The post-Olympic celebrations in Füssen and the surrounding region are over for the German curling team. Following their debut appearance at the Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the team from CC Füssen now faces another crucial test: the World Men’s Curling Championship, beginning this Friday in Ogden, Utah. The competition will once again be held on Olympic-quality ice – specifically, at the venue used for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
“We are hungry again,” said national coach Uli Kapp, speaking for his players. “And back in work mode.” After their performance in Cortina, where the 2024 European champions finished seventh with a record of four wins and five losses, skip Marc Muskatewitz and his teammates initially took a break. They needed time to process the Olympic experience – including the feeling that they could have achieved more.
“Curling is a Game of Probabilities”
Despite some spectacular shots and respectable wins against teams like Norway and Sweden, the defeat against the Czech Republic, despite holding a lead, lingered in their minds. “If you win that game, you’re playing for medals,” Kapp admits, even weeks later. The wave of curling enthusiasm that swept through Germany during the Olympics, Kapp believes, “would have had a completely different impact” with a medal to celebrate.
“The young players performed very well,” Kapp said, acknowledging the contributions of Johannes Scheuerl, Felix Messenzehl, and Benjamin Kapp, all in their early twenties, who proved their worth. Although, the more experienced Muskatewitz, 30, nicknamed “Magic Marc” for his occasionally dazzling play, conceded a few valuable points – and with it, the opportunity for Olympic glory.
Following a period of reflection, Team Muskatewitz spent the past three weeks focusing on fundamental training to improve their consistency. “Curling is a game of probabilities,” Kapp explained, emphasizing the importance of consistent performance at a high level over the pursuit of spectacular shots.
The competition in Ogden will observe thirteen teams compete in a round-robin format. From Friday through Maundy Thursday, the teams will play twelve games in seven days, often in double sessions. Kapp isn’t concerned about the demanding schedule. “It’s tough on the body, but we’re all in top physical condition.” Their first challenge will be a difficult one: a match against the host nation, the United States, led by John Shuster, the 2018 Olympic champion, at 7 p.m. Local time (1 a.m. UTC) on Friday.
The World Championship also presents an element of unpredictability, as many teams are competing with new lineups compared to the Olympics. “That’s certainly not a disadvantage for us,” said co-skip Benny Kapp, highlighting the advantage of a settled German team. The top six teams will advance to the playoffs – the stated goal of the German team. The medal games will be played on Easter Sunday. “Maybe One can pull off a surprise,” Kapp said, hoping for a well-filled Easter basket – with as many of their own stones as possible in the “house,” the target area of the curling sheet.
The team’s journey to Ogden follows a broader trend of growing interest in curling, particularly after the visibility gained during the Winter Olympics. While the initial surge in enthusiasm may have subsided, the German team is focused on building on that momentum and establishing themselves as a consistent contender on the international stage. The World Championship represents a key opportunity to do just that.
For those unfamiliar with the nuances of the sport, curling involves two teams of four players sliding stones across a sheet of ice towards a target area called the “house.” Players employ brooms to sweep the ice in front of the stones, influencing their speed and trajectory. Strategy, precision, and teamwork are all crucial elements of success. The round-robin format means every game carries significant weight, as teams vie for a spot in the playoffs.
The German team’s performance in Cortina, while not resulting in a medal, demonstrated their potential. The blend of experience from Muskatewitz and the youthful energy of Scheuerl, Messenzehl, and Kapp provides a solid foundation for future success. Their focus on consistency and strategic play will be key as they navigate the challenging schedule in Ogden.
The upcoming week promises exciting competition as the world’s best curling teams battle for the title. With a strong team and a determined mindset, Germany is aiming to make a significant impact at the 2026 World Men’s Curling Championship.
Team Muskatewitz’s first match against the United States is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. Mountain Time (1 a.m. UTC on Saturday). Fans can follow the action and find more information on the World Curling Federation website. World Curling Federation
