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 Event

South Lake Tahoe is hosting the first Grand Slam of Curling event ever held in the United States. The competition features 32 top teams from seven nations, including Canada, a dominant force in the sport.

Growth and Evolution of Curling

The sport of curling has changed dramatically over the last 25 years, becoming much more athletic. Champions are increasingly younger, reflecting the sport’s growing competitiveness.

“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 a curling enthusiast.

Canada's Role in Global Curling

Canada has a passionate but niche audience for curling, and expanding the sport worldwide remains a challenge.

“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,” stated Mark Kennedy, Canadian Olympic Gold medalist.

Olympic Qualification Stakes

Unlike most nations, Canada has not yet qualified its curling team for the upcoming Olympics, making this event key preparation for 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,” said Rachel Homan, two-time Canadian Olympian.

As teams compete for Olympic qualification, the top curlers from around the world will face off in a round-robin format, aiming for a coveted Olympic spot.

Author’s Summary

This inaugural U.S. Grand Slam of Curling in South Lake Tahoe marks a milestone as elite teams compete intensely, with Canada preparing crucially for Olympic trials amid curling's rapid evolution.

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KCRA KCRA — 2025-11-08

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