Why did the names of the individual Slams change for the 2026-27 season?
With new teams and new ways to qualify for individual events, we wanted event names that told the season’s story. The GSOC Invitational, for example, is unique in that 12 of the 16 teams in each men’s and women’s fields will be by invitation and not by rank. The additional four teams per men’s and women’s field will be determined by Satellite Event winners.
Why are there no Tier 2 events in the 2026-27 season?
Instead of hosting a standalone Tier 2 event in conjunction with a Slam, the GSOC has partnered with 12 established, global curling tour events worldwide to provide teams the opportunity to earn points throughout the season, as well as direct berths into Slam events. This allows for a clearcut pathway for developing teams to qualify for a Slam through a more regionalized approach while supporting next level tour events.
What is the Players’ Cup and how do teams qualify?
The GSOC Players’ Cup is the new name of the Players’ Championship. Teams will qualify for this event based solely on performance at Grand Slam of Curling events and designated GSOC Satellite Events on tour throughout the season, with 12 men's and 12 women’s teams qualifying. The points structure will be released at a future date.
What happened to the Tour Challenge event?
The GSOC Invitational replaces the Tour Challenge in our five-event season, renamed to better represent the qualification method.
How do teams qualify for the first event (the GSOC Invitational)?
As this is the start of a new quadrennial, we anticipate many newly formed teams. We wanted to ensure the strongest possible field, recognizing that the points system may not yet reflect the true strength of these lineups. The GSOC Invitational allows us to bring together teams and athletes who help define the sport, from emerging contenders to established veterans joining new squads.
What point system is being used this season to qualify for the events?
| Event | Dates | Qualification/Invite | Feeder Satellite Events |
| GSOC Invitational | Oct. 13-18, 2026 | 16 invites - 12 open invites + 4 play-through via Satellite Events | • AMJ Shorty Jenkins Classic |
| GSOC Masters | Nov. 3-8, 2026 | 16 invites – 12 based on WCT points + 2 play-through via Satellite Events and 2 GSOC invites | • ATB Okotoks Classic (Men Only) • Autumn Gold Curling Classic (Women Only) • Saville U25 Challenge |
| GSOC National | Nov. 17-22, 2026 | 16 invites – 12 based on WCT points + 2 play-through via Satellite Events and 2 GSOC invites | • Stu Sells 1824 Halifax Classic • St. Paul Cashspiel (USA) |
| GSOC Open | Dec. 1-6, 2026 | 16 invites – 12 based on WCT points + 2 play-through via Satellite Events and 2 GSOC invites | • Swiss Chalet Women’s Curling Stadium Spiel (Women Only) |
| GSOC Players' Cup | Dec. 15-20, 2026 | 12 teams, No sponsor exemption – based on performance at GSOC events and Satellite Events accumulated throughout the season | N/A |
Is there still a Junior GSOC event in the 2026-27 season?
Yes, the Jr. GSOC U21 will be held alongside the GSOC Masters in Medicine Hat, AB (Nov. 3-8, 2026). The application process will be announced soon.
Will there be a GSOC Military Invitational this season?
Please stay tuned for more details!
SATELLITE EVENTS F.A.Q.
How were Satellite Events chosen?
GSOC is pleased to partner with events that have built strong reputations for delivering high-quality competitions, with established prize purses and strong organizational support. In addition, to create opportunities for teams around the world to compete in Satellite Events, partners were also selected with geographic diversity in mind.
What happens if the winner and runner-up have already qualified for a Slam?
GSOC will award an invitation to a Grand Slam event to the winner of each Satellite Event. If the winning team has already qualified for the Slam, the invitation will pass to the runner-up or the highest-placed semi-finalist.
If all finalists and semi-finalists are already qualified, the invitation will be offered to the highest-placed quarterfinalist, provided the team holds a world ranking of No. 32 or higher after points gained from the event are added.
If no team from the playoff round meets these criteria, the invitation will revert to the GSOC Competition Committee, which will select a team to receive the entry.
How do I apply to be a Satellite Event?
Please contact Scott Cooke at scottcooke@thecurlinggroup.com for more information on Satellite Events.
