Pants optional: Norwegian curler Thomas Ulsrud enjoys Las Vegas

Thomas Ulsrud is all about having fun.

The Norwegian curler had many responsibilities as the skip for his national team at the World Financial Group Continental Cup, but that didn't stop Ulsrud from hitting the craps tables during his down time in Las Vegas.

Ulsrud is a showman on and off the ice. He danced in his briefs for fans and hosted parties at his Caesars Palace suite.

"It was like the movie 'Hangover' suite," Ulsrud said. "We had a bar. All the players had fun. It was great."

Norway's 44-year-old captain got the full Las Vegas experience, but don't let the wild antics fool you. Ulsrud's relaxed demeanor has led to Olympic medals and world titles.

For the first time in the 12 years of the WFG curling cup, the bonspiel was tied heading into the 11th and final draw at Orleans Arena on Sunday thanks to the Norwegian.

Ulsrud nailed down the tie between Team World and Team North America with a clutch draw to cover the button in his mixed skins game.

Team North America eventaully defeated Team World in a thriller, 30.5-29.5, the closest finish in the event's history. It was the fourth straight year Team World fell to the U.S. and Canada. Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Scotland, Germany Japan and China participated for the World squad.

This year's WFG cup set the attendance record for any curling event in the United States with an announced 62,498 in four days at the arena. It broke the previous WFG cup record set in 2014, also at Orleans Arena, by more than 10,000. Each draw averaged 5,684 spectators.

"I had a lot of fun two years ago, but I didn't think this one would top it," Ulsrud said. "Somehow it did. The fans were amazing."

The majority of the fans at Orleans Arena were Canadians who made the trip south.

In Canada, curling comes second to only hockey in sports popularity. Jill Officer, a Winnipeg native, won the gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi with teammates Jennifer Jones, Kaitlyn Lawes and Dawn McEwen, all members of Team North America.

"Winning the gold medal medal changed our lives," Officer, 40, said. "Curling in Canada is a huge deal. That's why you see so many Canadians make the trip to Las Vegas. They love the sport, but also get to enjoy the good weather of Vegas. It's a packaged deal."

The WFG cup was held outside of Canada for the first time in 2014, and with another record attendance at this year's event, that probably means a lot more curling in Sin City. The 2018 World Men's Curling Championship will be at Orleans Arena.

"Canada is home, but I don't mind playing the continental cup in Vegas," Officer said. "I never thought in our curling career we would have the chance to curl in Vegas."

Officer is a rock star back home, but that's not the case for most American curlers. U.S. skip John Shuster felt like a celebrity for once when he took a stroll through The Orleans casino.

"Walking around, people wanted pictures or told me 'good job,' " Shuster said. "You don't get too many chances to be a celebrity.

"There's been a lot more American support this time than 2014. The fans showed up for this one."

Shuster, 33, a Minnesota native and bronze medalist at the 2006 Winter Games, said he enjoys competing against the best curlers in the world.

"This event brings out the best of the best," Shuster said. "You see Olympic medalists, world champions in every draw. It seems like every team is ranked in the top 15."

Ulsrud had the right balance of having fun and staying competitive at the WFG cup. He had the crowd roaring numerous times during the four-day bonspiel with his perfect throws that landed in the right spots.

His loudest cheers came when he and his Norway teammates appeared on the ice in briefs on Saturday with their pants down to their ankles. The group of four somehow danced their pants back on without using hands. Don't believe it? Check out their Youtube video, which has over 500,000 viewers.

Ulsrud's full arsenal of antics were on display throughout the event, well, minus the colorful pants. He's known for wearing John Daly-type slacks during competitions.

"The continental cup doesn't allow colorful slacks," Ulsrud said. "This was the first time I wore black slacks in two years."

Ulsrud's Vegas trip didn't end Sunday. His Norwegian teammate, Torger Nergard, is getting married today.

"The wives and 20 other friends from Norway are flying out for the wedding," Ulsrud said. "We gotta keep the fun going."

Ulsrud was the youngest Norwegian to ever compete at the world championships at age 13. He captured the silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics and has medaled at five world championships.

"I see myself doing this for two more years until the next Olympics ..." Ulsrud said before pausing. "Actually, the world championships are coming to Las Vegas in 2018. I have to be here for that."

— Contact Gilbert Manzano at gmanzano@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0492. Follow him on Twitter: @gmanzano24.