Gushue vs Jacobs Today: A Brier Classic in the Making – Preview and What to Watch
If you’re a curling fan—and let’s be honest, if you’re reading this, you live and breathe the roar of the rocks—then circle this moment on your calendar. The 2026 Montana’s Brier is about to serve up the matchup we’ve all been waiting for: Brad Gushue versus Brad Jacobs. These two titans of the ice have carved their paths through the round robin, and today, they’re set to collide in what could be a playoff preview—or the actual playoff game itself, depending on how the draw shakes out. Either way, this is the kind of clash that makes the Brier feel like the Super Bowl of Canadian curling.
The Unbeatables and the Comeback Kings
Let’s talk about how we got here. Brad Gushue’s squad out of Newfoundland and Labrador has been absolutely surgical. I’ve watched every end of theirs, and they haven’t just been winning—they’ve been dominating. Gushue’s rink finished pool play with a pristine record, looking every bit like the defending champions hungry to keep the trophy in St. John’s. His reads on the ice are as sharp as ever, and vice Geoff Walker is sweeping with a fury that borders on supernatural.
On the other side, Brad Jacobs and his Northern Ontario crew are the definition of gritty. They clinched their playoff berth in dramatic fashion, fighting through a tight field to secure their spot. Jacobs has that quiet intensity—you know the look, the one that says he’s calculating three shots ahead while everyone else is still trying to figure out the first. His team’s weight control and that hammer efficiency? It’s why they’re always dangerous when the lights get brightest.
Gushue vs Jacobs Today: The Key Battles to Watch
So, what makes this particular Gushue vs Jacobs today review so compelling? It’s not just the star power; it’s the chess match within the game. Here’s what I’ll have my eye on:
- Skip Duel: Gushue’s finesse versus Jacobs’ power game. Gushue loves to finesse the four-foot, while Jacobs will punish you with a well-timed takeout. Who controls the house early?
- Vice Performance: Mark Nichols (for Gushue) and Ryan Fry (for Jacobs) have been here before. Their shot-making in the middle ends could decide the difference between a steal and a deuce.
- The Hammer Factor: If Gushue starts with the hammer, expect him to grind for a deuce. If Jacobs has it, he might look to blank and keep it. The first three ends will set the tone.
Your Guide to Enjoying the Showdown
For those looking for a guide on how to use Gushue vs Jacobs today to get the full curling experience, here’s the deal: this isn’t just a game—it’s a masterclass. If you’re new to the sport, watch how the sweepers communicate with the skip. Listen for the code words. Notice how the ice changes from the first rock to the last. These guys are playing a different game than what you see at the local club.
The Brier has a way of bringing out the best in both these teams. I still remember the 2022 edition when they met in the 1-2 game—it came down to a measure on the final stone. That’s the kind of theatre we’re in for. So grab a cold one, tune in to the broadcast (you know where to find it), and settle in. This is appointment viewing.
The Bottom Line
Whether this Gushue vs Jacobs today game determines who gets the direct ticket to the final or just sets up a later playoff rematch, one thing’s certain: we’re in for a heavyweight bout. Both teams have the pedigree, the crowd support, and the sheer will to win. I’m not here to make a prediction—that’s like trying to call the wind on a frosty Manitoba morning. But I’ll say this: don’t blink. Because in a game this tight, the difference between a hero and a goat is the width of a rock.