The world’s best in curling is on full display in the capital city this week.

The first stones were thrown at the Mary Brown’s Centre this morning, kicking off the KIOTI National Grand Slam.

The event features 16 of the best men’s and 16 top women’s teams battling it out for a spot in Sunday’s championship matches.

Brad Gushue and his St. John’s rink are among the top teams competing and are expected to pack the house this week.

Nic Sulsky, CEO of the Curling Group, says they’re expecting Thursday night’s draw between Gushue and Mike McEwan to be electric, and that’s exactly what they want.

Gushue’s first match is this afternoon at 3 p.m. against Marc Muskatewitz’s German-based rink.