What Is 2009 World Cup of Curling

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 World Cup of Curling was a men's curling tournament held from November 10–15, 2009, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, featuring 12 elite teams and won by Team Kevin Martin of Canada.

Key Facts

Held from November 10–15, 2009, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Part of the World Curling Tour and counted toward the Order of Merit
Featured 12 top men's curling teams from Canada and international entries
Kevin Martin's team won the championship, defeating Thomas Ulsrud in the final
Used a triple-knockout format followed by a playoff bracket

Overview

The 2009 World Cup of Curling was a premier men's curling event on the World Curling Tour, attracting elite teams from around the globe. Hosted in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, it served as a key early-season competition, offering substantial prize money and Order of Merit points.

This tournament showcased high-level curling strategy and precision, drawing fans and media attention for its competitive format and star-studded lineup. Held annually since 2007, the 2009 edition marked the third iteration of the event and continued its reputation for intense, fast-paced play.

November 10–15, 2009: The event spanned six days at the Essar Centre, a major sports and entertainment venue in northern Ontario.
12-team field: Included top Canadian squads and international representatives like Norway’s Thomas Ulsrud and Scotland’s David Murdoch.
Triple-knockout format: Teams had three lives, adding drama and extending participation for top performers.
Winner: Kevin Martin: The Alberta skip led his team to victory, defeating Norway’s Ulsrud 6–4 in the final match.
Prize purse: Offered $100,000 total, with $25,000 awarded to the champion, making it one of the richest events on the tour.

How It Works

The World Cup of Curling combined elite competition with a unique tournament structure designed to maximize excitement and fairness. Each format element was tailored to test consistency and resilience under pressure.

Triple-knockout: A team must lose three games to be eliminated, allowing for comebacks and extended runs. This format increases match volume and fan engagement.
Pool play: The 12 teams were divided into groups, playing round-robin matches to seed the knockout stage. Results determined playoff advancement.
Playoff bracket: After triple-knockout, the top four teams advanced to a single-elimination semifinal and final. This ensured a clear champion.
Order of Merit points: The event contributed to the World Curling Tour standings, influencing player rankings and qualification for year-end championships.
Sheet assignments: Teams rotated between ice surfaces to ensure fairness, as subtle differences in ice conditions can affect stone behavior.
Time limits: Each game had a 73-minute time clock, encouraging strategic pacing and reducing delays, a standard adopted to improve broadcast timing.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2009 World Cup of Curling with similar elite curling events in format, prize money, and participation.

Event	Year	Location	Teams	Format	Prize Money
World Cup of Curling	2009	Sault Ste. Marie, ON	12	Triple-knockout + playoffs	$100,000
Brier (Canadian Championship)	2009	Calgary, AB	12	Round-robin + playoffs	$100,000 (champion prize)
Players' Championship	2009	Mississauga, ON	16	Round-robin + playoffs	$100,000
World Men's Curling Championship	2009	Moncton, NB	12	Round-robin + playoffs	No prize money (medal-based)
Canadian Open (Men's)	2008	Brandon, MB	16	Triple-knockout	$75,000

The 2009 World Cup stood out for combining high stakes with an aggressive format. Unlike the Brier or Worlds, which prioritize national representation, this event invited top-ranked teams globally, making it more akin to a professional invitational. Its triple-knockout system offered resilience, allowing top teams multiple chances to recover from early losses, a feature rare in other major events.

Why It Matters

The 2009 World Cup of Curling had lasting significance in the sport’s competitive landscape, influencing how elite events are structured and perceived. It elevated the profile of the World Curling Tour and demonstrated the viability of high-stakes, fan-friendly formats.

Boosted Kevin Martin’s legacy: His win reinforced his status as one of Canada’s top skips, contributing to his eventual Olympic gold in 2010.
Popularized triple-knockout: The format gained traction in other Grand Slam events due to its balance of fairness and excitement.
Increased international exposure: Teams from Norway, Scotland, and Sweden competed, enhancing global interest in the World Curling Tour.
Media and broadcast appeal: The fast pace and clear structure made it ideal for television, leading to expanded coverage on TSN and CBC.
Economic impact: The event brought over 15,000 attendees to Sault Ste. Marie, boosting local tourism and hospitality revenue.
Player development: Younger teams gained experience against top competition, helping groom future champions like Brad Jacobs and Brendan Bottcher.

The 2009 World Cup of Curling remains a benchmark for elite curling events, combining competitive rigor with entertainment value. Its influence persists in the structure of today’s Grand Slam series and the global growth of the sport.