South Lake Tahoe, California — For the first time in history, the Grand Slam of Curling has hosted an event in the United States, bringing elite competition to the Tahoe Blue Event Center.
On Tuesday, Olympic athletes competed on the ice at the transformed venue, starting the round-robin tournament that will determine the eight teams advancing to the playoffs.
The Grand Slam is a premier international series showcasing top men’s and women’s curling teams worldwide. Since 2015, the event has awarded equal prize purses to both divisions, totaling over $375,000 in winnings.
"Since 2015, the organization has awarded equal prize purses to both divisions, with curlers now competing for more than $375,000 in total winnings."
Traditionally hosted in Canada, this year's competition marks a historic milestone as the first time it takes place in the U.S.
Nic Sulsky, CEO of the Curling Group, expressed hope for the event’s return: "If the incredible people around Lake Tahoe fill this place, fill the Blue Event Center on Saturday and Sunday, I pledge that we’ll be back here within two years. It’s up to the fans around the area."
From November 4 to 9, 32 top-tier teams from seven countries— including Olympic medalists, world champions, and national titleholders from the U.S., Canada, Sweden, Scotland, Switzerland, Japan, and other curling nations—are competing.
The week’s action will culminate with semifinals on Saturday, November 8, and the crowning of the champions on Sunday, November 9.