In a recent update from Curling Canada, it was quietly announced that the PointsBet Invitational has been removed from the organization’s yearly lineup. The competition, which launched in 2022 with high hopes but failed to attract a substantial audience, did not continue past its first year.
Initially promoted as a groundbreaking championship event with innovative teams, a fresh format, and promises of unique entertainment experiences, the PointsBet Invitational struggled to make an impact in the Canadian sports scene. Despite drawing parallels to the popular March Madness college basketball tournament in the United States, the event faced challenges from the start and never gained momentum.
The inaugural competition, known as “Fall Madness,” took place in Fredericton in September 2022 before moving to Oakville, Ontario, and later to Calgary. However, attendance remained low throughout its various locations.
David Murdoch, Curling Canada’s high-performance executive director, explained that the decision to discontinue the PointsBet Invitational for the current season was influenced by sponsorship considerations and the organization’s busy event schedule. With a jam-packed 2026-27 season featuring multiple Grand Slam of Curling events and Rock League stops, the removal of the PointsBet Invitational did not leave a void as the Canadian mixed doubles championship is set to take its place as a major autumn competition starting next year.
Although the PointsBet Invitational initially boasted a substantial prize purse and featured notable personalities like sprinter Donovan Bailey and former NHL player Shayne Corson, the competition faced challenges with uneven matchups and limited viewer engagement. These factors, combined with financial losses in previous years, contributed to the decision to discontinue the event.
As Curling Canada looks ahead to future seasons, the focus remains on delivering engaging and competitive events while exploring new opportunities to showcase Canadian curling talent on a global stage.
