Connor Daynard: Rising Star in the World of Poker

Five years ago, a young man named Connor Daynard lived in Toronto, blissfully unaware that he was about to embark on an incredible journey into the world of poker. At just 20 years old, Connor had never played a hand of poker. However, when the pandemic struck, a twist of fate changed everything. A friend offered him and a group of acquaintances $50 each to kick-start an online home game, igniting a passion that would lead him to unexpected heights.

A Dream Come True

Now at 25, Connor stands on the precipice of achieving a major milestone in his burgeoning poker career. As he sits among the final 16 players in the prestigious World Poker Tour (WPT) Playground Championship, the excitement is palpable. “It’s kind of a dream come true,” he confessed in an interview with PokerNews. “I didn’t think I could have a run like this.”

Daynard’s journey in this CAD $5,300 event has been nothing short of electrifying, marking his first foray into a live tournament of this scale. Despite only having a handful of live events under his belt, his impressive skill set has allowed him to outperform many seasoned professionals.

From Electrician to Poker Pro

Interestingly, Connor’s path to poker stardom was not traditional. Earlier this year, he completed a five-year apprenticeship as an electrician. However, instead of following a familiar career in the electrical field, Daynard decided to “unplug” from that world and dive headfirst into professional poker.

“I was playing poker throughout my apprenticeship and getting good. As soon as I finished, I quit and took on poker full time,” he explained, reflecting on his gamble to pursue a passion rather than a conventional job. His decision comes with a blend of both bravery and a strategic mindset; he wanted his apprenticeship to be a safety net as he launched into the unpredictable world of poker.

The Support System

While Connor had the unwavering support of his friends, notably WPT Global Ambassador Patrick Tardif, his family was initially skeptical about his career shift. “My friends were super on board, but my family was a bit iffy about the whole thing,” he shared. However, as he began to show tangible results—both from his poker play and the data he presented—they came to support his decision wholeheartedly.

This backing became essential during some earlier challenges, particularly the time Connor fired nine bullets in the CAD $1,100 WPT Playground Prime only to come away empty-handed. Yet, in sharp contrast, when he entered the WPT Playground Championship with a single bullet, he took down the chip lead on Day 1 and secured a formidable position heading into Day 2.

Running Pure and Taking Risks

Daynard reflects on his competitive edge: “It is just running pure, doing a lot of putting pressure on people when I can, doing one or two crazy bluffs.” His strategy sounds straightforward—putting pressure on opponents and taking calculated risks—but it also encompasses an inherent understanding of the game that has emerged quickly for him.

Coming off a small cash at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) International Circuit just weeks prior, this tournament has already proven to be pivotal, with Connor boasting earnings of at least CAD $19,795 guaranteed, and a massive CAD $400,000 prize awaiting the eventual champion.

Looking to the Future

Before his journey culminates in the WPT Playground Championship finale, Daynard has plans to keep the momentum going. He recently won a satellite that secures him a spot in the NAPT Las Vegas $5,300 Main Event, further solidifying his place in the competitive poker scene.

Despite still being relatively new to the live tournament circuit, the strategic execution of Connor’s gameplay continues to shine through. As he sits poised among the final competitors, Connor Daynard’s future looks incredibly bright. With aspirations of reaching the top and a gift for turning dreams into reality, he’s not just a name to watch; he’s a phenomenon in the making.

Photos courtesy of World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman

Author: Chad Holloway – PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host, and 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.