Defending Champion Gushue Aims for Record Seventh Title at 2025 Montana's Brier
KELOWNA, B.C. — The long-awaited return of the Montana's Brier to Kelowna has set the stage for thrilling curling competition as teams from across Canada gather for the annual championship. Beginning on February 28 and running through March 9, the event will bring 18 teams to the Prospera Place rink, with defending champion Brad Gushue seeking to secure his seventh title.
For Gushue, who leads his St. John’s, N.L.-based team, the current competition marks another chance to cement his legacy. "I had to learn on the national stage,” Gushue reflected leading up to the tournament. “I think playing out of Newfoundland has its benefits but also its downside. The benefit is I had the chance to go to the Brier a lot more than most people.”
Hosted for the first time since 1968, the excitement around the Brier has sparked significant community involvement. On Thursday, February 27, over 300 locals took part in the ‘March to the Brier,’ celebrating the championship's kickoff. This symbolic event, featuring marchers carrying brooms and rocks, made its way to Prospera Place. Jock Tyre, the general manager of the Kelowna Curling Club, highlighted the importance of this tradition, stating, "We had a parade back in 1968, and it felt only fitting to do the same this year to complete the circle.”
With significant preparations made, including the establishment of various festivities and events, hosting the Brier is estimated to inject approximately $18 million back to the local economy. The event initially planned for 2021 but postponed due to COVID-19, has involved around 350 volunteers ready to showcase the hospitality of Kelowna.
The tournament is structured such the 18 teams will compete across two pools, with each team aiming to secure advancement to the playoffs. Each team is scheduled to play eight games, culminating with the semifinals on Sunday, March 9, followed by finals on the same day. The champion will also earn the opportunity to represent Canada at the World Men's Curling Championship later this spring.
Tyre expressed reaching this key moment for the local curling community, which has been buzzing with anticipation leading up to the tournament. “It’s crazy down here; the community has been starving for it since 1968,” he commented, noting the spirit and enthusiasm. Families and fans are set to gather to celebrate, showing support for teams from all provinces and territories.
Notably, the first draw on Friday evening at 6:30 will feature several exciting matchups, showcasing teams like Cameron De Jong’s Team BC and Reid Carruthers from Manitoba. Curling aficionados and newcomers alike will have ample opportunity to cheer on their favorites, with tickets still available through Curling Canada’s website.
Beyond the game itself, fans can expect great entertainment at the Original 16 Patch, located at the Delta Grand Hotel, where live music, food, and drink options will be on offer throughout the tournament. The B.C. band 54-40 is set to perform on opening night, making it additional fun for those attending.
It's important for attendees to navigate the increased traffic and bus service during the event; as advised by Tyre, local transit services will be complimentary for ticket holders—promoting ease of access and encouraging attendance.
“The curlers will also have chances to interact with fans through unique events like ‘Up Close & Personal,’ creating intimate moments for spectators,” Tyre added, underscoring the community spirit inherent to curling competitions. The atmosphere promises to blend spirit, entertainment, and sportsmanship.
For long-standing fans, this Brier is not merely about competing for the title; it's about reliving memories made during previous tournaments and coming together for the sport they love. The longstanding tradition is being honored as the curling community unites to celebrate this milestone.
With competitive teams from regions across the country preparing for their shot at glory, the 2025 Montana's Brier is shaping up to be memorable. Whether one is cheering for Gushue's elite team or another local favorite, the curling world is certainly alive with excitement. Here’s to ten days of fierce competition, community celebration, and curling camaraderie.
The Brier officially opens its doors to curling fans tonight at Prospera Place. Let the games begin!