When the Baregg Curling Hall in Baden becomes the hotspot for European junior curling from 4 to 7 September 2025, all eyes will be on the girls’ teams, but also on the exciting field of participants in the boys’ competition. Although the international field for the boys is not quite as broad as for the girls, the quality of the teams promises high-class duels, emotional moments and real curling fireworks. The local team Baden-Lausanne Markstein in particular is raising expectations – and with the reigning junior world champion from Italy, there is a team at the start that is causing a sensation on the scene. In this article, we take a detailed look at the participating teams, highlight the favourites, the local heroes and the international challengers. We also show why a visit to the EJCT Baden 2025 is worthwhile for every curling fan and sports enthusiast.

Local heroes: Baden-Lausanne Markstein – a team with ambitions and a new look

The Baden-Lausanne Markstein team is the region’s flagship team and will be the focus of attention at its home tournament. Last year, they caused a sensation at the EJCT Thun and won the tournament – at that time still in a different line-up. The team has been reorganised for the 2025 season: Malcolm Bonzon from Lausanne is a strong new addition who brings a breath of fresh air and new impetus.

Skip Nicola Brand and his team are highly motivated to fight for the top places in Baden. Preparations are in full swing, as the competition is strong. The challenge: after the upheaval in the team, it is important to quickly grow together as a unit and combine individual strengths in the best possible way.

Nicola Brand from Baden-Lausanne Markstein puts it this way: ‘The home tournament is something very special for us. We want to show that we are still one of the best teams, even with our new line-up. The competition is strong, but we are ready to give it our all!’

The boys from Baden and Lausanne bring a healthy mix of experience, talent and youthful exuberance to the ice. Their goal is clear: they want to shine in front of their home crowd and compete with the best juniors in Europe.

International class: the favourites from Italy – Team Spiller

Probably the most prominent team in the field is the Italian junior national team led by skip Stefano Spiller. The Italians won the junior world championship title in Cortina d’Ampezzo in spring 2025 – a historic success that caused a sensation on the international curling scene. With successful coach Wolfgang Burba at their side, the team has improved steadily in recent years and impresses with tactical maturity, technical precision and impressive nerves in the decisive moments.

What makes Team Spiller so strong is their remarkable tactical flexibility. They can adapt to different opponents and changing game situations at lightning speed, giving them a decisive advantage. Added to this is their technical perfection: the Italians are known for their precise draws and powerful takeouts, which they deliver with impressive consistency on the ice. Their mental strength is also particularly striking – in the decisive ends, they always keep their nerves and play their routine as if they had never done anything else.

An exciting aspect: Following the recent rule change by the World Curling Federation (WCF), which bans certain broom pads, it will be interesting to see how Team Spiller copes with the change in equipment. Adapting to new equipment requires not only technical finesse but also mental flexibility – and could be a decisive factor in the course of the tournament.

Coach Wolfgang Burba on the challenge:

‘The boys are professionals, regardless of their junior age, and they accept every challenge. The change of equipment is an opportunity to become even better. We are excited to see how this will affect the competition.’

Strong challengers: Scotland, Germany and Romania

Even though the field of participants in the boys’ competition is less international than in the girls’ competition, several teams from the curling nations of Scotland, Germany and Romania will provide international flair and sporting quality.

Team Thompson from Scotland

The Scots traditionally have a strong presence in junior curling. Team Thompson brings a compact team known for its tactical discipline and team spirit. Last year, they performed impressively at several international tournaments and are travelling to Baden with the aim of having a say in the tournament victory as current number two Scottish Junior Team.

A long way for Team Sato

Team Sato arrives at the EJCT Baden from Japan. They played a very exciting and close match against Shinya Abe, skip of the best Japanese curling team on the World Curling Tour at the moment, at the 2025 Japanese Elite Curling Championship, losing by a narrow margin of 6:8. A respectable achievement for the young, up-and-coming Japanese team.

Team Jäger from Germany

With skip Lukas Jäger, a German team known for its fighting spirit and technical class is coming to Baden. The team has improved steadily over the past season and wants to take the next step in Baden, especially as they lost to the Baden team in the final of the EJCT Thun. The German juniors are known for their meticulous preparation and unconditional will to win – attributes that make them dangerous opponents.

Team Pop from Romania

The team from Romania, led by skip Tudor Pop, adds another splash of international colour. The Romanians have become increasingly prominent in European junior curling in recent years and are using the EJCT Baden to gain valuable international experience. With plenty of passion and ambition, they want to measure themselves against the established teams and show that they too are capable of springing surprises. Their appearance in Baden is eagerly awaited, as they not only bring their own style of play, but also a great deal of enthusiasm for the sport.

Swiss competition: champions, talents and local heroes

In addition to the international teams, the Swiss teams in particular ensure a high-class and exciting field of participants. Switzerland is considered one of the leading curling nations in Europe – and this is also evident in the junior sector. Even if they had to compete in the B group at the A Junior World Championships.

Swiss champions Zug-Dübendorf

The Zug-Dübendorf team travels to Baden as reigning Swiss champions and brings with it a great deal of self-confidence. Last season, they impressed with consistently strong performances and came out on top in the national rankings. Their goal is to show that they belong at the top of the international stage and to secure promotion back to the A group at the World Championships.

Team from Interlaken-Bern

The team from the Bernese Oberland, which came fourth in the Swiss Championships, has a new player to integrate, as does the team from Baden. They are part of the Swiss Curling regional squad.

In addition, Team Axnick from Dübendorf and Team Netzer from Basel will be playing at this international level for the first time and gaining valuable experience. They too have recently been accepted into the regional squad as promising prospects for the future.

Team Brand: New line-up, new opportunities

Team Brand, which won last year’s EJCT Thun tournament, will be competing in Baden with a new line-up. The team had to reorganise following personnel changes and will need to find its feet during the tournament. Malcolm Lou Bonzon from Lausanne is an experienced player who has joined the team and will bring additional stability and quality.

The challenge: to grow together as a team in a short period of time and make the most of each individual’s strengths. But it is precisely situations like this that bring people together – and it is not uncommon for them to result in the most exciting success stories.

Time Schedule for the Tournament is available here.

New rules, new challenges: the change of equipment

An exciting topic that affects all teams: the World Curling Federation has recently clarified the rules and banned certain broom pads. This rule change has an impact on the game – especially on the effectiveness of sweeping and control over the stone.

For top teams such as the Italians led by Stefano Spiller, the question is how quickly and effectively they can adapt to the new conditions. The change in equipment is not only a technical challenge, but also a mental one. It requires adaptability and creativity – qualities that distinguish the best teams. Allmost all teams need to switch to the new foam pads.

Experts say: ‘The switch to new broom pads is a challenge for all teams. Those who adapt the fastest will have an advantage. It will be exciting to see how the guys solve this!’

Why a visit to the EJCT Baden 2025 is worthwhile

The field of participants in the EJCT Baden 2025 promises not only high-class sport, but also plenty of excitement, thrills and international encounters. For curling fans and sports enthusiasts from the region and beyond, there are many good reasons to experience the tournament live on Swiss Sport TV or on site.

Visitors to the EJCT Baden will have the opportunity to experience world-class curling up close. The best juniors in Europe – including reigning world champions, national champions and top international teams – will showcase their skills and engage in exciting duels where every stone counts. The atmosphere in the Baregg curling hall is unique: The audience sits close to the action, can experience the tactics and emotions of the players first-hand and becomes part of a real sporting festival.

Another reason to visit is the opportunity to support the local heroes. The Team Baden-Lausanne Markstein and other Swiss teams are the local heroes. They welcome all support from the stands and want to give their best in front of their home crowd. It is a special experience to see your favourite players give their all on the ice and be motivated by the applause and cheers of the spectators.

The tournament also brings international flair to Baden. Teams from Italy, Scotland, Germany and Romania will provide exciting encounters and an inspiring exchange between different nations and playing styles. The encounters on and off the ice make the tournament a real celebration of nations.

Not to be forgotten is the promotion of young talent, which is a central focus of the EJCT Baden. This is where the stars of tomorrow grow up – and perhaps we will soon see one or two of these players again at world championships or the Olympic Games. For young sports enthusiasts, it is inspiring to see how much passion, discipline and team spirit the young athletes have.

Finally, the EJCT Baden offers a family atmosphere and exciting games right down to the last stone. The Baregg curling hall is known for its hospitality and good atmosphere. Refreshments are available, admission is free as always, and the games offer great entertainment for the whole family.

The tournament format: excitement until the last stone

The EJCT Baden is held in the tried-and-tested format: the teams first compete against each other in group matches before the best teams advance to the final round. This means that every stone counts, every end can be decisive – and surprises are guaranteed.

A look to the future: curling in Baden

The EJCT Baden is also proof of the successful youth development work in the region. The Curling Club Baden Regio invests heavily in training and promoting young talent in the club and the regional training centre. The opportunity to compete against international opponents is an important step in the players’ development.

The Baden juniors are role models for the next generation and show that great success is possible with passion, team spirit and hard work. The home tournament is a special motivation for them – and perhaps the starting signal for further international success.

The boys’ field at the EJCT Baden 2025 – a must for all curling fans!

The boys’ field at the EJCT Baden 2025 combines everything that makes curling so special: international class, local heroes, exciting duels and plenty of emotion. With the junior world champion team from Italy, strong challengers from Scotland, Germany and Romania, the best Swiss teams and the local heroes from Baden-Lausanne, the stage is set for high tension.

The change in equipment adds extra spice – and it will be exciting to see which team adapts to the new conditions the fastest. For spectators, the tournament is a unique opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow live and enjoy the unique atmosphere of an international curling event.

So come to the Baregg curling hall, support the teams, cheer them on and experience curling at the highest level! Whether you’re a die-hard curling fan or just curious about the sport, the EJCT Baden 2025 is a highlight not to be missed. The players are looking forward to full stands, loud support and an unforgettable tournament. Be there when Europe’s best juniors battle it out for victory in Baden – and maybe the local team will provide the next big surprise!

All information about the tournament, the match schedules and the teams can be found at ejct-baden.ch. We look forward to seeing you there!