In 2019, during the World Championships in Finland, the competition was sold out!

With the synchro skating season approaching, fans are already excited for the 2025 Worlds in Finland, a key event that will take place at the Helsinki Ice Hall from April 4 to April 5, 2025. Salla Mäkelä, executive director of the Finnish Figure Skating Association, shares insights into the preparations and the significance of synchronized skating in Finland.

The design and branding for the 2025 World Championships focus on the core values of synchronized skating: love for the sport and unity among participants. Salla Mäkelä, the executive director of the Finnish Skating Association, explained the inspiration behind the event's logo, which features two loops forming a heart-shaped knot. Emmi Koskiniemi, marketing designer created the design.

"We wanted to create a timeless and elegant design that we believe celebrates the best qualities of synchronized skating: love and unity," Salla stated. She emphasized the sport's unique ability to bring individuals together, creating a sense of family among skaters and fans.

The 2025 World Synchronized Skating Championships will be held under the theme "Skate as one," which embodies the core values of the sport: love and unity. The event's logo, featuring two loops that form a heart-shaped knot when carved into the ice, symbolizes these values. "Unity is what makes synchronized skating a unique sport," Salla Mäkelä noted.

"The heart symbolizes our love for the sport – the intertwined loops represent unity and the collaboration of athletes," explains Salla Mäkelä. This visual representation captures the essence of synchronized skating, where individual skill and teamwork are essential.

Synchro Worlds aims to enhance the experience for both athletes and fans. Salla Mäkelä mentioned that the event's organizers are planning various side events to engage the audience and enrich the competition atmosphere. "Our mission is to expand fan engagement and bring new elements to the competition," she said. This could include skater presentations, allowing fans to connect more closely with the athletes beyond their team performances.

The event will benefit from the strong collaboration between the Finnish Skating Association and the City of Helsinki, ensuring that the competition is well-promoted and organized. Salla expressed confidence in the preparations, noting that Finland is renowned for hosting well-organized events. Volunteer registration for both the Grand Prix Finlandia Trophy and the World Championships will open in September, reflecting the high level of community involvement and enthusiasm for skating in Finland.

In addition to the World Championships, the Finlandia Trophy, a notable event on the figure skating calendar, has undergone significant changes this year. Traditionally a highlight for teams presenting their short programs, the Finlandia Trophy has now been integrated into the Grand Prix series. This decision marks a significant milestone, as Salla Mäkelä remarked, "The goal for Finlandia Trophy was to be one day part of GP—series. Now we did reach the goal."

While the event aims to include synchronized skating teams, challenges have arisen in attracting international participation this year. "We did integrate synchro teams to GP Finlandia Trophy for Sunday afternoon but unfortunately we could not get any international teams," Salla Mäkelä explained. 

Another key event in Finland's skating calendar is the Marie Lundmark Trophy, which focuses on promoting synchronized skating. Although still relatively new on the international scene, the Trophy has already made a significant impact.

Salla Mäkelä confirmed that the Finnish Skating Association plans to organize the event every two years, reflecting their commitment to growing synchronized skating. "Synchro skating is very important for us, and we still work hard to get Synchro to the Olympics," she said.

No other significant changes are planned for the format of the Marie Lundmark Trophy.

As the countdown to the 2025 World Synchronized Skating Championships continues, fans are eagerly awaiting this event. 

The event held in the Helsinki Ice Hall is expected to draw large crowds, just as it did in 2019, with Salla Mäkelä expressing confidence in the ability to sell out the venue once again.

Tickets for the 2025 World Championships will go on sale to the public in October 2024. Fans can purchase tickets and find more information about the event by visiting the future official website, www.helsinki2025.com.

"Finland warmly welcomes you all to our events," said Salla Mäkelä, inviting the global synchronized skating community to follow with passion this upcoming synchro season.