The annual World Figure Skating Championships, commonly referred to as Worlds, has finally arrived here in London and Budweiser Gardens is hosting the event.

Reaching gold at Worlds is the highest accomplishment a figure skater can achieve, other than winning at the Olympics.

This event moves all around the globe and is expected to bring over 35,000 visitors to London.

It's rare for London to host such a large event, and this is a once in a lifetime experience. Canada has not held the Worlds since 2006, in Calgary. The last few championships were hosted by France (2012), Russia (2011) and Italy (2010). Worlds showcases 170 of the best athletes from 45 different countries, and attracts over 150 million TV viewers every year. The skaters compete in four categories: men's singles, women's singles, pairs, and ice dancing.

Ever since the city applied and was accepted to host the event in June 2010, they have been preparing in every way possible. According to Skate Canada's director of events, Jackie Stell- Buckingham, “The city has really engaged in the event and taken on a lot of extra responsibilities.” Stell-Buckingham explained that they have been booking facilities, working with London Tourism, and setting up massive tents around Budweiser Gardens, which contain working media centres, an athlete's lounge, warm-up areas, and anti-doping facilities.

“We're hoping that this may be the beginning of more international event hosting for London, because if London can do the World Figure Skating Championship, then it's a pretty good indication that they would be able to do almost any major international sporting event,” said Stell- Buckingham.

This year is slightly different from other years because the event will help determine the number of athletes that will be entered by each country into the Olympic Games next year.

Canada will be rooting for Patrick Chan, who holds three world records and is the 2011 and 2012 World Champion. Londoners will also be welcoming hometown favourites Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. The ice dance pair has an outstanding history, winning gold at the 2010 Olympic Games and a gold at the 2010 and 2012 Worlds.

The Opening Ceremonies will be held on March 13 at 3:45 p.m. You can also catch Tree of Light, a 10-minute light and sound show to be held outside of Bud Gardens each night during the event. For a full list of event times, visit tinyurl.com/worldslondon.