What Is 2007 Continental Cup of Curling

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2007 Continental Cup of Curling was held from January 11–14, 2007, at the Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, featuring teams from North America and Europe competing in a team-based format. North America won the inaugural event with a final score of 38–22.

Key Facts

The 2007 Continental Cup took place from January 11–14, 2007, in Calgary, Alberta.
It was the first edition of the Continental Cup of Curling, modeled after golf’s Ryder Cup.
North America defeated Europe with a final score of 38–22.
The event featured 100 players across men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles teams.
It was held at the Scotiabank Saddledome, home of the Calgary Flames.

Overview

The 2007 Continental Cup of Curling marked the inaugural edition of a new team-based curling competition designed to mirror the intensity and national pride of golf’s Ryder Cup. Held from January 11 to 14, 2007, the event brought together top curlers from North America and Europe for a fast-paced, points-driven showdown.

Hosted at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, the tournament introduced a unique format blending traditional team curling with mixed doubles and team scrambles. With 100 elite curlers participating, the event aimed to boost the sport’s international profile and create a more dynamic viewing experience.

January 11–14, 2007: The competition spanned four days of intense curling action, featuring multiple disciplines across men’s, women’s, and mixed formats.
Scotiabank Saddledome: Located in Calgary, this 19,000-seat arena provided a major sports venue backdrop, enhancing the event’s prestige.
North America 38–22 Europe: North America secured victory in the inaugural cup, demonstrating strong performances across all match types.
100 players: The event featured 50 players from each continent, including Olympic and world champions from Canada, the U.S., Sweden, and Norway.
Ryder Cup model: The competition was structured to emulate golf’s Ryder Cup, emphasizing team rivalry and continental pride over individual national representation.

How It Works

The Continental Cup format combined various curling disciplines into a cumulative point system, with victories in each match contributing to the overall team score. This innovative structure encouraged strategic team selection and diverse curling skills.

Format: The event included traditional team games, mixed doubles, and team scrambles, each worth different point values. Teams earned points based on match outcomes.
Team Selection: North American and European teams were composed of top-ranked curlers, chosen by their respective curling associations based on recent performance and rankings.
Scoring System: Wins in traditional games were worth 2 points, mixed doubles worth 1 point, and team scrambles worth 3 points, creating varied strategic incentives.
Event Duration: The competition lasted four days, with matches scheduled across multiple sessions to maximize fan engagement and broadcast coverage.
Host Nation: Canada hosted the event, with the Canadian Curling Association partnering with World Curling Federation to organize logistics and promotion.
Prize Fund: While not offering individual prize money, the event awarded a trophy and continental bragging rights, with future editions considering financial incentives.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key elements between the 2007 Continental Cup and traditional curling championships:

Feature	2007 Continental Cup	Traditional Championships
Teams	North America vs. Europe	Nations compete individually
Format	Mixed: team games, doubles, scrambles	Standard team games only
Venue	Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary	Rotating host cities
Duration	4 days	10–12 days
Points System	Cumulative scoring across formats	Win-loss bracket system

The table highlights how the 2007 Continental Cup diverged from traditional events by emphasizing team-based continental rivalry and incorporating multiple curling disciplines. This format was designed to increase excitement and accessibility for television audiences, setting it apart from standard world championships.

Why It Matters

The 2007 Continental Cup was a pivotal moment in curling history, introducing a new competitive model that emphasized entertainment and international rivalry. Its success paved the way for future editions and influenced the sport’s approach to fan engagement and global marketing.

Increased viewership: The Ryder Cup-style format attracted over 120,000 live spectators and significant international broadcast coverage.
Global appeal: By uniting European and North American curlers, the event strengthened international ties within the curling community.
Innovative gameplay: The inclusion of mixed doubles and scrambles introduced faster-paced, more dynamic curling to mainstream audiences.
Legacy: The 2007 event led to annual or biennial Continental Cups, with future editions hosted in Canada, Europe, and the U.S.
Media impact: Extensive coverage by CBC and international networks helped popularize curling beyond traditional strongholds.
Player development: The event provided high-level competition outside the World Championships, encouraging broader athlete participation.

The 2007 Continental Cup of Curling not only delivered thrilling competition but also redefined how the sport could be presented to a global audience. Its blend of tradition and innovation continues to influence curling events today.