In early April, The Curling Group announced that The Grand Slam of Curling is going to have its first event outside of the Canadian border. This is exciting news for the growth of the sport and even more exciting for such a high profile event. Historically, The Grand Slam of Curling (GSOC) has always been a Canadian event. And rightly so as it brings the best in curling together into the country in which curling is strongest. But, if you want something to grow, you have to set it free. In order for the fan base to evolve and to increase exposure to curling, you have to try new and sometimes unexpected locations. So, here is the 2025-2026 GSOC SCHEDULE:

WFG Masters – London, ON, Canada | Sept 23–28

HearingLife Tour Challenge – Nisku, AB, Canada | Oct 14–19

KIOTI GSOC Tahoe – Lake Tahoe, NV, USA | Nov 4–9

Co-op Canadian Open – Saskatoon, SK, Canada| Dec 16–21

AMJ Players’ Championship – Steinbach, MB, Canada | Jan 6–11

Wait, hold on, didn't one of those say Lake Tahoe, NV? NV as in Nevada? As in Nevada, U-S-A? One would think that is a genius move as many believe that the exponential global growth of curling is somewhat dependent on the success of curling in the United States. That is true if you are looking for a country that could be capable of having the breadth and scope of teams and talent that could rival a curling giant like Canada. But, surprisingly, this idea is not being unanimously welcomed with open arms. Soon after the announcement, there seemed to be a social media uproar about such an endeavor. There are many who are outspoken about this idea. Those at odds say they will be boycotting the Nevada event of the Grand Slam tour and feel it should go anywhere but in the United States.

Okay, so maybe the current political climate isn’t to your liking. Sure, there are things that Canada and the United States do not agree on right now. This doesn’t change the fact that curling needs to grow and needs to do so in the most strategic way possible. This is a genius move by The Curling Group, regardless of the come-what-may politics. Ultimately, it really comes down to one main question: do you want curling to grow or not? There are some who feel that the growth of curling in the United States is somewhat important to the growth of curling worldwide. Actually, it's A LOT of people who think that way. In fact, in order for curling to grow exponentially worldwide, the growth, commitment, development, exposure, and funding that could come through US curling is quite critical to the growth and popularity of the sport. From a spectator’s perspective, it comes down to where one's passion lies, politics or curling. But for those who think The Slam will fail in Nevada because a few Canadians plan to boycott it, well, don't underestimate the US fan base. After all, the All-Star Game in Nashville was well attended and there were many who traveled great distances to see such a unique event in the history of curling. The Grand Slam in Nevada is no different and just as historic. 

If The Grand Slam of Curling would have attempted an event in the United States a few years ago it would have been welcomed with open arms on both sides. The fact that this seems to be coming  at odds with current personal political viewpoints is very concerning in that this will only aid in the ultimate goal of helping curling continue to grow.  With curling being an international and Olympic sport, it is always going to be entering differing political climates and beliefs. One of the great things about this sport is the camaraderie and respect between opposing teams regardless of race, gender, age, language, or beliefs. Let us not ever lose the true spirit of curling.