Curling Canada has announced the removal of the PointsBet Invitational from its annual schedule. The competition, launched in 2022 with high expectations, failed to gain popularity and has been discontinued. The event, intended to be a major championship featuring new teams and formats, faced challenges from the start due to its structure.
According to Russ Howard, a well-known TSN curling broadcaster, the format of the PointsBet Invitational was a significant factor in its lack of success. Despite relocating to different cities such as Fredericton, Oakville, and Calgary, the event struggled to attract significant crowds.
David Murdoch, Curling Canada’s high-performance executive director, explained that the decision to remove the PointsBet Invitational for the upcoming season was influenced by sponsorship considerations and a busy event calendar. The 2026-27 season is packed with multiple Grand Slam of Curling events and Rock League stops, leaving no room for the PointsBet Invitational.
In place of the PointsBet Invitational, the Canadian mixed doubles championship will be introduced as a major fall event starting next year. The PointsBet Invitational’s inaugural edition featured 16 men’s and women’s teams competing for a substantial prize purse of over $350,000.
Despite initial excitement surrounding the event, the PointsBet Invitational faced challenges such as lopsided matchups and financial losses. The event’s revenue was significantly lower compared to other major curling championships. The decision to discontinue the PointsBet Invitational reflects a strategic shift in Curling Canada’s event planning and promotion efforts.
Looking ahead, the Canadian mixed doubles championship is set to take place in Liverpool, N.S., with reigning champions Serena Gray-Withers and Victor Pietrangelo representing Canada at the world playdowns in Finland.