South Lake Tahoe hosts first Grand Slam of Curling event in the U.S.

South Lake Tahoe Hosts First U.S. Grand Slam of Curling

South Lake Tahoe is hosting the inaugural Grand Slam of Curling event in the United States, featuring 32 elite teams from seven nations, including Canada.

Evolution of the Sport

The sport of curling has transformed significantly over the past 25 years, becoming more athletic with younger champions emerging.

“The sport has changed a lot even since I started playing, you know, 25 years ago. It's come a long way, getting way more athletic. Champions are getting younger and younger,” said one curling enthusiast.

Canada’s Role and Challenge

Canada, with a strong but niche curling fanbase, faces the ongoing challenge of expanding the sport’s global appeal. This event is part of those efforts.

“We've got a really niche demographic in Canada that loves the sport, so it's a challenge to grow it around the world. But you know, hence one of the reasons why we're here in Lake Tahoe,” explained Mark Kennedy, Olympic Gold medalist from Canada.

Olympic Qualification Stakes

Canada remains one of the few countries not yet qualified for the Olympic curling team, making this tournament a critical step toward their trials.

“Canada's probably one of the only countries that hasn't qualified their team yet. Uh, so, you know, this is really preparing us for our trials. The winner of that goes to the Olympics,” stated two-time Canadian Olympian Rachel Homan.

International Competition Format

As countries vie for Olympic spots, the world’s top curlers are competing in a round-robin tournament format in South Lake Tahoe.

Summary

This first U.S. Grand Slam of Curling event marks a pivotal moment for the sport’s growth and Olympic preparation on American soil.

KCRA — 2025-11-08