Kavaguti/Smirnov competed at their only Grand Prix competition at the 2010 Cup of Russia where they were first in the short program and won the free skate by over 17 points. This was their 5th medal at the Cup of Russia. They have won more medals at this competition than any other pair. Despite their win, they did not have enough points to compete at the Grand Prix Finals because of their withdrawal from Skate Canada. At the 2011 Russian Championships they were second after the short. A mistake on the side by side jumps and an awkward lift left them almost 4.50 points out of first place. In the long program they skated last and held on to second place.