What Is 2019-20 ISU Junior Grand Prix

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019–20 ISU Junior Grand Prix was a series of seven international junior figure skating competitions held from August to October 2019, culminating in the Junior Grand Prix Final in Torino, Italy, on December 5–7, 2019. Skaters competed in men's singles, women's singles, pairs, and ice dance across seven events to earn points for qualification.

Key Facts

Seven events were held between August and October 2019 in countries including France, the USA, and Croatia.
The Junior Grand Prix Final took place in Torino, Italy, from December 5–7, 2019.
Skaters aged 13–19 competed in four disciplines: men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance.
Points were awarded based on placement, with the top six in each discipline advancing to the Final.
Canceled events in 2020 due to the pandemic affected the full season structure.

Overview

The 2019–20 ISU Junior Grand Prix was the 23rd season of the International Skating Union’s annual series for junior-level figure skaters. Designed to identify and develop emerging talent, the series featured seven international competitions across different countries from August to October 2019.

These events served as qualifiers for the prestigious Junior Grand Prix Final, where the top performers in each discipline competed for the season title. The series is a critical stepping stone for young skaters aiming to transition to the senior level, offering international experience and exposure.

Seven events: Competitions were hosted in France, the United States, Poland, Austria, Croatia, Armenia, and Italy between August 14 and October 12, 2019.
Age limits: Skaters had to be at least 13 years old by July 1, 2019, and not yet 19 (or 21 for male pair and dance partners).
Disciplines: The series included men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance, each with separate rankings and point systems.
Scoring system: Points were awarded based on placement, with 15 points for first, 13 for second, down to 1 point for sixth place.
Final qualification: The top six skaters or teams in each discipline based on cumulative points advanced to the Junior Grand Prix Final in Torino.

How It Works

The Junior Grand Prix operates on a points-based qualification system where skaters earn points based on their placements in each event. Only two events per skater per discipline counted toward their final point total, encouraging strategic selection of competitions.

Eligibility: Skaters must meet ISU age requirements and be entered by their national federation; entries are limited per country per event.
Event structure: Each competition follows the standard ISU format with short program and free skate for singles and pairs, and rhythm and free dance for dance teams.
Scoring method: Judges use the ISU Judging System, with scores combining technical elements and component marks to determine placements.
Point allocation: Only the top six in each event earn points, with 15 for first, 13 for second, 11 for third, and so on.
Final qualification: Skaters with the highest point totals across their best two results qualify, with a maximum of two per country per discipline.
Tiebreakers: In case of a tie, the skater with the highest placement in a single event advances, followed by total segment score.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2019–20 Junior Grand Prix with the senior-level Grand Prix series:

Feature	Junior Grand Prix	Senior Grand Prix
Age Range	13–18 (21 for male partners)	No upper limit; typically 15+
Number of Events	7	6
Final Qualifiers	Top 6 per discipline	Top 6 per discipline
Season Period	August–October 2019	October–December 2019
Final Location (2019)	Torino, Italy	Torino, Italy

Both series share a similar qualification structure, but the Junior Grand Prix focuses on developing skaters under 19, while the senior series features elite, often Olympic-level athletes. The shared Final location in Torino highlighted logistical coordination by the ISU, though the junior events preceded the senior ones by several weeks.

Why It Matters

The 2019–20 Junior Grand Prix played a vital role in shaping the future of competitive figure skating by showcasing rising stars before their senior debuts. Many participants went on to compete in World Championships and Olympics, underscoring the series’ developmental importance.

Talent pipeline: Skaters like Kamila Valieva and Yuma Kagiyama emerged during this season, later achieving senior success.
International exposure: Young athletes gained experience competing under ISU rules, preparing them for higher-pressure senior events.
Coaching development: Coaches used the series to test programs and strategies in a global arena before major championships.
Scoring familiarity: Skaters became proficient with the ISU Judging System, reducing errors in future international competitions.
Pathway to Olympics: Strong performances here often led to national team selection for events like the Winter Youth Olympics.
Pandemic impact: The following season was disrupted, making the 2019–20 series one of the last fully completed junior circuits before global cancellations.

The 2019–20 ISU Junior Grand Prix remains a benchmark season for junior figure skating, combining competitive rigor with developmental goals. Its structure continues to influence how young skaters are groomed for elite international success.