World Skate closed 2025 as one of the most intense years in its international calendar, marked by a high level of competitive activity and clear global expansion. Throughout the year, the international federation oversaw 29 events worldwide, with 3,957 athletes from 81 countries competing across venues spanning multiple continents, from Argentina and China to Latvia and Singapore.
The calendar was underpinned by a strong sporting level, with world records and new competitive benchmarks across several disciplines. The Artistic Skating International Series staged events in cities such as Beijing, Trieste and Reggio Emilia, alongside development activities in Buenos Aires, while skaters including Madalena Costa and Roberta Sasso delivered new world record performances that stood out among the highlights of the season.
International expansion and major multi-sport events
One of World Skate’s main global showcases in 2025 was its participation in The World Games Chengdu 2025, the leading multi-sport event for disciplines not included in the Olympic programme, held under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee -IOC-. In Chengdu, more than 200 athletes from over 30 countries competed in disciplines such as Inline Speed Skating, Inline Hockey and Inline Freestyle, reinforcing the international visibility of roller sports.
Within the programme, Inline Speed Skating featured track and road events with close to 60 competitors per discipline, while Inline Freestyle made its debut at The World Games with 36 athletes from eight countries. Inline Hockey, meanwhile, brought together eight national teams, consolidating World Skate’s presence at a key fixture on the international multi-sport calendar.
Growth across disciplines and new sporting references
Speed Skating experienced one of its most dynamic years, highlighted by the launch of a World Skate Marathon Tour stop in Shanghai, a city that secured a permanent place on the circuit following the impact of the event. The World Championships held in Beidaihe also confirmed the emergence of new podium contenders such as India, alongside the continued dominance of Colombia, which topped the medal table.
In parallel, urban disciplines strengthened their international profile. The World Skateboarding Tour 2025 brought together 184 skateboarders from 45 countries, with stops in cities including Rome, Ostia and Kitakyushu, where the season concluded with strong local engagement. These events also welcomed representatives of the IOC, who followed the development of the circuit first-hand.
Innovation, visibility and international projection
The year was further defined by a focus on new formats and urban settings. Inline Freestyle staged its World Championships in Singapore and reinforced its presence at events such as the Hero Battle Cup in Milan, while Roller Freestyle and Scootering shared the spotlight at competitions hosted in Japan, extending the geographical and media reach of the disciplines.
Competitive activity in 2025 was also supported by digital and audiovisual distribution through official platforms such as WorldSkate.tv and institutional channels, enabling global access to competitions held across different time zones and continents, and contributing to the international visibility of the calendar.
The year concluded with a landmark recognition, as Slalom Skateboarding pioneer Judi Oyama was inducted into the Guinness World Records as the oldest competitive female skateboarder, following her participation at 64 years and 326 days, a distinction that highlighted her longevity and dedication to skateboarding. This milestone added to a season defined by disciplinary diversity, international expansion and the consolidation of World Skate’s competitive ecosystem.
