Connor Daynard: A Rising Star in the World of Poker
Image credit: World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman
Five years ago, 20-year-old Connor Daynard from Toronto was navigating life without any knowledge of poker. The onset of the pandemic changed everything when a friend sent him and a couple of buddies $50 each to kickstart their first online home game. Fast forward to today, and Connor is on the brink of achieving a remarkable feat: closing in on the final table of his first-ever World Poker Tour (WPT) Main Event, having played only a handful of live tournaments.
A Dream Realized
“It’s kind of a dream come true,” Connor shared with PokerNews amidst the excitement, with only 16 players left in the tournament. “I didn’t think I could have a run like this.” His recent endeavors have led him to the CAD $5,300 WPT Playground Championship, where he has captivated spectators and fellow players alike with his talent and poise at the tables.
The Intersection of Careers
Interestingly, Connor’s journey to this point hasn’t been a simple transition from an everyday job to a poker career. Earlier this year, he completed a five-year apprenticeship as an electrician. Rather than jumping headfirst into the electrical trade, he found himself drawn to poker, where he felt more inspired. “I was playing poker throughout my apprenticeship and getting good. As soon as I finished, I quit and took on poker full-time,” he remarked. “And here we are two months later, final 16 with CAD $400K up top. So, pretty exciting.”
A Calculated Leap of Faith
While many poker enthusiasts may forgo their education to chase poker dreams, Connor was steadfast in completing his apprenticeship. It was essential for him to have a safety net before transitioning fully to the high-stakes world of poker. His friends supported his decision, while his family had reservations initially. However, Connor showed them the numbers and gained their backing.
He vividly recalls the turmoil of his earlier attempts at the tables. After struggling in a CAD $1,100 WPT Playground Prime event where he fired nine bullets without success, Connor’s fortunes changed. “I come here, fire one bullet, bag the chip lead on Day 1, and then bag third in chips on Day 2,” he expressed with enthusiasm. “Now here we are, probably like third or fourth in chips.”
Finding Success in Strategy
Connor has unveiled a strategy that seems to be paying off. “It is just running pure, doing a lot of putting pressure on people when I can, doing one or two crazy bluffs, and making moves,” he disclosed. This strategy has proven effective, leading to his success thus far in the tournament.
Image credit: World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman
Past Experiences and Future Aspirations
Interestingly, this isn’t Connor’s first time at the Playground poker venue; he had previously participated in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) International Circuit stop. However, his performance was far from stellar, causing a temporary setback in his pursuit. Prior to his current success at the WPT Playground, he had accumulated just $27,999 in live tournament earnings. A highlight included a 26th place finish at the 2022 WSOP Event #43, which netted him $9,126.
Much of Connor’s growth has occurred online, where he polished his skills and eventually won a satellite event granting him entry into upcoming prestigious tournaments. After the WPT Playground Championship, Connor will head to Las Vegas for the NAPT Las Vegas $5,300 Main Event, marking an important milestone in his burgeoning poker career.
The Promising Road Ahead
As Daynard navigates through the tournament, he sits comfortably in the middle of the pack, already guaranteed a new career-high of $19,795 in prize money. Yet, his eyes are firmly fixed on the grand prize of $296,779 for first place. Regardless of how the tournament concludes, one thing is clear: Connor Daynard’s future in poker is undoubtedly electric.
Image credit: World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman
As the poker world watches his every move, Connor stands as a symbol of potential, showcasing that with dedication, learning, and a little luck, dreams can indeed become reality. As he looks forward to his future, both at the tables and beyond, the poker community can anticipate an exciting journey from this young Canadian player.
Written by Chad Holloway, PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.
