【Curling】Black Label Cup 2026: SC Karuizawa Club Stages Stunning Comeback for First-Ever Victory! Behind the Scenes of an Epic Battle That Wowed the Canadian Pair
It was like watching a drama unfold on ice. The "Curling Black Label Cup 2026" came to a close on March 18 in Karuizawa, Nagano. In the final match on the last day, SC Karuizawa Club pulled off a nail-biting comeback victory against Chubu Zaisankyoku to secure their first-ever championship. It was a moment that brought spectators at the venue, and curling fans watching the stream nationwide, to their feet in excitement.
It Was Like Chess on Ice: A Comeback in the Final End
The final I witnessed live was an absolute nail-biter from start to finish. SC Karuizawa Club found themselves in a tough spot, trailing until the middle of the game. But they never panicked. Skip Yusuke Morozumi calmly rallied the team, and they finally managed a successful comeback in the final end. Overcoming the immense pressure of the last stone, they snatched victory with a brilliant double takeout. It was incredibly moving to see an emotional Morozumi say after the match, "The support from the local crowd cheering us on truly gave us strength."
A World-Class Stage: Canadian Contenders Join the Fray
Another major highlight of this year's tournament was the participation of a strong pair invited from Curling Canada. This young Canadian team, finalists at last year's World Championships, dazzled Japanese fans from the qualifiers onward with their incredible shot precision. Although they lost to Karuizawa in the semi-finals, their performance undoubtedly served as a huge source of inspiration for the Japanese players. After the match, they were seen exchanging words of mutual respect with the Karuizawa team, showcasing a beautiful friendship that transcends the ice.
A Fresh Connection: Curling Meets Craft Beer
In fact, the Black Label Cup is more than just a competition. The namesake Black Label is a special beer born from a collaboration with a local craft brewery in Karuizawa. A "Curling Brewery" corner was set up at the venue, where fans were seen chatting and clinking glasses of craft beer after the games – a truly memorable sight. It seems to have firmly established itself as the perfect way to cool down after witnessing intense battles on ice.
- SC Karuizawa Club's First Title – A comeback victory achieved on home ice
- Canadian Pair Participates – Spectators thrilled by world-class shots
- Special Karuizawa Brewery Creation – Tournament-exclusive beer a big hit
- Record-Breaking Attendance – Stands packed day after day
- Glimpses 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 Japan Championships with a significant boost. Watching them play, you notice not just their technical skills, but also a spirit of "having fun" woven throughout their game. While intense mind games unfold on the ice, players are all smiles congratulating each other afterward. That's probably why Japanese curling is so beloved overseas. There's even talk of more top international teams joining next year. Looks like we're in for another thrilling drama on the ice in Karuizawa.