Olympic Skaters Wow with Mortal Kombat-Themed Routine

Georgian figure skaters blend athletic prowess with iconic video game franchise

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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At the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Georgian figure skaters Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava captivated audiences with a Mortal Kombat-themed performance, seamlessly blending athletic skill with the imagery and sound of the classic fighting game franchise. This trend of incorporating video game elements into live entertainment is gaining momentum, signaling a blurring of the lines between digital and real-world spectacle.

Why it matters

The integration of video game themes into live performances, particularly in sports like figure skating, taps into the massive and increasingly mainstream gaming culture. Leveraging the recognition of iconic franchises like Mortal Kombat provides an instant connection with audiences, especially younger demographics. This trend highlights the growing influence of gaming on various forms of entertainment.

The details

Metelkina and Berulava's routine featured costumes inspired by Mortal Kombat characters Sub-Zero and Kitana, and was set to the classic 'Techno Syndrome' theme. The Exhibition Gala format, where skaters are judged on entertainment value rather than technical merit, provides a perfect platform for such creative expression. This performance is part of a larger trend of video game-themed live events, which could lead to further innovations such as augmented reality integration, esports-traditional sports collaborations, and AI-driven choreography.

  • The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics took place in February 2026.

The players

Anastasiia Metelkina

A Georgian figure skater who performed a Mortal Kombat-themed routine at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Luka Berulava

A Georgian figure skater who performed a Mortal Kombat-themed routine at the 2026 Winter Olympics alongside Anastasiia Metelkina.

Mortal Kombat

A long-running and iconic fighting game franchise that has maintained a dedicated fanbase for decades.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The Mortal Kombat-themed figure skating performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics showcases the growing trend of incorporating video game elements into live entertainment. This convergence of digital and physical spectacle taps into the massive gaming culture, providing a unique and engaging experience for audiences. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative collaborations between traditional sports and the world of gaming.