World champions Ilia Malinin, Madison Chock and Evan Bates are headlining the 2024 Skate America

2024 Skate America: Stars to watch

Malinin will be looking to continue the momentum of his first world title at his Grand Prix opener in Allen.

Last month he looked good in his season debut at the Lombardia Trophy, winning the title ahead of Japan Kagiyama Yuma by more than 20 points.

At Skate America he will compete against veterans Kevin Aymoz from France, which came fourth at the 2023 World Cup, and from Latvia Deniss Vasiljevs and Japan Miura Kao. This duo finished seventh and eighth respectively in the World Championship last season.

In the women’s event, Levito will be the favorite after taking silver at the World Championships last year.

Higuchi Wakaba The Japanese has the potential to challenge, having reached the World Championship podium herself in 2018. But perhaps the biggest competition will come from compatriot Tennell, who is aiming for a comeback after two difficult, injury-plagued years.

Double world champion 2023 Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi from Japan are also considered favorites for the first Grand Prix of the season, while Chock and Bates want to continue their success after two consecutive world ice dance victories.