Social Media Stars Face Off in Olympic Curling Match

Social media influencers Charley Marlowe and Max Balegde traded likes and followers for stones and brooms in an epic curling battle that's getting fans pumped for the Winter Olympics.

The two content creators went head-to-head on the ice with some serious backup. Team GB's mixed-doubles curling champions Bruce Mouat and Jen Dodds joined their respective teams to show them the ropes and add some competitive fire to the friendly match.

The playful competition wasn't just for bragging rights. It's part of the BBC's buildup to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, which kicks off this Friday, February 6th.

Curling, often called "chess on ice," requires precision, strategy, and teamwork. Watching influencers learn the sport from Olympic medalists created an entertaining mix of skill and humor that resonated with both longtime curling fans and newcomers to the sport.

Why This Inspires

Events like this bridge the gap between elite athletics and everyday people in refreshing ways. By pairing social media stars with Olympic champions, more young people discover winter sports they might never have considered trying.

Marlowe and Balegde's combined reach touches millions of followers who may have never watched a curling match before. Now those same fans might tune into the Olympics or even look for a local curling club to try the sport themselves.

The lighthearted competition also humanizes Olympic athletes, showing champions like Mouat and Dodds as approachable mentors willing to share their passion. That kind of accessibility makes the Olympics feel less distant and more inspiring to aspiring athletes everywhere.

As the Winter Olympics approach, this curling clash proves that sports can bring together different worlds in joyful, unexpected ways.