The 2025 World Figure Skating Championships in Boston concluded with a thrilling Men's Free Skate that showcased the best of figure skating. On March 30, 2025, Ilia Malinin of the United States emerged victorious, securing his second consecutive title with an impressive performance that included the world's only quad Axel. Malinin, who entered the free skate in first place after a stellar short program, scored a personal best of 208.15 points in the free skate, culminating in a total score of 318.56 points, which is also a season high.
Malinin's performance was a masterclass in technical skill and artistry. The 20-year-old landed six quadruple jumps, including the challenging quad Axel, solidifying his dominance in the sport. "I can’t believe it. I didn’t think about a medal when I went out to skate. I just wanted to skate the best I can, enjoy all the emotions in this beautiful arena," Malinin said, expressing his joy after the event.
Finishing in second place was Mikhail Shaidorov from Kazakhstan, who achieved his first podium finish at the World Championships. Shaidorov delivered a nearly flawless performance, earning 192.70 points in the free skate and a total of 287.47 points. His routine featured a successful triple Axel and a quadruple Salchow, demonstrating his growth and consistency as a competitor. "I just wanted to give my maximum. I did not think that I would end the season in this way," Shaidorov remarked after his impressive outing.
Japan's Yuma Kagiyama, a silver medalist in the previous three championships, faced a challenging free skate that saw him drop from second place in the short program to third overall. Kagiyama began his routine with a disappointing two-revolution jump instead of the planned quad, which set a difficult tone for the rest of his performance. He finished with a score of 171.10 in the free skate, bringing his total to 278.19 points. Despite the setback, Kagiyama was relieved to secure a podium finish and noted, "My at most concern was the Olympic spots. We really wanted to get three spots and so relieved to achieve it."
Tatsuya Sato also represented Japan well, finishing sixth overall with a total score of 270.56. He executed a solid routine, landing all but one of his jumps, including a challenging four-revolution toe loop. Sato's free skate score was 179.30, and he expressed pride in his performance despite the missed jump. "I did my best out there, and I’m happy with how I finished," he said.
Another Japanese competitor, Tatsuya Tsuboi, made his World Championships debut but finished in 21st place with a total of 216.26 points. Tsuboi struggled initially but managed to improve his rank during the free skate, scoring 143.26 points. "I feel frustrated about not being able to skate my best. I was honored to be selected to skate here at the World’s and wanted to show the best performance; however, it didn’t go as well," Tsuboi reflected on his experience.
The event, held at TD Garden in Boston, attracted a large audience, with fans cheering for their favorite skaters. The atmosphere was electric as competitors took to the ice, showcasing their skills and artistry. The competition was broadcasted live, allowing fans worldwide to witness the excitement of the Championships.
With this year's results, Japan's men's team secured three spots for the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, a significant achievement that highlights the country's strength in figure skating. The combined ranking of Kagiyama and Sato, totaling nine, ensured their participation in the prestigious event.
As the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships concluded, the skaters and fans alike looked forward to the future, with the next Olympic Games on the horizon. The performances displayed not only the technical prowess of the athletes but also their passion and dedication to the sport. With the successes and challenges faced in Boston, these skaters will undoubtedly continue to inspire the next generation of figure skaters around the world.
