STATELINE, Nev. – Considering Stephen Curry is one of the most decorated athletes in the country, the fact that he only has two trophies displayed in his home, and one of them is from the American Century Championship, says a lot about what the tournament means to him.
“This is kind of a full-circle moment for me because I remember my dad playing this back when it was as stroke play,” Curry said.
Curry, the Golden State Warriors point guard and one of the most accomplished basketball players in NBA history, said his connection to Lake Tahoe and the American Century Championship started long before he ever competed in the tournament.
He remembers his father, former NBA player Dell Curry, traveling to Tahoe to participate in the event. When Curry was drafted by the Warriors, he became even more familiar with the region and the tournament’s connection to the Bay Area.
“It was like, ‘I want this invite,'” Curry said.
That invitation eventually turned into history. Curry won the American Century Championship in 2023, becoming the first active professional athlete to win the tournament and the first Black champion in its 34-year history.
For former professional tennis player Mardy Fish, the tournament has also become about much more than competition. Fish, who won the ACC in 2020 and again in 2024, joked that he took it easier the following year because he wanted to give the rest of the field a chance.
But beyond the jokes, Fish said receiving the annual invitation is one of the highlights of his year.
“That email that comes through is the best email all year,” Fish said. “You always want to play well, but this whole week is not necessarily about golf. I don’t get to see him (Stephen Curry) very often, but we’ve developed an awesome relationship and friendship.”
Former NHL star Joe Pavelski, who won the championship in 2025, shared a similar appreciation for the tournament.
“I remember in 2014 or 2015 saying, ‘Sarah, if I ever get invited to the tournament by chance, just know I’m going. I don’t care what’s going on,'” Pavelski said, recalling a conversation with his wife.
Pavelski received his first invitation in 2014, and has attended ever since.
“I will never miss one as long as they invite me,” Pavelski said.
