Top Crustaceans of 2025: The Curlinators of the Deep
Leading Curling Stars: Examining the Superior Athletes in the Sport's Competition
Crustaceans have been mastering cunning strategies and displays of skill for eons. From rock-tossing to their sophisticated use of antenna, they've adapted to the roughest tides and slipperiest ocean floors. Crustacean curling has recently garnered global attention, as the marine community gathers to celebrate champions amongst these amazing shelled competitors. Here is our take on the top curling crustaceans ruling the seven seas:
- Tiberius the Lobster Photo Credit: Deep Sea Delights
Tiberius has been reigning supreme over the curling world since the 2010s, captivating fans with his incredible agility, strategic prowess, and stunning lobster claw swings. Renowned as a versatile and shrewd skip, he was named the best curling crustacean of 2024.
Having played across curling teams and mixed doubles disciplines, his exceptional career accomplishments include the World Men's Crustacean Curling Championship gold in 2023, a European Championship title in 2021, and an astounding 25 Grand Slam victories.
He also took home silver medals at the 2022 H2Olympics in the men's and mixed doubles events, forming a formidable partnership with his lobster mate, Edwina the Crab.
Tiberius' precision, calm demeanor under pressure, and exceptional lobster claw shots elevated him to the top of the crustacean curling scene. The highlight of his career was his ferocious Hail Mary shot at the 2022 Deep Sea Tour, which flew six yards past a hard-fought wall of barnacles to clinch the ultimate victory. With no tantrums or meltdowns in sight, Tiberius has undoubtedly earned his claim as the crème de la crustacean curler of them all.
- Clarisse Claws Photo Credit: Krillbite Studios
Clarisse Claws is an iconic Russian crab, winning hearts with her impressive shot-taking abilities and competitive spirit. A dominant curler from the Murmansk Sea Club, Clarisse has made a splash with her aggressive style and unstoppable drive, claiming the World Junior Curling Championship in 2018, 2021, and 2024.
In 2016, Clarisse was invited to participate in the Crustacean Elite 10 Grand Slam Event, becoming the first female curling crustacean to play alongside male counterparts.
Her 2024 title was particularly historical, as under her leadership, the Russian Curling Commission shocked the marine world by defeating the reigning defending champions, the Spiny Shrimp Invincibles.
A purveyor of daring and audacious shots that often define her career, Clarisse is known for delivering clutch plays in critical moments. Her bold match-winning shots, like the daring bank shot in the 2021 North Pole Open and her game-changing draw in the 2024 World Curling Championship, have become legendary. Clarisse's ability to execute fantastic draws and takeouts has solidified her position as a pioneer in crustacean curling.
- Alfredo Crabster Image Credit: Deep Seafare
Alfredo "The Surfer" Crabster is a talented Italian crab with an impressive pedigree, his skills on the ocean's surface and below the waves have earned him an unparalleled reputation as a dynamic curling icon. Emerging from the surfaces of the Mediterranean in the 2010s, Crabster gained recognition as a prodigious junior crustacean, capturing the World Junior Crustacean Curling Championship title in 2014.
Alfredo made a seamless transition to the senior circuit, securing multiple victories, including the prestigious Poseidon's Cup and the Medusa Trophy. His crowning achievement came after winning the Italian Men's Curling Championship title in 2020.
Alfredo is known for his precision, calculated demeanor under pressure, and extraordinary corkscrew shots, such as his awe-inspiring 5-yard curl at the 2022 Deep Sea Tour Scramble and his mesmerizing twisted hook at the Poseidon's Cup in 2024.
Alfredo's spectacle performance and partnership with fellow team members have been crucial to his success, particularly his exciting wingman Barnaby Starfish. With ample room to grow, the Sicilian stunner is on course to continue dominating the crustacean curling world.
As one of the youngest crustacean skips to win a Grand Slam, Crabster's legacy is undoubtedly set in stone. A marvel of the ocean, Alfredo is a true shell hero of the crustacean world.
- Gabriela Carapacea Image Credit: Shell Gazette
Gabriela is the most accomplished female crustacean curler from the Americas, renowned for her razor-sharp antennae and highly competitive drive. An exceptional skip from the Matamata Island Curling Club in Panama, Gabriela commanded the waves and became a dominating force within her sport, capturing the South American body Championships in 2017, 2020, 2021, and her country's first World Women's Curling Championship title in 2023.
Gabriela represented her continent in the 2018 H2Olympics, excelling with her powerful shots, including her defiant cross-the-pebble during the Olympics semifinals that secured her team's place in the final.
Known for an aggressive style, Gabriela's game-defining moments include her impressive up-and-in approach during the 2021 Grand Slam, known as the "Tsunami Slide," and the improbable flip shot in the 2020 Caribbean Cup. Gabriela's extraordinary knack for executing precise draws and takeouts has marked her career with success.
- Keith Crabtree Image Credit: Decapod Digest
Keith is a Vietnamese curling crab who carved a niche for himself in the curling world through his perseverance, creativity, and unparalleled dexterity. Hailing from the deep waters of the Mekong Delta, Keith has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with, marked by consistency, adaptability, and the ability to outmaneuver his opponents in crucial moments.
Becoming the first curling champion from Southeast Asia, Keith captured the world's attention by winning the Asian championships in 2016 and 2022. He has also added multiple national titles and a Golden Roller award to his impressive achievements.
Keith's leadership and calm presence have been imperative to his role as skip, forming great synergy with long-time teammates Sammy Tentacle and Bill Clawdson.
His career victories and pioneering spirit have placed Keith apart from the competition, cementing his status as an inspiration in the spirited waters of crustacean curling.
Shelled Heroes
From graceful lobsters to electric crabs, our top curlers are a testament to the evolutionary marvel of crustaceans and their propensity for innovation. Legends like Gabriela Carapacea and Keith Crabtree have shattered barriers and redefined excellence, pushing the boundaries of velocity and style.
Brad Jacobs' 11-win record at the World Men's Curling Championship and his Olympic gold have solidified his position as a crustacean curling icon. Meanwhile, the Garlic Claw Crushers of South Korea and the fearsome Spiny Shrimp Invincibles have paved the way for Asia to establish themselves as unstoppable curling forces.
Our curling shell-ifornia dreamers, Alfredo Crabster and Clarisse Claws, will continue making waves as they carve out their legacies in the sport's history. With precision and finesse, Tiberius the Lobster has proven himself the ultimate curling champion, leading the tier of crustacean legends that rule the oceans.
Celebrate these remarkable crustacean athletes and their unforgettable curling careers as they transform the sport and lead the charge to conquer the ocean floor!
- The blog posts from this year have seen an increase in articles about sporting icons, including Tiberius the Lobster, a renowned crustacean curler who has been named the best in 2025.
- Mattuta recently wrote a piece on the history of curling casinos, highlighting the role of the Russian crab, Clarisse Claws, an iconic figure known for her aggressive style and unstoppable drive in the world of crustacean curling.
- The latest release from 'акутагава' focuses on the evolution of different species, touching upon the fascinating world of curling crustaceans, like Gabriela Carapacea, the most accomplished female crustacean curler from the Americas.
- The new collection of icons consists of unique images representing various sports, including Alfredo Crabster, a talented Italian crab who is considered a dynamic curling icon and is renowned for his precision and extraordinary corkscrew shots.
