“This moment feels way more incredible than I ever would have imagined,” said Matt Dunstone after clinching his first Canadian men’s curling championship by defeating Kevin Koe 6-3 in the final held in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, on March 8, 2026. This victory not only marks a personal milestone for Dunstone but also secures his team a spot at the upcoming LGT World Men’s Curling Championship.

Dunstone’s team from Manitoba, which included Colton Lott, E.J. Harnden, and Ryan Harnden, showcased exceptional skill throughout the tournament. In the final match, Dunstone achieved an impressive shooting percentage of 94 percent, significantly outpacing Koe’s 86 percent. This performance was a culmination of years of hard work, as Dunstone had previously earned silver medals in the Brier in 2023 and 2025, along with bronze medals in 2020 and 2021.

A Historic Attendance

The 2026 Brier attracted a total attendance of 143,100, the highest since 2017, reflecting the growing popularity of curling in Canada. This enthusiastic crowd witnessed a thrilling final that highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams. Dunstone’s victory was celebrated not just by his teammates but also by fans who have followed his journey through previous finals.

Kevin Koe, a four-time Brier champion, faced a formidable opponent in Dunstone. Despite the loss, Koe’s experience and resilience were evident as he battled throughout the match. “We battled,” Koe remarked, acknowledging the intensity of the competition. The final was a testament to the high stakes and pressure that come with such prestigious events.

Celebration and Future Prospects

Following the match, E.J. Harnden expressed his joy for Dunstone and the team, stating, “I couldn’t be happier for Matt and Colton and Ryan.” The victory not only brings personal satisfaction but also a significant financial reward, as Dunstone’s team earned $100,000 for winning the Brier title.

Looking ahead, Dunstone’s team is set to represent Canada at the LGT World Men’s Curling Championship from March 27 to April 4 in Ogden, Utah. This upcoming competition will provide them with an opportunity to further showcase their skills on an international stage.

As the curling community reflects on this year’s championship, the narrative of perseverance and triumph resonates strongly. Dunstone’s journey from previous near-misses to this significant victory serves as an inspiration to many aspiring curlers. The excitement surrounding the sport continues to grow, promising an engaging future for both players and fans alike.

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The 2026 curling brier is set to take place in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, from February 27 to March 8, with local favorite Brad Gushue enjoying home-ice advantage in what will be his final appearance at the event.

Gushue’s team finished Pool A with an impressive 8-0 record, while fellow competitors Canada, led by Brad Jacobs, secured a 7-1 finish in the same pool. In Pool B, Alberta, under Kevin Koe, achieved a perfect 7-0 record, and Manitoba, with Matt Dunstone, concluded with a strong 6-1 performance.

The top three teams from each pool will qualify for the Page Playoffs, which are scheduled to begin on March 6, 2026. This format adds a layer of excitement as teams vie for a chance to compete in the final match on March 8.

With a crowd size expected to reach 6,100 at Mary Brown’s Centre, the atmosphere is anticipated to be electric. Gushue expressed his feelings about the competition, stating, “What surprised me a little bit is how good I felt,” highlighting the intensity he feels as the event approaches.

Jayden King, another competitor, noted, “We like kind of having our backs against the wall and being the Cinderella story of the event,” indicating the competitive spirit that drives the teams.

As the curling brier draws near, observers are eager to see how Gushue performs in his final event and whether he can lead his team to victory on home soil. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final match’s time on March 8, but anticipation continues to build as the event date approaches.

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