As the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games continue to unfold, curling has emerged as an unexpected crowd favorite, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. The mixed doubles round robin, which began on February 4, showcases the sport's unique blend of precision, teamwork, and tactical depth—a combination that resonates with both casual spectators and dedicated enthusiasts.
At Geneva's Trois Chêne Curling Club, veteran athlete Laure Mutazzi, with 33 years of experience, explains the sport's enduring appeal. "Curling isn't just about sliding stones," she says. "It's a chess match on ice, where every sweep and angle adjustment can determine victory." The meticulous maintenance of ice surfaces—kept at a consistent -5°C—and the physics of stone rotation add layers of complexity often overlooked by newcomers.
This year's Games highlight curling's growing global footprint, with teams from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea, and Chinese Taipei competing alongside traditional powerhouses. Analysts note that the sport's accessibility—requiring minimal equipment but rewarding strategic thinking—makes it particularly appealing to younger audiences and urban communities.
As night sessions at the Cortina d’Ampezzo venue sell out, tourism boards across Asia report increased interest in winter sports destinations. For investors, the surge in curling-related merchandise and training facilities signals new opportunities in cold-weather leisure markets.
