Sochi showcases cultural icons in finale

The Sochi Winter Olympics closing ceremony has paid tribute to some of Russia's most famous cultural icons.

The finale of the XXII Winter Games, which also poked fun at the opening ceremony's Olympic ring malfunction, has seen performances from the likes of pianist Denis Matsuev, as well as a marching band, ballet dancers and a choir so far.

In a nod to the Russian Federation's continued presence on the world stage as a centre of culture and arts, the ceremony included the following figures in a bid to go "deep into Russia's soul".

Chekhov, Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy...we are going deep into Russia's soul #ClosingCeremony #Sochi2014 pic.twitter.com/SQFm6Ibzf7

— Sochi 2014 (@Sochi2014) February 23, 2014