The ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships will head to Kazakhstan for the first time in 2027, with the capital city of Astana confirmed as host of one of the sport’s most prestigious annual events. 

View of Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, which will host the ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships from February 9–14, 2027. © Getty Images

Taking place from February 9-14, 2027, the Championships will bring together the world’s best Figure Skaters from Asia, the Americas, Africa and Oceania to the Kazakh capital, marking a major milestone for both the country and the continued global growth of the sport.

The announcement builds on the growing momentum of skating in Kazakhstan, following Mikhail Shaidorov’s historic Olympic Men’s Singles Gold medal at the Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina 2026 back in February. His success has sparked unprecedented interest in the sport across the country and inspired a new generation of skaters and fans.

Mikhail Shaidorov (KAZ) celebrates after winning a gold medal in the Figure Skating Men's Single at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy © Getty Images

These Championships will be the largest Figure Skating event ever held in Kazakhstan. The Central Asian country has previously successfully hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games and the 2017 Winter Universiade, both of which included Figure Skating competitions. 

The ISU Four Continents Championships will form part of a highly anticipated 2026/2027 Figure Skating season, at an exciting time for the sport, enjoying record-breaking digital engagement, doubled prize money for athletes and further strong endorsement for the ISU’s ongoing transformation of skating, which received broad support at the 60th Ordinary ISU Congress in Tenerife.

ISU President Jae Youl Kim said: “We are delighted to bring the ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships to Kazakhstan for the first time. This event represents a fantastic opportunity for Figure Skating fans across Central Asia to witness world-class competition firsthand and see their heroes and role models perform on the ice. The passion for our sport has reached new heights in Kazakhstan, and we are confident that Astana will provide an outstanding stage for athletes, fans and stakeholders alike. We look forward to experiencing the unique energy, hospitality and ambition that Kazakhstan will bring to this exciting event.”

Kazakhstan Figure Skating Union stated: "On behalf of the Kazakhstan Figure Skating Union, we are very pleased and honored to host the 2027 ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships. We will do our best to ensure it is held at the highest level. See you in Astana.”

Mikhail Shaidorov (KAZ) celebrates after winning a gold medal in the Figure Skating Men's Single at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy © Getty Images

Olympic Champion Mikhail Shaidorov said: “To be honest, I am jumping for joy. This is a huge victory for me and for all of Kazakhstan. For many years, I have been dreaming that an ISU Championship will take place in my home country and I am over the moon that this dream finally comes true.”

“Since my victory at the Olympics, the popularity of Figure Skating has significantly grown in Kazakhstan, and I would very much like to see how this continues. I will train hard for the upcoming season and hope that this ISU Four Continents Championships will bring unforgettable moments to the fans and remain in their memories for a long time to come.”

The new senior season opens with the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix de France in Angers (FRA) on 23-25 October, 2026. 

Overview of the 2026/27 ISU Figure Skating Calendar © ISU