🍌 When Curling Goes Bananas: The AMJ Masters and the Rise of Peel Party Culture
Think curling fans are quiet folks politely clapping behind the glass? Think again.
At this year’s AMJ Campbell Masters — the first Grand Slam of the 2025 curling season — things got downright fruity. We’re talking banana costumes, gorilla cameos, coordinated chants, and enough fan energy to make the stones tremble. If curling had a version of the Super Bowl halftime show, this was it — and it didn’t even need pyrotechnics. Just potassium and peel takeouts.
Let’s dive into the slippery spectacle, the actual on-ice action, and what this all means for curling culture (and your wardrobe).
🍌 Banana Bar Crawl > Button Draw?
The Masters, held in London, Ontario, is always a big draw. But this week, the real draw wasn’t just on the button — it was bananas. Literally.
A group of fans organized a Banana Bar Crawl, showing up in full yellow suits, complete with banana signs and, yes, one person in a gorilla outfit. Every time a team made a peel takeout, the crowd would erupt in coordinated chants of “PEEL! PEEL! PEEL!” It was chaotic. It was joyful. It was curling — but turbocharged with tropical energy.
Even Team Ramsfjell (Norway) got in on the fun, showing up in full banana costumes during play. It’s not every day your skip is dressed like produce, but here we are.
Need proof? The Grand Slam of Curling’s own write-up has the photos to back it up. We dare you not to grin.
🥌 Meanwhile, on the Ice…
While fans were going bananas, the players were locked in some seriously close games. One of the biggest moments so far? Team Schwaller taking down Brad Gushue’s rink in a pivotal early-round win. It shook up the standings and reminded everyone that even the veterans can’t sleep on these early slams.
This year’s Masters also features some new rules — including no extra ends. That’s right: tied games now go to a shootout. That adds real pressure, especially with standings points on the line (3 points for a regulation win, 2 for a shootout win, 1 for a shootout loss).
It means every rock counts. And if you’re yelling “PEEL!” from the stands, you better believe you’re part of the strategy now.
Catch the match recap here: Schwaller picks up pivotal win over Gushue.
🎉 Curling’s Goofy Golden Age?
Here’s the thing: curling is a beautiful sport. It’s strategic, technical, and rich in tradition. But it’s also weird — in the best way.
And that weirdness is exactly what’s pulling in new fans. Costumes. Memes. Team names like “Jason and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Team” or “Skip Happens.” Whether it’s during the Scotties, the Brier, or a local bonspiel at your club, there’s something uniquely welcoming about curling’s goofy side.
That’s why we make curling shirts that lean into the fun. Whether your team is heading to a spiel or just showing off at league night, having a shirt that says “Feast on the Button” or “Guard Duty” adds to the culture.
Need some fresh looks? Our funny curling shirts are packed with designs that celebrate curling humor, team pride, and yes — the occasional fruit pun.
🧣 From Sheet to Street: Why Merch Matters
Fan energy like the AMJ Banana Bash is proof that curling culture is evolving. It’s not just about perfect form and clean takeouts — it’s about vibe. And a big part of that is what you wear to the rink.
Just like the banana gang brought joy to the Masters, your local team can bring that same goofy spirit with custom curling team gear. And if your team name isn’t represented? Hit us up — we’ll happily whip together a custom logo to keep your crew looking fly. Email us anytime.
Bonus: Funny curling shirts also make great curling team gifts (and we’ve got mugs, tote bags, and stickers too).
🥌 Wrap It Up (in a Banana Peel)
The AMJ Masters reminded us of something important: curling is fun. Whether you’re yelling from the stands in a fruit suit or yelling “hard!” from the hack, this sport thrives when we let ourselves get a little silly.
So go ahead: organize a theme night at your club. Order a few team shirts that make you laugh. Celebrate a peel takeout like it’s a power play. Because the more fun we bring to the ice, the more fans will follow.
And remember — when in doubt, go bananas.