The BKT World Men’s Curling Championship 2025, taking place at the Temple Gardens Centre in Moose Jaw, Canada, has reached a thrilling climax as the round-robin phase concluded on April 5. With the semi-finals set for April 6, the stakes are higher than ever, as teams vie for a coveted spot in the gold medal match.
Canada has emerged as a formidable force in the tournament, finishing the round-robin stage with an impressive 11-1 record. Skipped by Brad Jacobs, the Canadian rink solidified their top position in the standings following two decisive victories on April 5. They first defeated Austria 8-2 in a commanding performance, followed by an 8-3 win against the United States.
In the match against Austria, Jacobs and his team, which includes third Marc Kennedy, second Brett Gallant, and lead Ben Hebert, jumped to an early lead, scoring two points in the first end and stealing one in the second. They continued to dominate, ending the game with a three-point score in the seventh end that sealed their victory and a direct path to the semi-finals.
“I think it’s also big that we’ve played these last few games in fewer than 10 ends,” Jacobs remarked after the win against the United States. “We’ve saved our bodies quite well, but we just locked up a lot of good stuff. I think we locked up hammer and rocks, and all that good stuff, and first place, so we’re really pleased.”
Switzerland also secured a direct route to the semi-finals, finishing second in the standings after a series of strong performances, including a 9-5 victory over Korea and a narrow 6-5 win against Czechia. The Swiss team will be looking to capitalize on their momentum as they prepare to face the winner of the qualification match between China and Norway.
China ended the round-robin stage in third place, following a remarkable 10-1 win over Korea and a convincing 9-2 victory against Scotland. The latter match was particularly crucial, as it pushed Scotland down to fifth place, forcing them to face defending champions Sweden in the qualification game.
Sweden, who finished fourth overall, managed to recover from a morning loss to Italy, defeating Norway 6-4 in their final round-robin match. This win ensured their place in the playoffs, where they will face Scotland for a chance to compete against Canada in the semi-finals.
The play-off scenario is not just about medals; it also carries significant implications for Olympic qualification. The World Men’s Curling Championship serves as a vital opportunity for teams to earn points towards qualification for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The top seven teams from this championship will secure spots, alongside the host nation, Italy.
As the tournament progresses, the intensity is palpable. Teams like Norway, who finished sixth, will face China in a must-win match to keep their Olympic hopes alive. Norway's earlier victory over Austria helped them clinch the sixth spot, but they will need to dig deep against a strong Chinese side.
Brad Jacobs and his Canadian team have their sights set on breaking a gold medal drought that has lasted since 2017. With a new squad and a strong showing in the round-robin, Jacobs, who replaced Brad Gushue after Gushue’s three consecutive runner-up finishes, is determined to lead Canada to victory.
The semi-finals are set to take place on April 6, with Canada awaiting the winner of the Scotland-Sweden match, while China prepares to face Norway. The bronze and gold medal games will follow on April 7, promising an exhilarating conclusion to this year’s championship.
Fans can catch all the action live on TSN, with streaming available on TSN.ca and the TSN app. The excitement continues to build as teams battle not only for medals but also for a chance to secure their places in Olympic history.
The World Men’s Curling Championship has showcased thrilling matches and intense rivalries, with each game bringing its own drama and excitement. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the ice in Moose Jaw, where champions will be crowned and Olympic dreams will be realized.
