Briar 2026: Matt Dunstone Claims First Title
The 2026 Brier Championship raised an important question: Can Matt Dunstone finally secure his first title after two previous near misses? The answer is a resounding yes, as Dunstone’s Team Manitoba triumphed over Kevin Koe’s Team Alberta with a final score of 6-3 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
The competition, held from February 27 to March 8, 2026, concluded with a thrilling final at the Mary Brown’s Centre, where an enthusiastic crowd of 6,201 fans witnessed Dunstone’s historic victory. This win not only marks the first Brier title for Dunstone but also serves as a redemption after finishing with silver in his previous two appearances in the finals.
Reflecting on his journey, Dunstone expressed his emotions, stating, “I feel very honoured, very blessed, to be able to go and represent Canada on the world stage.” His previous experiences in the Brier finals, where he faced heartbreak against Brad Gushue in 2023 and against Jacobs the year prior, added to the significance of this victory.
Throughout the week, the Brier attracted a total attendance of 143,100, showcasing the event’s popularity and the passion of curling fans across the country. The atmosphere during the final was electric, as supporters rallied behind their teams, culminating in a moment that Dunstone described as “way more incredible than I ever would have imagined that I did.”
With this victory, Dunstone’s Team Manitoba will represent Canada at the upcoming World Men’s Curling Championship, scheduled from March 27 to April 4, 2026. This opportunity allows Dunstone to showcase his skills on an international stage, a goal he has aspired to achieve.
As the curling community celebrates Dunstone’s achievement, the focus now shifts to the World Championship, where he will face formidable opponents. While the excitement builds, details remain unconfirmed about the specific teams that will compete against Canada.
In a moment of reflection, Dunstone remarked, “Absolutely none this time,” referring to the absence of the heartbreak he experienced in previous years. This victory not only marks a personal milestone for Dunstone but also adds a new chapter to the storied history of the Brier Championship.
