Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan produced one of the biggest upsets in figure skating history to win the men’s singles gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, overturning a deficit to American favourite Ilia Malinin with a near-flawless free skate at the Milano Ice Skating Arena on Friday 13 February 2026. Shaidorov totalled 291.58 points, more than eleven clear of silver medallist Yuma Kagiyama of Japan (280.06), with compatriot Shun Sato taking bronze (274.90). Malinin, the overwhelming pre-Games favourite, fell twice in the free skate to finish eighth.
What is Olympic Men’s Figure Skating?
The men’s singles event in figure skating is contested over two programmes: a short programme of up to 2 minutes 40 seconds, and a free skate of four minutes. Each programme includes a set number of required elements (jumps, spins and step sequences) scored for technical merit and programme components. The scores are combined to produce a final total, with the highest aggregate winning gold. The event has been part of every Winter Olympics since the first Games in Chamonix in 1924.
Modern men’s skating has been transformed by the quadruple jump era, with top contenders now routinely landing four or more quads in a four-minute free skate. Consistency under Olympic pressure, however, remains the discipline’s defining test.
When did the event take place?
The men’s competition was held across two nights: the short programme on Tuesday 10 February 2026 and the free skate on Friday 13 February 2026. The free skate began at 19:00 local time (CET), with Shaidorov’s winning moment coming shortly before 22:00.
Where was it held?
All Olympic figure skating events took place at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, the temporary name for the Mediolanum Forum in Assago, just south of Milan. The venue was retrofitted with an Olympic-standard rink, upgraded broadcast infrastructure and additional seating for around 12,000 spectators. It last hosted a major international figure skating event at the 2018 European Championships.
Results
Ilia Malinin led after the short programme with 108.16 points, executing a clean quadruple flip and a quadruple Lutz-triple toe loop combination. In the free skate, however, the American fell on his quadruple Lutz, under-rotated and fell on his intended quadruple Salchow, and failed to land his signature quadruple Axel, finishing eighth overall on 264.49.
Shaidorov, who had sat third after the short programme, responded with the performance of his life. His free skate scored 198.64, more than ten points clear of the nearest rival, to lift him from third to first. Kagiyama skated a composed free skate to take silver, and Shun Sato climbed the rankings to claim bronze ahead of Adam Siao Him Fa of France and Japan’s Shoma Uno.
Background and form going in
Malinin, the three-time world champion and the only man in history to land a quadruple Axel in competition, was the overwhelming favourite. Shaidorov had built steadily through the 2025–26 World Cup circuit and was a pre-Games podium contender, but few had him down for gold. Kagiyama, silver medallist at Beijing 2022, was considered the other main threat. Sato’s third place capped a breakthrough season.
History and records
Shaidorov is the first Kazakh figure skater to win Olympic gold and only the second Kazakh athlete to win a figure skating Olympic medal of any colour, after Denis Ten’s bronze at Sochi 2014. The result is one of the biggest upsets in the sport’s Olympic history, with The New York Times describing the free skate as a moment that will be talked about for a generation. Japan’s double podium of Kagiyama and Sato extended the country’s run of men’s medals at five straight Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won gold in the Men’s Figure Skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan won gold with 291.58 points.
What happened to Ilia Malinin?
The American favourite fell twice in the free skate and failed to land his quadruple Axel, finishing eighth overall.
Where was it held?
At the Milano Ice Skating Arena (Mediolanum Forum) in Assago, Italy.
Was this an upset?
Yes. Shaidorov’s victory was described as one of the biggest upsets in figure skating history, with the Kazakh becoming his country’s first Olympic figure skating champion.