World Curling Federation championships hand-deliver the excitement and drama of the world's fastest-growing winter sport to fans and spectators.

From bellowing Swedes to cowbell-ringing Swiss, a cacophony of noise and chants fills the arena. The athletes strain to perform to their maximum potential in the pressure-cooker of global competition, then quickly rest up before the next game -- there are sometimes three three-hour matches in one day!

When the screaming stops and the flashbulbs dim, the competitors return home -- some with medals, most without -- to ply their various trades and careers, and family life. Until the next tournament, the next championship...