Curling: Black Label Cup 2026 – SC Karuizawa Club Claim Thrilling Comeback Victory! Inside the Epic Battle That Stunned a Canadian Pair
It was like watching a drama unfold on ice. The "Curling Black Label Cup 2026" drew to a close on March 18 in Karuizawa, Nagano. In the final, SC Karuizawa Club pulled off a last-minute comeback against Chubu Property to secure a magnificent first championship. It was a moment that brought spectators packing the venue, and curling fans watching nationwide, to their feet.
Chess on ice: A comeback in the final end
The final, which I watched live, was an absolute nail-biter. SC Karuizawa Club trailed until the middle of the game, facing a tough battle. But they never panicked. Skip Yusuke Morozumi calmly steered the team, leading to a successful comeback in the final end. Throwing off the pressure of the last stone, he sealed the victory with a brilliant double takeout. It was touching to see an emotional Morozumi say after the game, "The support from the local crowd really gave us strength."
A world-class stage with Canadian contenders
Another major highlight of this year's tournament was the participation of a strong pair invited from Canada. The young Canadian team, finalists at last year's world championships, showcased stunning shot precision from the qualifiers, captivating Japanese fans. Although they lost to Karuizawa in the semi-finals, their play undoubtedly provided a huge boost for the Japanese athletes. After the match, players from both teams were seen warmly acknowledging each other's efforts, highlighting the spirit of friendship that transcends the ice.
Curling and craft beer: A perfect match
The Black Label Cup is more than just a competition. The tournament's namesake, Black Label, is a special beer born from a collaboration with a local craft brewery in Karuizawa. A dedicated "curling brewery" corner was set up at the venue, and it was great to see fans chatting over a craft beer after the games. It seems to have become a well-established way for everyone to cool down after the intense on-ice action.
- SC Karuizawa Club's first title – A comeback victory on home ice
- Canadian pair's participation – Crowds thrilled by world-class shots
- Special Karuizawa Brewery creation – Tournament-exclusive beer a hit
- Record attendance – Stands packed day after day
- Glimpse of future stars – Young players shine bright
Looking ahead: The future of Japanese curling
With this momentum, SC Karuizawa Club heads into next month's national championships on a high. Watching them play, you see not just skill, but a spirit of "enjoying the game" throughout. While intense strategy unfolds on the ice, players genuinely celebrate each other's efforts with smiles afterwards. This is likely why Japanese curling is so loved internationally. There's even talk of more top international teams joining next year. We can't wait to see what new drama unfolds on the Karuizawa ice.