John Epping

John Epping is a highly accomplished Canadian curler, having achieved significant success across various national and international competitions. He is recognized for his strategic play and leadership as a skip, leading teams to multiple Grand Slam victories and provincial championships. After winning the Ontario Junior championship in 2004, John Epping went on to claim the Canadian Mixed Curling Championship in 2006, demonstrating his early aptitude for competitive curling. Epping transitioned to skipping his own team in 2006, after previously playing third for Nick Rizzo.

His career gained significant momentum with his first Grand Slam victory at the 2008 National, where he played second for Wayne Middaugh. Further establishing his leadership on the ice, Epping secured his first Grand Slam title as a skip at the 2012 Players’ Championship. Epping continued his ascent in the sport, adding the 2015 Grand Slam Canadian Open to his impressive record. He completed a career Grand Slam by winning all four ‘majors’ with his 2018 Masters victory, a significant milestone in professional curling.

The same year, Epping led his team to become Ontario Champions and earned a bronze medal representing Ontario at the highly competitive Tim Hortons Brier. He has also found success in mixed doubles curling, competing alongside partner Lisa Weagle. Demonstrating consistent leadership and strategic adaptability, Epping’s team captured the Canada Cup in 2019, an achievement that secured their place in the prestigious 2020 Continental Cup. His consistent presence at the sport’s highest levels is marked by numerous appearances in Grand Slam events, Canadian Olympic Curling Trials, and provincial championships.

As an openly gay athlete, he actively advocates for the LGBTQ community through various initiatives, embodying leadership both on and off the ice.