to showcase their talents on the six global stages this year.
44 men, 41 ladies, 27 pairs and 35 ice dance teams from 31 ISU Members have been or will be invited. The number of entries for each event is 12 singles, eight pairs and 10 ice dance teams.
Selection Criteria
Skaters are invited to the 2018 Grand Prix Series based on the results of the 2018 World Championships. Singles skaters and/or teams that placed one to six in each of the four disciplines are seeded and assigned to two events; skaters and/or teams that placed seven to 12 at the 2018 World Championships are also eligible for two Grand Prix events. Other athletes who earned a top 24 season score, as well as those that placed in the top 24 in the World Standings, can also be invited. Medalists from the World Junior Championships and the gold medalists from the Junior Grand Prix Final are also eligible for selection.
In order to earn a Grand Prix assignment, the minimum total score or the minimum technical score must have been achieved in the previous or current season at an ISU event (Grand Prix, Junior Grand Prix, Championships, the World Team Trophy or at defined ISU international competitions). Exceptions apply to skaters from the host country, previously ranked skaters and/or teams that split and returned with new partners.
Following the decision of the Chinese Skating Association to not host a Grand Prix event this year, the ISU Council awarded the third event of the Series to Finland.