Reid Carruthers is aiming for a three-peat at the quirky PointsBet Invitational, which has become an unofficial season opener thanks to its prize money, competitive field, and high visibility.
The five-day televised event, starting Wednesday at Calgary’s WinSport Arena, features the top 10 men’s and women’s teams in Canada, among a total of 32 entries. Both the men’s and women’s champions will take home $50,000 on Sunday.
Carruthers, from Winnipeg, won the men’s title at the inaugural PointsBet in Fredericton in 2022 and again last year in Oakville, Ont.
What makes Curling Canada’s cashspiel unique is its single-elimination format, tiebreaking draw-to-the-button instead of extra ends, and the mix of junior, university, college, and club teams with curling’s elite.
"I still consider this a new event," Carruthers said. "It’s a slightly different format with the single-elimination, draw to the button to break ties, and no extra ends."
"It’s a bit unconventional, but with a big prize pool. It’s also the first time teams are on TV this season. The PointsBet Invitational offers a great early-season challenge and a chance to set the tone for the year."
World and Canadian women’s champion Rachel Homan is the defending PointsBet women’s champion.
The five-day televised event, starting Wednesday at Calgary’s WinSport Arena, features the top 10 men’s and women’s teams in Canada, among a total of 32 entries. Both the men’s and women’s champions will take home $50,000 on Sunday.
Carruthers, from Winnipeg, won the men’s title at the inaugural PointsBet in Fredericton in 2022 and again last year in Oakville, Ont.
What makes Curling Canada’s cashspiel unique is its single-elimination format, tiebreaking draw-to-the-button instead of extra ends, and the mix of junior, university, college, and club teams with curling’s elite.
"I still consider this a new event," Carruthers said. "It’s a slightly different format with the single-elimination, draw to the button to break ties, and no extra ends."
"It’s a bit unconventional, but with a big prize pool. It’s also the first time teams are on TV this season. The PointsBet Invitational offers a great early-season challenge and a chance to set the tone for the year."
World and Canadian women’s champion Rachel Homan is the defending PointsBet women’s champion.