Recap
Mozart Cup 2025 begins with strong performances in Salzburg
Recap
Mozart Cup 2025 begins with strong performances in Salzburg

Team Fintastic in the short program. (Credits: Ville Vairinen Photography - 2025)
The Mozart Cup 2025 in Salzburg, Austria, opened on Friday with breathtaking performances in the Junior and Senior ISU Short Programs. Finnish teams dominated the first day, leading both categories with precise, elegant routines that thrilled the crowd.
Team Fintastic (FIN) delivered a flawless performance, starting with a great pivoting block that set the tone for their delicate and graceful program. Coached by Nina Sandsund, the team impressed with their stunning choreography and refined skating. Their soft and flowing routine captivated the audience, cementing their lead with a score of 74.40.
Valley Bay Synchro (FIN) kicked off the Junior competition with an energetic and engaging program, performed in eye-catching pink dresses. Their fast-paced skating and creative choreography kept the audience clapping along, creating an nice atmosphere in the arena. The team sits in second place with 70.23 points.
The Swedish Team Seaside surprised everyone with a clean, elegant performance set to "Cry Me A River." Their grey costumes complemented the program’s sophistication, and the team’s emotional reaction in the Kiss & Cry touched the audience after hearing their score of 65.47. Beginning their program with an impeccable Moves Element, they sit in a provisional third place.
Valley Bay Synchro (FIN) kicked off the Junior competition with an energetic and engaging program, performed in eye-catching pink dresses. Their fast-paced skating and creative choreography kept the audience clapping along, creating an nice atmosphere in the arena. The team sits in second place with 70.23 points.
The Swedish Team Seaside surprised everyone with a clean, elegant performance set to "Cry Me A River." Their grey costumes complemented the program’s sophistication, and the team’s emotional reaction in the Kiss & Cry touched the audience after hearing their score of 65.47. Beginning their program with an impeccable Moves Element, they sit in a provisional third place.

The Junior competition is incredibly tight, with Team Seaside leading a fierce battle for third place. Close contenders include the Northernettes (USA) at 64.06 and Team Image (USA) at 62.45.
Also, note that Poland’s Le Soleil and Japan’s Jingu Ice Messengers are separated by just tenth of a point. With 18 teams in the mix, Saturday promises exciting developments.
Senior ISU Short ProgramAlso, note that Poland’s Le Soleil and Japan’s Jingu Ice Messengers are separated by just tenth of a point. With 18 teams in the mix, Saturday promises exciting developments.
The Finnish famous team Helsinki Rockettes delivered a stunning short program to "Le Poème - Laponie," transporting the audience to a serene winter wonderland. Coached by Kaisa Arrateig, the team executed clean elements with impeccable skating quality, earning the highest score of the day: 76.97. The Rockettes’ precision and connection to their theme set them apart from the competition.
Lumineers (FIN) took to the ice as the final team of the day, performing an emotional program titled "Farewell," which reflected on the loss of a loved one. Their dark blue costumes matched the sombre mood of the routine, and their interpretation of the music was deeply moving. They currently hold second place with a score of 69.30.
The Italian team Ice on Fire brought energy and speed to their performance, skating to "Snowstorm." While their program was clean overall, a minor mistake in the opening intersection may slightly have affected their score. Their white costumes, reminiscent of snow, added to the theme, and the powerful ending left a strong impression on the audience. With 64.67 points, they are in third place heading into Saturday’s free skate.
Lumineers (FIN) took to the ice as the final team of the day, performing an emotional program titled "Farewell," which reflected on the loss of a loved one. Their dark blue costumes matched the sombre mood of the routine, and their interpretation of the music was deeply moving. They currently hold second place with a score of 69.30.
The Italian team Ice on Fire brought energy and speed to their performance, skating to "Snowstorm." While their program was clean overall, a minor mistake in the opening intersection may slightly have affected their score. Their white costumes, reminiscent of snow, added to the theme, and the powerful ending left a strong impression on the audience. With 64.67 points, they are in third place heading into Saturday’s free skate.

Helsinki Rockettes secured the top spot after the first day of competition. (Credits: Ville Vairinen Photography - 2025)
Nine teams are competing in the Senior category this year, representing six different countries. The Juniors and Seniors teams will skate their free programs on Saturday from 4 pm (local time) in Austria.

Results - TOP 3
Mozart Cup
Salzburg (AUT)
JAN 16, 2025 - JAN 18, 2025
TEAM | Score | |
---|---|---|
1 | Helsinki Rockettes (FIN) | 225.15 |
2 | Lumineers (FIN) | 207.30 |
3 | Ice on Fire (ITA) | 193.69 |
TEAM | Score | |
---|---|---|
1 | Team Fintastic (FIN) | 200.20 |
2 | Valley Bay Synchro (FIN) | 191.90 |
3 | Team Seaside (SWE) | 171.59 |
TEAM | Score | |
---|---|---|
1 | Diamond Edges (FIN) | 68.87 |
2 | Aurora Borealis (FIN) | 57.27 |
3 | Team Ruby (SUI) | 40.26 |