KIOTI National fun facts and cool stats
This season marks the 23rd running of the KIOTI National, one of the original four events in the Grand Slam of Curling.
Originally a men’s invitational, a women’s division was added in 2015.
This is the third time Newfoundland and Labrador has hosted the National. Conception Bay South presented the event during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
Team Joël Retornaz and Team Eun-ji Gim return as the defending champions after capturing the titles last season in Pictou County, N.S. Team Retornaz defeated Team Niklas Edin 6-5 in the men’s final while Team Gim became the first South Korean club to claim a Grand Slam championship with a 7-6 win over Team Rachel Homan in the women’s final.
With such a rich history, here’s a rundown of some fun facts and cool stats at the National.
Men’s Division
First champion: Glenn Howard (2002)
Most title wins: Glenn Howard, Kevin Martin and Brad Gushue (4 each)
Back-to-back champions: Kevin Martin (2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons) and Brad Gushue (2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons)
First-time Grand Slam winners: Pierre Charette (2003), Brad Gushue (2010), Bruce Mouat (2017) and Ross Paterson (2018)
Most finals appearances: Brad Gushue (6 appearances, 4-2 record)
Women’s Division
First champion: Rachel Homan (2015)
Most title wins: Rachel Homan and Anna Hasselborg (2 each)
Back-to-back champions: Anna Hasselborg (2019-20 and 2021-22 seasons)
First-time Grand Slam winners: Kerri Einarson (2016) and Eun-ji Gim (2023)
Most finals appearances: Rachel Homan (3 appearances, 2-1 record) and Kerri Einarson (3 appearances, 1-2 record)
