The ancient Scottish sport of Curling - a game being played in the new curling dedicated rink at Naseby in Central Otago, New Zealand.
It is the first time a world curling event has been held outside the Northern Hemisphere.
Canada are the defending men's and women's champions, while Scotland and the United States are traditionally strong contenders along with the women's team from Sweden.
New Zealand curling couple Peter and Wendy Becker, of Naseby in Central Otago, are the respective skips of the host nation's men's and women's teams.
The countries competing are Switzerland, Hungary, Finland, Sweden, Italy, England, Scotland, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Japan and Australia.
The finals are scheduled for next Saturday.
