Worlds 2025 in Helsinki (Credits: Ville Vairinen - 2025)

The number of teams competing at the ISU World Senior Synchronized Skating Championships has slightly declined over the past years. While some teams have paused, this shift reflects broader developments in the sport’s evolution—and might pave the way for future returns and new entries.

In 2019, 24 teams competed at the Senior World Championships in Helsinki, including an entry from China. In 2022 (Hamilton) and 2023 (Lake Placid), the field stabilized at 23 teams, featuring nations like Belgium, Sweden, and Latvia.

In 2024, 21 teams skated in Zagreb, including Turkey. And most recently, in 2025, Helsinki welcomed 20 teams to the event.

This small contraction doesn’t reflect a weakening of the sport—but rather its increasing demands. Today’s synchronized skating teams are composed of highly trained athletes, often committing full seasons to intense preparation. Not all federations have the financial capacity to support teams on the world stage. The long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic also continue to shape participation levels.

Despite the lower numbers, the World Championships remain a showcase for a wide global community. Core nations like Finland, the USA, Canada, Italy, Germany, and Japan continue to lead, while Hungary, the Netherlands, France, and others maintain a regular presence.

Looking ahead, several countries could make a comeback. Mexico, for instance, competed at past Senior Worlds. In Asia, efforts are ongoing to grow synchronized skating—initiatives that could yield results in the coming seasons.

As the sport continues to professionalize, its global reach may evolve, not disappear.