Mortal Kombat Routine Goes Viral At Winter Olympics

The Fighting Game Community made an unexpected appearance at the Winter Olympics, as Georgian figure skaters Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava performed a Mortal Kombat–themed routine during the Figure Skating Exhibition Gala.

The Exhibition Gala is traditionally a showcase free from judging pressure, giving skaters the freedom to experiment with creative and unconventional performances. Metelkina and Berulava took full advantage of that platform.

The duo appeared dressed as iconic Mortal Kombat characters Kitana and Sub-Zero, delivering a routine that quickly went viral across social media. The performance gained particular traction on Reddit, where it was widely shared within both FGC and broader pop culture communities.

The reception highlighted just how recognizable Mortal Kombat’s imagery and characters remain, even outside traditional gaming spaces.

A Timely Statement on Mortal Kombat’s Legacy

The timing of the performance was especially notable. In recent weeks, there has been renewed debate around Mortal Kombat’s place in pop culture, with some arguing that MK characters would not make the cut on a hypothetical “Mount Rushmore” of fighting games. Others suggested that more modern or anime-focused titles like Dragon Ball FighterZ or Guilty Gear might deserve that recognition instead.

Seeing Mortal Kombat represented on one of the biggest sporting stages in the world strongly challenges that argument.

Outside of Street Fighter, it is difficult to name another fighting game series with comparable mainstream visibility. Mortal Kombat’s ultra-violent aesthetic, instantly recognizable characters, and decades-long presence continue to resonate far beyond the FGC.

This Olympic moment served as a reminder that Mortal Kombat is not just a fighting game, but a cultural touchstone that still commands global recognition.