European Curling Championships

The autumn tournament

The first European Curling Championships took place in 1975 in Megève, France. Since then they have been held every year, usually in November. For European teams they are the first major championship of the season and at the same time the route to the world championship.

Divisions

Because many European nations play curling, the championships are divided into divisions. The strongest teams play for the title in the A division. Below are the B and C divisions. The best teams are promoted and the weakest relegated. This way, smaller curling nations also regularly get games at a suitable level.

World championship qualification

The placings in the A division decide which European nations take part in the men's world championship and the women's world championship. For many teams the most important goal is therefore not the title but a place among the world championship participants.

Format

In the A division, the teams play a round robin in which every team plays every other. The top four play semi-finals and a final. At the same time, the bottom teams fight against relegation to the B division. The format can change and is published by World Curling in advance.

Successful nations

Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland and Norway are among the most successful men's nations. Among the women, Sweden, Switzerland and Scotland are strong. Germany has also won European titles, above all in women's curling with teams led by Andrea Schöpp. In recent years Italy and other countries have grown stronger.

Hosts

The championships are held in different countries, often in Switzerland, Scotland or Scandinavia. For fans from Germany, Austria and Switzerland they are often within reach. Games are usually well attended, and the atmosphere is friendly.

Mixed and other tournaments

Besides the European championships for women's and men's teams, there are other competitions in Europe, such as tournaments in mixed format with mixed four-player teams. Juniors also play their own championships. For clubs from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, taking part in the European championships is usually the most important goal of the season, because it decides world championship places. National championships and leagues therefore often serve as qualification for selection.

Well-known European champions

Scotland's David Murdoch and Sweden's Niklas Edin won several men's European titles. Among the women, Sweden's Anette Norberg and Scotland's Eve Muirhead shaped many editions. Muirhead also won Olympic gold with Great Britain in 2022.

Germany at the European championships

Germany's greatest European successes go back to the women's teams led by Andrea Schöpp, which won numerous European titles and medals. In the men's event, Germany was regularly among the leading group, especially in the 1990s and 2000s. Today German teams fight to stay in the A division and secure world championship places.

Switzerland

Switzerland is almost always a medal contender at the European championships, for women and men alike. Several Swiss cities have hosted the event. For Swiss teams, the European championships are often the acid test before the world championship.

Juniors and youth

There are separate competitions for players under 21, from which many later European championship teams emerge.

Senior and mixed tournaments are also part of World Curling's European calendar.