The Grand Slam of Curling has announced its 2026 season, featuring five events across Canada following an unsuccessful U.S. trial. Cities including Victoria, Medicine Hat, Sydney, Thunder Bay and Kingston will host top men's and women's teams competing for $2.1 million in prizes. Organizers cite heightened global interest after the Winter Olympics as a key factor.
The Grand Slam of Curling (GSOC) will return to a Canada-only format for its 2026 season, with five bonspiels scheduled after the circuit's first international event in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, did not meet expectations. The season kicks off in Victoria, British Columbia, with the GSOC Invitational from October 13 to 18 at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. This marks the series' return to Greater Victoria after a 10-year absence, since Brad Gushue won the Elite 10 in Colwood in 2016.
Keith Wells, executive director of the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission, described the event as building on the region's curling tradition. "Greater Victoria has a strong tradition of hosting major curling events, and having the Grand Slam of Curling in the region is a great opportunity for local fans," Wells said. Each event will feature 16 men's and 16 women's teams, with qualification through direct invites and satellite tournaments to account for post-Olympic roster changes.
Subsequent stops include the Masters in Medicine Hat, Alberta, from November 3 to 8 at Co-op Place. Mayor Linnsie Clark highlighted its potential to draw nearly 50,000 spectators and boost the local economy. "This is one of the premier events in the sport, bringing together world-class athletics and a national audience," Clark said. The GSOC Open follows in Thunder Bay, Ontario, from December 1 to 6 at Fort William Gardens, expected to generate $5 million economically, according to Tourism Thunder Bay manager Paul Pepe.
The season rounds out in Sydney and Kingston, with full details forthcoming. Curling Group CEO Nic Sulsky emphasized community support and post-Olympic enthusiasm. "The Grand Slam of Curling is making its long overdue return to British Columbia," Sulsky said regarding Victoria, noting similar appeal elsewhere. An under-21 junior tournament will accompany the Medicine Hat event. Early-bird tickets are available for several venues, and the series will be broadcast on Sportsnet.
