[Curling] SC Karuizawa Club Wins Black Label Cup 2026 in Thrilling Comeback! Inside the Intense Battle That Stunned the Canadian Pair
It was like watching a drama unfold on ice. The "Curling Black Label Cup 2026" wrapped up on March 18th in Karuizawa, Nagano. In the final match, SC Karuizawa Club pulled off a stunning last-minute comeback against Chubu Property & Casualty to secure their first tournament victory. It was a moment that brought the packed venue and curling fans watching nationwide to their feet.
It Was Chess on Ice: A Final-End Comeback
Watching the final live was a truly nerve-wracking experience. SC Karuizawa spent much of the middle game trailing, under constant pressure. But they never panicked. Skip Yusuke Morozumi calmly steered the team, and they finally clinched the win with a brilliant double takeout in the final end, shrugging off the immense pressure of the last stone. An emotional Morozumi said after the game, "The support from our hometown crowd really carried us," a moment that left a strong impression.
A World-Class Stage Featuring Canadian Competitors
A major draw 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, captivated Japanese fans from the qualifiers with their astonishing shot accuracy. Although they lost to Karuizawa in the semifinals, their performance undoubtedly provided a huge boost for the Japanese players. After the match, players from both teams were seen exchanging praise, highlighting a friendship that transcends the competition.
Forging a New Connection: Curling and Craft Beer
The Black Label Cup is more than just a competition. The tournament's namesake, "Black Label," is a special beer created in collaboration with a local craft brewery in Karuizawa. A "curling brewery" corner was set up at the venue, where fans were seen chatting over craft beers after the matches. It seems to have become a well-established tradition, serving as the perfect way to cool down after the intense on-ice action.
- SC Karuizawa Club's First Title – A comeback victory secured on home ice.
- Canadian Pair's Participation – Crowds thrilled by world-class shots.
- Special Karuizawa Brew – Tournament-exclusive beer a huge hit.
- Record-Breaking Attendance – Stands packed day after day.
- Glimpse of Future Stars – Young players delivered standout performances.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Japanese Curling
With this momentum, SC Karuizawa Club has gained significant confidence heading into next month's Japanese National Championships. Watching them play, you can sense not just their technical skill, but a genuine spirit of "enjoying the game" in every moment. While intense strategy plays out on the ice, players from opposing teams are always quick to share smiles and praise after the game. This is likely why Japanese curling is so beloved internationally. Rumors are already circulating that even more top international teams will join next year. Get ready for another exciting chapter to unfold on the Karuizawa ice.