The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating â originally known as the Champions Series â is a series of senior-level international figure skating competitions sanctioned by the International Skating Union. This series debuted in 1995, and consists of six qualifying events, held in succession over a span of six weeks, plus the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. Currently, Grand Prix events are hosted by Canada (Skate Canada International), China (Cup of China), Finland (Grand Prix of Finland), France (Grand Prix de France), Japan (NHK Trophy), and the United States (Skate America). Previous events were once hosted by Germany (Bofrost Cup on Ice) and Russia (Rostelecom Cup). Medals are awarded in men's singles, women's singles, pair skating, and ice dance; and the top skaters or teams in each discipline are then invited to compete at the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final.
Beginning with the 1995âÂÂ96 season, the ISU launched the Champions Series â later renamed the Grand Prix Series â which, at its inception, consisted of five qualifying competitions and the Champions Series Final. This allowed skaters to perfect their programs earlier in the season, as well as compete against the skaters whom they would later encounter at the World Championships. This series also provided the viewing public with "additional televised skating," which had been in demand. The five qualifying competitions during the inaugural season were the 1995 Nations Cup, the 1995 NHK Trophy, the 1995 Skate America, the 1995 Skate Canada International, and the 1995 Trophée de France. Skaters earned points based on their results in their respective competitions and the top skaters or teams in each discipline were invited to compete at the Champions Series Final.