2025 PointsBet Invitational: Essential Preview and Key Details
The 2025 PointsBet Invitational is set to take place from Wednesday to Sunday at Calgary’s WinSport Event Centre. This highly anticipated curling event features top teams from Canada, all vying for supremacy as they prepare for the Olympic trials in Halifax later this year. The tournament will serve as a crucial platform to identify the frontrunners heading into November.
Event Format
This year’s PointsBet Invitational has revamped its structure from a single-elimination knockout to a round-robin format. Here are the details:
- Two divisions: Men’s and Women’s.
- Each division comprises 10 teams divided into two pools of five.
- Teams earn three points for a regulation win, two points for a shootout win, and one point for a shootout loss.
- If tied after 10 ends, the winner is determined by a draw-to-the-button shootout.
- The top teams from each pool advance to the finals.
Men’s Division Teams
| Pool A | Pool B |
|---|---|
| Team Brad Jacobs | Team Matt Dunstone |
| Team Brad Gushue | Team Mike McEwen |
| Team John Epping | Team Rylan Kleiter |
| Team Kevin Koe | Team Jordon McDonald |
| Team Calan MacIsaac | Team Sam Mooibroek |
Top Contenders in Men’s Division
- Matt Dunstone: Coming off a Grand Slam title, Dunstone is the slight favorite.
- Brad Jacobs: The reigning Brier champions, Jacobs are ranked highest in Canada.
- John Epping: Successful in previous matches, Epping may challenge Jacobs again.
Women’s Division Teams
| Pool A | Pool B |
|---|---|
| Team Rachel Homan | Team Kerri Einarson |
| Team Christina Black | Team Kayla Skrlik |
| Team Kaitlyn Lawes | Team Corryn Brown |
| Team Beth Peterson | Team Kate Cameron |
| Team Myla Plett | Team Selena Sturmay |
Top Contenders in Women’s Division
- Rachel Homan: The standout competitor, Homan recently extended her Grand Slam accolades with an impressive season.
- Kerri Einarson: The four-time Scotties champion is a formidable opponent, known for her big-game performances.
- Christina Black: No longer an underdog, Black has proven herself with multiple tour victories.
The 2025 PointsBet Invitational promises thrilling matches and an opportunity for teams to showcase their skills as they move towards the Olympic qualifiers. Be sure to check the draw schedule and standings throughout the tournament for the latest updates.
