World champions Ilia Malinin, Madison Chock, Evan Bates headline 2024 Skate America – Preview and how to watch

2024 Skate America: Stars to watch

Malinin looks to continue the momentum of his first world title in his Grand Prix opener in Allen.

He looked sharp last month in his season debut at the Lombardia Trophy, winning the title over Japan’s Kagiyama Yuma by more than 20 points.

At Skate America, he’ll face off against veteran Kevin Aymoz of France, who finished fourth at the 2023 World Championships, as well as Latvia’s Deniss Vasiljevs and Japan’s Miura Kao. That duo finished seventh and eighth, respectively, in the world last season.

In the women’s competition, Levito will be the favourite after taking silver at last year’s Worlds.

Higuchi Wakaba of Japan has the potential to challenge, having herself reached the Worlds podium in 2018. But perhaps the biggest competition will come from compatriot Tennell, who is seeking a comeback after two difficult, injury-plagued years.

2023 pairs world champions Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi of Japan are also favourites at the season’s first Grand Prix, while Chock and Bates look to continue their success after back-to-back global wins in ice dance.