Team Unique stunned spectators with their free program “Piaf.” (Credits: Ville Vairinen - 2025) 

Finland’s first national qualification in Tikkurila/Vantaa confirmed how small the margins are this season. Team Unique protected a narrow Senior lead, Valley Bay Synchro surged through a packed Junior field on the road toward the 2026 World Championships, and Valley Bay Synchronics controlled Novices.

The Senior ISU event delivered exactly what the opening competition of the season should: tension, refinement, and a clear glimpse of the direction each team is taking.

Team Unique confirmed their strong start with their new free program Piaf. — a demanding and expressive piece that relies heavily on musical nuance and controlled edge quality. Their flexible lifts, fluid transitions and fast spins helped secure 144.63 points in the FP and 220.04 overall, keeping them just ahead of the world champions Helsinki Rockettes.

Skating to Vida, Bienvenida!, the Helsinki Rockettes presented a free program marked by sustained energy and intricate lift structures. Their powerful tempo and confident skating brought them 140.08 points in the FP and 215.27 overall for silver. Marigold IceUnity completed a very compact podium with Under My Spell, maintaining a measured, slightly ominous atmosphere throughout. Their strong technical execution — including the second-best TES (68.62) — earned them 138.04 points in the FP and 211.42 in total.

The Lumineers, for their part, delivered a notably stronger performance than in recent outings. Their Seven Deadly Sins program combined inventive lifts and expressive choreography, creating a coherent and engaging structure. With 134.10 points in the FP and 201.39 overall, they secured a promising fourth place.

In Junior ISU, Valley Bay Synchro took command of the field by rising from the short program to claim victory with 190.19 points. Their free program Frost was both clean and musically sensitive, evolving from a quiet opening into an intense conclusion that earned 119.75 points.

Dream Edges maintained their characteristic precision with Architect, a cleverly constructed program with clear geometric inspirations. A fall in the No Hold element, however, proved costly: they scored 114.44 in the FP and 186.48 overall to finish second. Musketeers stayed extremely close thanks to a charismatic Cleopatra, supported by expressive lifts and a well-sustained atmosphere. Their 114.89-point FP brought them to 185.35 for third place.

In Novice ISU (Group 2), Valley Bay Synchronics dominated with their dynamic Vikings program and 74.73 points, despite a fall in the No Hold. Helsinki Finettes followed with She Who Hears the Earth, showcasing excellent skating skills and earning the highest Program Components score (39.38) for a total of 71.64 points.

Filiae Aboenses impressed with a lively and confident Across the Spider-Verse, delivered without visible errors. Their 66.73-point performance earned a well-deserved bronze — and visible joy in the Kiss & Cry.