【Curling】SC Karuizawa Club Claims Stunning Comeback Victory at the 2026 Black Label Cup! Behind the Scenes of a Thriller That Stunned a Canadian Pair
It was like watching a drama unfold on ice. The "Curling Black Label Cup 2026" came to a close in Karuizawa, Nagano on March 18. In the final, home favourites SC Karuizawa Club pulled off a last-ditch comeback against Chubu Zaisan Kyoku to secure a thrilling debut victory. It was a moment that brought the packed crowd to its feet, and no doubt had curling fans across the nation cheering at their screens.
Chess on ice: A final-end turnaround
Watching the final live was an absolutely nail-biting experience. SC Karuizawa spent much of the middle of the game playing catch-up. But they never panicked. Skip Yusuke Morozumi calmly steered the ship, and they finally snatched the lead in the final end. Feeling the pressure of the last stone, he delivered a textbook double takeout to seal the win. It was a particularly moving moment to see an emotional Morozumi say after the match, "The support from the local crowd really carried us through."
A world-class stage with Canadian challengers
Another major highlight of the tournament was the participation of a top pair invited straight from the heart of Canadian curling. This young Canadian team, finalists at last year's World Championships, wowed Japanese fans with their pinpoint accuracy from the very first qualifier. Although they lost to Karuizawa in the semis, their performance was a huge boost for the Japanese players. After the game, they shared a moment of mutual respect with the Karuizawa team, showing the spirit of matesmanship that transcends competition.
A fresh pairing: Curling and craft beer
The Black Label Cup is more than just a competition. The Black Label beer that gives the tournament its name is a special brew created in collaboration with a local craft brewery in Karuizawa. A dedicated "Curling Brewery" corner at the venue was a real hit, with fans chatting over craft beers long after the last stone was thrown. It seems to have well and truly established itself as the perfect way to wind down after the on-ice action.
- SC Karuizawa's maiden win – A comeback victory on home ice
- Canadian pair takes part – Crowds wowed by world-class shots
- Special Karuizawa brew – Tournament-exclusive beer a huge hit
- Record attendance – Stands packed day after day
- A glimpse of future stars – Young guns shine bright
Eyes on the prize: The future of Japanese curling
With this momentum, SC Karuizawa Club has given themselves a massive confidence boost ahead of next month's national championships. Watching them play, you don't just see technical skill; you feel a real "spirit of enjoying the game" in everything they do. The on-ice battles are fierce, but afterwards, players are all smiles, celebrating each other's efforts. That's probably why Japanese curling is so loved overseas. Word has it even more top international teams are keen to join next year. We can't wait to see another new chapter unfold on the Karuizawa ice.