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Across the globe, the National Football League in the U.S captures many hearts and minds of American Football fans. The sport on the U.S side of the border is arguably the biggest export of the sport and has already infiltrated international markets around the world including England, Ireland, Germany, Spain, and Brazil.
However, just north of the United States of America, the Canadian Football League (CFL) continues to dazzle Canadians with equal levels, if not more, of intensity and passion witnessed in the NFL. As the current season draws to an exciting close, the eyes of CFL fans in Canada are slowly being drawn to the Grey Cup, set to take place in Winnipeg on 16th November.
Teams have been competing for the Grey Cup ever since 1909 when the University of Toronto Varsity Blues defeated Toronto Parkdale Canoe Club 26-6. Since then, 20 different teams have lifted the cup in a competition steeped with plenty of history and legacy. The CFL odds and lines for the current season currently have the Saskatchewan Roughriders as the favourites to etch their name into CFL history and lift the Grey Cup as we enter the final stages of the season.
But when it comes to the knockout stages, every team will feel like they have a chance. And for the fans absorbing all the excitement and tension, there are plenty of reasons as to why millions will be tuning in to watch the largest sporting event in Canada.
Building Communities in Canada
One of the most beautiful aspects of sports is the way it brings people together. And Canadian Football is no different. Although there is a tight collection of teams in the southeast of the country, the nine CFL teams, several of which are community owned, are spread nicely across the country meaning residents across Canada have a team in their region. Due to the vast area of Canada, it only makes sense that the country and the locations of the teams are split into two divisions. But what that creates is greater rivalry between neighbouring provinces. All born out of the local support for a team and the sporting community created that comes with CFL fandom.
Greater Accessibility
The format of the Grey Cup means rivalries can be carried through even into the divisional semi-final and final stages before the ultimate showdown between east and west. The localisation of the competition until the grand final also makes the sport more accessible for travelling fans who hope to clock up more miles across the season in the hope of going all the way to the final.
But whether supporting in the stadium or in a local bar, fans of the same team can be spotted from a mile away in their uniform colour, kitted out with a variety of items found in the club shop. The growing amount of televised football means fans do not miss a single play.
A Thrill-A-Minute
While the communal aspect is arguably what makes Canadian Football what it is, the action on the field is just as integral and riveting. Unlike with American Football, the CFL tweaks its rules slightly to involve only three downs as opposed to four in the NFL. Therefore, the game play is slightly quicker with teams having to make bolder decisions to get down the field quicker. Playing on a larger field also adds an element of unpredictability to the game.
A Great All-Round Spectacle
When the week commencing 10th November rolls around, fans from around the country will converge on Winnipeg to take in the week’s entertainment ahead of the main event. The 2025 Grey Cup Festival already has a packed roster with events lined up throughout the week to further heighten the anticipation ahead of the final.
As it currently stands, it is all to play for in the race to Winnipeg, with only the Saskatchewan Roughriders looking confident at the top of the West Division. And with every team still in with a chance to make the semi-finals, there could be more surprises in store. The tension is certainly rising across the whole country, and excitement is guaranteed on and off the field as the next chapter in the Grey Cup legacy nears its conclusion.
