The 2018 Viterra Provincial Men's Curling Championship has finally arrived.

The opening draw at the Winkler Centennial Arena got underway at 8:30, with 10 teams playing.

With 32 teams there's a lot of talented curlers, explains Winkler native Ben Woelk who curls out the Granite in Winnipeg and plays second for Julien Leduc.

"A lot of competition. It's tough to get here and it's tough to do well. We just need to make shots, we need to stay focused, do our best, and have fun."

Ryan Thomson along with third Kyle Peters, second Mark Georges and lead Evan Gillis play out the Morden Curling Club.

They qualified for the Viterra Championship by winning one of the two available spots in the Central playdowns.

After their practice session on Tuesday afternoon, Thomson said the ice will make their rocks curl more than they're used to but they'll make due.

"I think we'll be able to deal with it. We just have to hang in there. We haven't played much this year so just hang in some games and see what we can do."

Ryan Thomson from the Morden Curling Club, practicing before the Viterra Championship.

Two-time defending champion Mike McEwen is number one seed.

The opening ceremonies begin at 7:15 p.m. at the Winkler arena.