What Is 2015 Continental Cup of Curling

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 Continental Cup of Curling was held from January 8–11, 2015, in Calgary, Alberta, featuring teams from North America and Europe competing in a Ryder Cup-style format.

Key Facts

Held January 8–11, 2015, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Host venue was the WinSport Arena at Canada Olympic Park
North America won with a final score of 32–22
Featured 12 players per team, including Olympic champions
Format included team, doubles, and singles games

Overview

The 2015 Continental Cup of Curling was a high-profile international curling competition that brought together top players from North America and Europe. Held from January 8 to 11, it followed a Ryder Cup-style team format, emphasizing national pride and competitive intensity.

Hosted at the WinSport Arena in Calgary, Alberta, the event drew elite curlers from Canada, the United States, and European nations such as Sweden, Switzerland, and Scotland. The competition was structured to promote team dynamics through various game formats, including traditional team matches, doubles, and singles play.

January 8–11, 2015: The event spanned four days of intense curling action at WinSport Arena, Calgary, Alberta, drawing international attention and live broadcasts.
North America won 32–22: The North American team secured victory with a decisive 10-point margin, marking their strongest performance in recent Continental Cup history.
Team format: Each side fielded 12 players—six men and six women—forming mixed teams that competed across multiple disciplines throughout the weekend.
Scoring system: Points were awarded based on match outcomes, with team games worth 1 point, doubles worth 2, and singles worth 3, encouraging strategic depth.
Historic venue: WinSport Arena, built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, provided a world-class stage and enhanced the event's prestige and visibility.

How It Works

The Continental Cup mimics the Ryder Cup in golf, pitting two continental teams against each other in a series of curling disciplines. Each game type contributes differently to the overall score, requiring teams to balance strength across formats.

Team games: Traditional four-player teams compete in standard curling matches, with each win awarding 1 point to the winning continent.
Doubles games: Two-player teams face off in faster-paced matches, with each victory contributing 2 points to encourage tactical variety.
Singles games: Individual players face off in head-to-head singles, each worth 3 points, increasing the strategic value of depth in rosters.
Scoring structure: The first team to reach 30.5 points wins; if tied after all games, a shootout determines the champion.
Player rotation: Captains rotate players across formats, allowing all 12 team members to participate and showcase versatility.
Event frequency: Held annually since 2005, except for 2009 and 2010, with North America leading the overall series after 2015.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a side-by-side comparison of key aspects between the 2015 Continental Cup and previous editions:

Category	2015 Event	2014 Event	2013 Event	2012 Event
Dates	Jan 8–11, 2015	Jan 9–12, 2014	Jan 10–13, 2013	Jan 12–15, 2012
Location	Calgary, Canada	Penticton, Canada	Langley, Canada	Langley, Canada
Winner	North America	Europe	Europe	North America
Final Score	32–22	28–26	28–27	31–24
Format	Team, doubles, singles	Team, doubles, singles	Team, doubles, singles	Team, doubles, singles

The 2015 edition stood out due to North America’s dominant 32–22 win, the largest margin since 2007. Unlike the close finishes in 2013 and 2014, the decisive victory reflected improved team cohesion and strategic depth on the North American side. The consistent use of mixed formats across years ensures variety and tests all-around curling skill.

Why It Matters

The 2015 Continental Cup was significant not only for its competitive outcome but also for its role in promoting curling as a dynamic, team-oriented sport. It highlighted the growing parity between continents and showcased elite-level athleticism.

Global exposure: Broadcast in over 30 countries, the event increased curling’s visibility and attracted new fans to the sport.
Player development: Younger athletes like John Morris and Anna Sloan gained valuable experience competing alongside veterans.
Format innovation: The inclusion of singles games since 2012 added excitement and tested individual skill under pressure.
Rivalry building: The North America vs. Europe format fosters long-term competition, similar to the Solheim Cup in golf.
Legacy impact: Calgary’s hosting reinforced Canada’s role as a curling powerhouse and boosted local tourism and infrastructure use.
Media growth: The 2015 event saw a 15% increase in online viewership compared to 2014, signaling rising digital engagement.

Overall, the 2015 Continental Cup of Curling served as a milestone in the sport’s evolution, blending tradition with innovation and setting a benchmark for future international competitions.