FAQ: Pan Continental Curling Championships

The third Pan Continental Curling Championships (PCCC) is now underway in Lacombe, Alberta, Canada – here are some frequently asked questions about the event.

What is the PCCC?

The Pan Continental Curling Championships is an annual competition for women’s and men’s teams from two of World Curling’s Zones – the Americas and Pacific-Asia. It features both A and B-Divisions, and provides a direct qualification route to the World Championships – similar to the European Curling Championships format.

Why does the PCCC exist?

These championships have been introduced to offer developing Member Associations from the Americas and Pacific-Asia zones an opportunity to compete on an equal playing field, giving them a chance to improve their World Rankings and offer a consistent platform for improvement.

This event replaces the Pacific-Asia Curling Championships and the Americas Challenge.

It was introduced following a vote by World Curling Member Associations during the 2021 General Assembly.

What is the format?

This year, the PCCC features 16 women’s teams, divided into an A-Division of eight teams and a B division of eight teams; and 19 men’s teams, divided into an A-Division of eight teams and a B division of 11 teams. (This follows the withdrawal of Mongolia men).

All teams play in round-robin format and in the A-Divisions, the top four teams move onto the semi-finals, and then gold medal finals for the semi-final winners. In the B-Divisions, the top-ranked teams are promoted to next season’s A-Division, replacing this season’s bottom-placed A-Division teams, who are relegated.

How many teams qualify for world championships from this event?

This season, both world championship host nations (Korea – women, and Canada – men) are taking part in the PCCC and will automatically qualify for their respective world championship. Apart from them, the top four women’s and men’s teams will qualify for this season’s World Championships.

Why are there no European teams?

The European nations have their own championships – the Le Gruyère AOP European Curling Championships – staged in Lohja, Finland in November. It is the qualification event for European teams, with the top eight women’s and men’s teams qualifying for the Worlds.

Why does Canada play if they already have a spot as hosts of the BKT Tires World Men’s Curling Championship 2025, being held in Moose Jaw, Canada, in April?

Although the host country is guaranteed a world championship slot, if they were not to play in the PCCC, they would be relegated to next season’s PCCC (and would not be able to qualify for that season’s World Championship). Likewise, if the Canadian men finish eighth at this event, they would be relegated and not be able to qualify for the 2026 World Championship.

Who can compete in the B-Division?

World Curling Member Associations from the Americas or Pacific-Asia zones are entitled to enter this event and without a top-seven ranking, would have to go into the B-Division.

How can I watch?

All A-Division games will be broadcast on the Curling Channel, however, there may be restrictions due to broadcast partner agreements, specifically in Korea and Japan.

Season and event passes are now available. Day one pass will be available at 18.00 MDT (GMT -6) on Saturday 26 October. All game pass will be available 1-2 hours before the start of play.

Follow the live scores and results here.