Brief Introduction of Matt Dunstone
Matthew “Matt” Dunstone is a prominent Canadian curler, widely recognized for his exceptional skill as a skip and his dynamic presence on the ice. Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Dunstone has established himself as one of the top competitors in the sport, known for his powerful takeouts and strategic prowess. Nicknamed “The Sheriff,” he has carved out a significant career that began with remarkable success at the junior level, where he secured two Canadian Junior Curling Championships. His transition to the men’s circuit has been marked by multiple appearances at the Tim Hortons Brier, Canada’s national men’s championship, where he has claimed several medals. Beyond his athletic achievements, Dunstone is also a vocal advocate for players’ rights within the curling community and balances his demanding athletic career with a professional life as a mortgage broker. His journey reflects both a deep family heritage in the sport and a modern approach to being a professional athlete.
Matt Dunstone Overview
| Full Name | Matthew Dunstone |
| Date of Birth | June 25, 1995 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 30 |
| Birthplace | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Profession | Professional Curler, Mortgage Broker |
| Husband/Wife | Not married |
| Family | Dean Dunstone (Father), Jim and Carol Dunstone (Grandparents) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Erin Pincott |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Matt Dunstone
Matt Dunstone was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, a city with a rich curling tradition. His immersion in the sport was almost inevitable, given his family’s deep-seated passion and history in curling. His father, Dean, was a competitive curler, and his grandparents, Jim and Carol Dunstone, were accomplished champions who won the Canadian mixed title together in 1980. This familial background provided the perfect environment for a young, aspiring athlete. Dunstone’s journey onto the ice began at the remarkably early age of four. An anecdote from his childhood vividly illustrates his early determination; during one of his first times on the ice, he took a fall and was struck in the face by a broom, resulting in a cut that required a hospital visit. Despite the injury, his immediate desire was to get back on the ice and continue playing, a clear indicator of the passion that would fuel his future career. He pursued post-secondary education as a real estate student at the University of British Columbia, which laid the groundwork for his eventual career off the ice.
Matt Dunstone’s Career
Matt Dunstone’s curling career is distinguished by early success and a seamless, impactful transition into the elite men’s ranks. His journey began in the junior leagues, where he quickly became a dominant force. He captured his first Canadian Junior Curling Championship in 2013, representing Manitoba. This victory earned him the right to represent Canada at the 2013 World Junior Curling Championships in Sochi, Russia, where he and his team secured a bronze medal. Dunstone repeated his national success by winning the Canadian Juniors again in 2016, and once more claimed a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships that same year. These formative years were crucial in developing his skills as a skip and his reputation for making high-pressure shots.
After aging out of juniors, Dunstone’s entry into men’s competitive curling was highly anticipated. He initially joined the Saskatchewan-based rink skipped by Steve Laycock for the 2017-18 season, where he eventually took over throwing the final stones. The team won the provincial championship, giving Dunstone his first taste of the Tim Hortons Brier in 2018. Following the breakup of that team, he formed his own rink in Saskatchewan, which quickly found success. A significant early victory for this new team came at the 2018-19 Curling World Cup, where they represented Canada and won the event, defeating the formidable Niklas Edin of Sweden in the final. In 2019, Dunstone captured his first career Grand Slam title at the Masters, a major event on the professional tour, with a victory over curling legend Brad Gushue.
Dunstone’s presence at the Brier has been a consistent feature of his career. Representing Saskatchewan, he led his team to back-to-back bronze medals in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, he made the difficult decision to part ways with his successful Saskatchewan team to form a new team based in his home province of Manitoba, with the ultimate goal of competing for an Olympic spot. This move proved fruitful, as he has since represented Manitoba at the Brier, reaching the final and earning a silver medal in 2023. His teams have consistently been ranked among the top in Canada and the world, cementing the Matt Dunstone biography as one of a premier skip in modern curling.
Matt Dunstone Personal Life & Family
Matt Dunstone’s personal life is deeply intertwined with the sport of curling. He comes from a family with a strong curling lineage; his father, Dean, was a competitive curler, and his paternal grandparents, Jim and Carol Dunstone, are former Canadian mixed champions. This rich family history in the sport undoubtedly influenced his career path and provided a strong support system. In his personal relationships, Dunstone is in a long-term relationship with fellow professional curler Erin Pincott. Their shared understanding of the demands of the sport is a significant aspect of their partnership. In 2018, Dunstone made the major life decision to move from his native Winnipeg to Kamloops, British Columbia, to live with Pincott. This move also coincided with his period of representing Saskatchewan on the national stage. When not on the curling rink, Dunstone has cultivated a professional career as a mortgage broker, having studied real estate at the University of British Columbia. His interests outside of curling include baseball, golf, and enjoying lake life.
Awards and Achievements of Matt Dunstone
- Canadian Junior Curling Championships Winner (2013, 2016)
- World Junior Curling Championships Bronze Medalist (2013, 2016)
- Curling World Cup Champion (2018)
- Grand Slam of Curling Masters Champion (2019)
- Tim Hortons Brier Bronze Medalist (2020, 2021)
- Tim Hortons Brier Silver Medalist (2023)
- Saskatchewan Men’s Provincial Champion (2018, 2020)
- Manitoba Men’s Provincial Champion (2023)
Matt Dunstone Net Worth and Income
The specific net worth of Matt Dunstone is not publicly available. As a professional curler, his income is derived from multiple sources. A significant portion comes from prize money won at various competitions, including the Grand Slam of Curling tour and national championships like the Tim Hortons Brier, which offer substantial purses. For example, the runner-up team at the 2023 Brier earned $60,000. Additionally, top-ranked teams like his secure funding from national bodies such as Curling Canada and attract corporate sponsorships, which contribute to team expenses and player salaries. Beyond the ice, Dunstone has a professional career as a mortgage broker with Integra Mortgage, which provides a stable income stream outside of his athletic pursuits. This dual career path is common among elite curlers who must balance professional aspirations with the financial realities of the sport.
Legacy and Influence
Matt Dunstone’s legacy in Canadian curling is that of a dynamic and highly skilled skip who is known for his exciting, high-octane style of play. Often referred to by his nickname “The Sheriff,” he has gained a reputation for making difficult, high-stakes shots that can change the course of a game. This has made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent on the ice. His influence extends beyond his performance. Dunstone has become an important voice for athlete advocacy within the sport. He has been actively involved in discussions with curling’s governing bodies and event organizers to address player concerns regarding tournament formats, rules, and communication. His role in bridging the gap between players and organizers highlights his leadership qualities and his commitment to the future of professional curling. Furthermore, Dunstone’s success at a young age and his continued presence at the top of the sport serve as an inspiration for the next generation of curlers, demonstrating a pathway from junior stardom to elite men’s competition.
Interesting Facts about Matt Dunstone
- He is widely known by the nickname “The Sheriff.”
- His curling career almost ended before it began when, at age four, he fell and was hit in the eye with a broom, requiring a trip to the hospital.
- He comes from a family of curling champions; his grandparents, Jim and Carol Dunstone, won the Canadian Mixed Curling Championship in 1980.
- In 2018, he won a provincial mixed doubles title in Manitoba playing alongside his father, Dean.
- Outside of curling, he works as a mortgage broker.
- Despite growing up in Winnipeg, he currently resides in Kamloops, British Columbia.
Controversies
Matt Dunstone’s career has been largely free of major controversies. However, he has been involved in on-ice situations that have sparked discussion within the curling community. One notable incident occurred during the 2023 Manitoba men’s final against Reid Carruthers. In the decisive 10th end, a stone delivered by Carruthers’ team was “burned” (touched by a sweeper’s broom). Carruthers himself insisted on the removal of the stone in accordance with new rules, a decision that ultimately created an opening for Dunstone to score three points and win the championship. While the situation was unfortunate and pivotal, it was handled according to the rules and with sportsmanship from both skips. Dunstone has also been a vocal advocate for changes to the Brier and Scotties Tournament of Hearts formats, at times expressing that the tournaments were facing an “identity crisis” and that changes were needed to ensure the country’s top teams were always included. This advocacy, while pointed, is generally seen as a constructive effort to improve the sport rather than a source of negative controversy.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed.
- Twitter – Information not disclosed.
- YouTube – Information not disclosed.
Final Words about Matt Dunstone
In the landscape of modern Canadian curling, Matt Dunstone stands out as a pivotal figure. His biography is that of an athlete who has consistently performed at the highest level, from his dominant junior years to his current status as an elite skip on the world stage. As the skip of one of Canada’s top-ranked teams, his quest for a coveted Brier championship and an opportunity to represent Canada at the Olympic Games remains a central focus of his career. His aggressive and entertaining style of play continues to draw fans to the sport, while his off-ice work as a player advocate demonstrates a commitment to its long-term health and integrity. Balancing his intense curling schedule with his career as a mortgage broker, Dunstone exemplifies the dedication required of a modern professional curler. His journey is far from over, and he is poised to remain a significant and influential competitor in the world of curling for years to come.