The 2025 men’s curling Brier is up for grabs
The Brier, one of the most anticipated events in Canadian men’s curling, is set to kick off this Friday in Kelowna, B.C. The competition promises to be a thrilling one, with at least three, possibly five, teams vying for the championship title.
Defending champion Brad Gushue is looking to make history by clinching his fourth consecutive Brier title and seventh overall. The seasoned skip from St. John’s has an impressive track record, including an Olympic gold medal and a world title. However, Gushue’s team has undergone recent changes, parting ways with second E.J. Harnden and bringing in Brendan Bottcher. Despite a rocky start with the new lineup, Gushue remains a formidable contender.
Challengers to Gushue’s reign include Manitoba’s Matt Dunstone, Alberta’s Brad Jacobs, Northern Ontario’s John Epping, and Saskatchewan’s Mike McEwen. Dunstone, in particular, has made a smart move by adding E.J. Harnden to his team, resulting in a strong performance on the pro tour. Jacobs, a former Brier winner and Olympic gold medalist, is also a top contender with a solid lineup.
Epping and McEwen, though lower ranked, cannot be underestimated. Both have shown flashes of brilliance and are capable of causing upsets in the tournament. Alberta’s Kevin Koe, a four-time champion, is also in the mix but faces challenges as he nears the end of his career at age 50.
The Brier winner will have the opportunity to represent Canada at the upcoming world championship in Moose Jaw, Sask., and will be a frontrunner in the Canadian Olympic trials later this year. With a field of 18 talented teams, the competition is sure to be fierce and unpredictable.
For fans of the sport, the Brier promises excitement and high-stakes drama as some of the best curlers in the country battle it out for supremacy on the ice. Stay tuned for updates and highlights from this prestigious event.
