Mortal Kombat, one of the most iconic fighting game franchises in gaming history, made a remarkable appearance during the Winter Olympics Exhibition Gala, showcasing the cultural reach of video games like never before.
The event took place at the renowned Milano Ice Skating Arena, where top figure skaters from around the world displayed their artistry in a non-competitive setting, emphasizing creativity and self-expression over medals or scores. Among the evening’s standout routines was a stunning Mortal Kombat-inspired performance from the Georgian silver medalists Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava.
Donning costumes representing the game’s iconic characters—Metelkina as Kitana and Berulava as Sub-Zero—the duo captivated audiences with a high-energy routine set to "Techno Syndrome" by The Immortals.
This track, which debuted on the 1994 album "Mortal Kombat: The Album," has served as the definitive Mortal Kombat theme, first supporting the game’s console releases and later immortalized in the landmark 1995 film adaptation. Metelkina and Berulava’s performance was meticulously crafted, featuring a range of references that delighted fans of the franchise.
In addition to their screen-accurate attire and the instantly identifiable soundtrack, Berulava mimicked Sub-Zero’s signature moves on the ice, including an elaborate mime of the character’s iconic Ice Ball attack.
The pair also paid homage to the franchise’s lighter side by incorporating a creative nod to the "friendship" finishing move—demonstrating the depth of their tribute and their deep appreciation for Mortal Kombat’s legacy. This is not the first time the pair have honored Mortal Kombat in their routines.
Metelkina and Berulava have performed similar tributes at the ISU European Championships in Sheffield and at the ISU World Team Trophy in Tokyo in 2025, cementing their reputation for bringing unique and gamer-centric performances to international figure skating events. The enduring popularity of Mortal Kombat, originally developed by Midway and now under the Warner Bros.
Games banner, highlights the ongoing influence of classic fighting games within popular culture.
Not only is Mortal Kombat a bestselling franchise—boasting over 73 million units sold across platforms such as the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox—but it also serves as a source of creative inspiration for performers far beyond the gaming world.
This Winter Olympics cameo underlines the franchise’s lasting appeal and ability to transcend entertainment boundaries. As video games continue to shape entertainment and the arts, notable appearances like these reinforce the cultural significance of titles like Mortal Kombat among fans and creatives worldwide.
The embrace of gaming nostalgia by Metelkina and Berulava on a global stage is further evidence of how the medium’s legacy can resonate well beyond its digital roots.
The event took place at the renowned Milano Ice Skating Arena, where top figure skaters from around the world displayed their artistry in a non-competitive setting, emphasizing creativity and self-expression over medals or scores. Among the evening’s standout routines was a stunning Mortal Kombat-inspired performance from the Georgian silver medalists Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava.
Donning costumes representing the game’s iconic characters—Metelkina as Kitana and Berulava as Sub-Zero—the duo captivated audiences with a high-energy routine set to "Techno Syndrome" by The Immortals.
This track, which debuted on the 1994 album "Mortal Kombat: The Album," has served as the definitive Mortal Kombat theme, first supporting the game’s console releases and later immortalized in the landmark 1995 film adaptation. Metelkina and Berulava’s performance was meticulously crafted, featuring a range of references that delighted fans of the franchise.
In addition to their screen-accurate attire and the instantly identifiable soundtrack, Berulava mimicked Sub-Zero’s signature moves on the ice, including an elaborate mime of the character’s iconic Ice Ball attack.
The pair also paid homage to the franchise’s lighter side by incorporating a creative nod to the "friendship" finishing move—demonstrating the depth of their tribute and their deep appreciation for Mortal Kombat’s legacy. This is not the first time the pair have honored Mortal Kombat in their routines.
Metelkina and Berulava have performed similar tributes at the ISU European Championships in Sheffield and at the ISU World Team Trophy in Tokyo in 2025, cementing their reputation for bringing unique and gamer-centric performances to international figure skating events. The enduring popularity of Mortal Kombat, originally developed by Midway and now under the Warner Bros.
Games banner, highlights the ongoing influence of classic fighting games within popular culture.
Not only is Mortal Kombat a bestselling franchise—boasting over 73 million units sold across platforms such as the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox—but it also serves as a source of creative inspiration for performers far beyond the gaming world.
This Winter Olympics cameo underlines the franchise’s lasting appeal and ability to transcend entertainment boundaries. As video games continue to shape entertainment and the arts, notable appearances like these reinforce the cultural significance of titles like Mortal Kombat among fans and creatives worldwide.
The embrace of gaming nostalgia by Metelkina and Berulava on a global stage is further evidence of how the medium’s legacy can resonate well beyond its digital roots.