Recap
Worlds 2025: Helsinki Rockettes leads after short programs
Recap
Worlds 2025: Helsinki Rockettes leads after short programs
Helsinki Rockettes couldn't have wished for a better start to the 2025 World Championships. The Finnish team skated a perfect short program. (Credits: Roy Ng Photography - 2025)
The twenty teams competing at the 2025 World Synchronized Skating Championships took to the ice on Friday for the short program segment. Helsinki Rockettes claimed the small gold medal with the top performance of the day. Team Unique currently stands in second place, while the Haydenettes hold provisional third position following the first day of competition.
The 2025 Senior World Synchronized Skating Championships officially began on Friday in Helsinki, Finland. The event opened with a great ceremony featuring several visually striking performances on the ice, enhanced by carefully designed lighting and visual effects.
A highlight of the evening was a special program bringing together former senior Finnish athletes, who performed a medley of routines that had marked recent seasons. The segment served as a meaningful tribute to the sport and offered a moment of unity appreciated by fans and athletes alike.
A highlight of the evening was a special program bringing together former senior Finnish athletes, who performed a medley of routines that had marked recent seasons. The segment served as a meaningful tribute to the sport and offered a moment of unity appreciated by fans and athletes alike.
The opening ceremony with former Finnish skaters back on the ice! (Credits: Ville Vairinen - 2025)
A perfect day for Helsinki Rockettes
Helsinki Rockettes (FIN) took a logical lead in the competition with a score of 79.49. Their short program, “The Poem – Lapland”, was executed with remarkable precision, earning +4 and +5 GOEs on most elements.
Fellow Finnish Team Unique also delivered a fast and clean performance, scoring 77.31. However, a fall in the final seconds of their program, “This Is Unique”, resulted in a one-point deduction from their overall score.
Fellow Finnish Team Unique also delivered a fast and clean performance, scoring 77.31. However, a fall in the final seconds of their program, “This Is Unique”, resulted in a one-point deduction from their overall score.
Team Unique set the mood in the rink, cheered on by their many fans. (Credits: Ville Vairinen - 2025)
With a score of 76.53, the Haydenettes (USA) concluded Friday’s short program in third place. Less than one point behind the Finnish teams, the American squad will aim to climb the standings in Saturday’s free program, hoping to replicate their 2024 silver medal—or potentially contend for gold.
Will the Haydenettes be able to challenge Finland’s dominance on Saturday? (Credits: Roy Ng Photography - 2025)
The standout surprise came from Nova Senior (CAN), who currently places fourth with a score of 69.27. Canada also occupies the provisional fifth position with Les Suprêmes, who experienced an unfortunate start to their program, marked by two individual falls—one just before the synchronized spins and another during the Move Element. These errors proved costly, and the reigning world champions concluded the short program with a total of 68.50 points.
The Nova Senior team from Quebec performed their short program “Keeping Me Alive”. (Credits: Roy Ng Photography - 2025)
While a gap appears to have formed between the top three teams and the rest of the field, nothing is yet decided. The scores remain close not only among the top three but also between several other teams.
Team Ice on Fire (ITA) and Germany’s Team Berlin 1 are separated by just a few hundredths of a point, as are Les Zoulous from France and Starlight Elite (SUI).
The Skyliners (USA), who placed sixth in 2024, suffered a costly fall during the intersection and will be looking to climb the standings in Saturday’s free program.
Team Ice on Fire (ITA) and Germany’s Team Berlin 1 are separated by just a few hundredths of a point, as are Les Zoulous from France and Starlight Elite (SUI).
The Skyliners (USA), who placed sixth in 2024, suffered a costly fall during the intersection and will be looking to climb the standings in Saturday’s free program.
The competition continues on Saturday with the free programs.
As in 2019, the rink is packed with spectators. The atmosphere promises to be very lively.
As in 2019, the rink is packed with spectators. The atmosphere promises to be very lively.
Results - TOP 3
ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships 2025
Helsinki (FIN)
APR 04, 2025 - APR 05, 2025
| TEAM | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Helsinki Rockettes (FIN) | 235.37 |
| 2 | Team Unique (FIN) | 234.29 |
| 3 | Haydenettes (USA) | 224.77 |
