The Greatest Male Figure Skaters of All Time
List of the greatest male figure skaters of all time. This list includes history’s most amazing male figure skaters, those whom audiences tuned in to see in all of the largest figure skating competitions, from the World Figure Skating Championships to the Olympics. Although they’re all retired now, they’ve contributed to figure skating’s heritage immeasurably.
Can any true skating fan forget the early greats in mens’ figure skating, including Ulrich Salchow and Gillis Grafström? Salchow, especially, not only entertained audiences but also left a legacy for all following generations of figure skaters — he’s the inventor of the famous salchow jump. The greats in mens’ figure skating have definitely embraced and perfected this jump — Timothy Goebel, for instance, was the first figure skater to land a quadruple salchow in a competition successfully.
Of course, all of mens’ single figure skating isn’t about powerful jumps. The greatest men in figure skating have been just as graceful and artistic as the greatest women, combining music and choreography in a way that moves audiences. Many of the greatest male figure skaters also turned to choreography and coaching careers as their competitive careers drew to a close.
On this list can be found the most significant men in figure skating history. These are the mavericks who’ve lead the way, the powerhouses who’ve won championship after championship, and the men who continue to influence the sport today. No matter your favorite male skater, from Dick Button to Kurt Browning, they’re all here on this list of the greatest male figure skaters ever.- 1Japan
- Age: 28
- Birthplace: Sendai, Japan
2Spain- Age: 32
- Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
As of 2017, two time world champion (2015-16) and 5 time European champion (2013-17), known for often portraying characters (Chaplin, Jack Sparrow, Don Quijote) in his competitive programs.
3Russia- Age: 40
- Birthplace: Solnechny District
Olympics: Gold 2006; Silver 2002, 2010
Worlds: Gold 2001, 2003, 2004; Silver 1999
Europeans: Gold 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2012; Silver 1998, 1999, 2004
GP Final: Gold 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005; Silver 2002, 2004
Cup of Russia: Gold 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010
Lalique: Gold 2004
NHK Trophy: Gold 1999, 2000, 2001
Skate America: Silver 1998
Skate Canada: Gold 1999, 2004
Nations Cup: Gold 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Goodwill Games: Gold 2002![Brian Orser]()
4Canada- Age: 61
- Birthplace: Belleville, Canada
Olympics: Silver 1984, 1988
Worlds: Gold 1987; Silver 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988
Skate Canada: Gold 1984, 1985, 1988; Silver 1982, 1983
NHK Trophy Silver 1985, 1986
St. Ivel: Gold 1982, 1983, 1986
Nebelhorn: Silver 1981
St. Gervais: Gold 1981
Novarat: Gold 1987![Alexei Yagudin]()
5Russia- Age: 43
- Birthplace: Saint Petersburg, Russia
Olympics: Gold 2002
Worlds: Gold 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002; Silver 2001
Europeans: Gold 1998, 1999, 2002; Silver 2000, 2001
GP Final: Gold 1999, 2002; Silver 2001
Cup of Russia: Gold 1998; Silver 1997
Lalique: Gold 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Nations Cup: Gold 1999
Skate America: Gold 1999, 2000; Silver 2001
Skate Canada: Gold 2000, 2001, 2002![Dick Button]()
6United States of America- Age: 93
- Birthplace: Englewood, New Jersey, United States of America
Dick Button, who created the flying camel spin, won multiple gold medals, including five at the World Figure Skating Championships (1948 to 1952).
