A Vancouver Island curling club’s unique beer keg curling event has gone viral on TikTok, attracting over 4 million views in just three days. The Comox Valley Curling Centre came up with the idea for the event as a fun way to raise money for local charities while also utilizing the beer kegs they go through during the season. The club’s general manager, Keith Parry, noticed the similarity between the round bottom of a keg and a curling stone, sparking the idea for the annual tournament with the support of Vancouver Island breweries.
The beer keg curling event follows the same rules as traditional curling, but with some differences due to the lighter weight of the kegs. Participants play on a half-sheet of ice, and the game tends to be more aggressive, with less emphasis on strategy. The winning team receives a big gold trophy, and participants have found joy in the unique sport, preferring to focus on throwing kegs down the ice rather than real curling stones. The success of the event has sparked interest from other curling clubs across the country, with many wanting to adopt the concept.
Despite hosting the beer keg curling event for years, the Comox Valley Curling Centre’s popularity skyrocketed this year thanks to a viral TikTok video. Posted by Erin Haluschak, the video captured a perfect throw that landed the keg nearly on the button, garnering millions of views and widespread attention. The timing of the video coincided with trending hashtag #ElbowsUp, referencing U.S.-Canada tensions, leading to further engagement online. The unexpected viral success has brought attention to the club and its unique event, potentially inspiring other facilities to host similar tournaments.
While the club currently believes it is the only facility in the world hosting a beer keg bonspiel, the overwhelming interest and positive feedback could lead to other clubs adopting the concept. Comments on the viral video have shown support from curlers across the country who are eager to try beer keg curling themselves. The Comox Valley Curling Centre is considering expanding the event to accommodate more participants, potentially increasing the number of breweries involved from eight to 12 or even 24. The club’s general manager sees the potential for the event to continue growing and becoming a popular addition to the curling world.
The success of the beer keg curling event has not only raised funds for local charities but has also brought joy and excitement to participants and spectators alike. The unique combination of curling and beer kegs has captured the attention of millions online and has inspired interest and enthusiasm from other curling clubs. The unexpected viral moment on TikTok has thrust the Comox Valley Curling Centre into the spotlight, showcasing the creativity and camaraderie of the club’s members. As interest in beer keg curling continues to grow, there is potential for the sport to become a widely adopted and beloved tradition in the curling community.
