Connor Daynard: From Apprentice Electrician to Poker Sensation
Five years ago, a young man named Connor Daynard from Toronto was at a crossroads. At just 20 years old, he was unaware of how the game of poker would change his life. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Daynard’s friend introduced him to the world of online poker by sending him $50 to kickstart an online home game. Little did he know, this gesture would spark a passion in him that would lead him to the cusp of greatness in the poker realm.
A Dream Come True
Fast forward to the present day, and Connor Daynard, now 25, is living a dream most aspire to achieve. As he approaches the final table of his first-ever World Poker Tour (WPT) Main Event, he reflects on his extraordinary journey from a novice player to one of the final sixteen contenders in the CAD $5,300 WPT Playground Championship. "It’s kind of a dream come true,” Daynard shared with PokerNews during a break from the intense action. “I didn’t think I could have a run like this."
From Electrician to Poker Pro
Daynard’s poker journey is remarkable, especially considering his background in electrical work. Just earlier this year, he completed a five-year apprenticeship as an electrician. However, instead of pursuing a traditional career in that field, Daynard chose to "unplug" and go full force into the world of poker.
“I was playing poker throughout my apprenticeship and getting good. As soon as I finished, I quit and took on poker full time, and here we are two months later, final 16 with CAD $400K up top. So, pretty exciting,” he said, showcasing his excitement and determination.
A Calculated Leap of Faith
Unlike many who abandon their educational pursuits for poker, Daynard was adamant about finishing his apprenticeship. He viewed it as a valuable safety net when he transitioned into the competitive poker landscape. "It was always a great backup," he explained. “My friends were super on board, but my family was a bit iffy about the whole thing. But I showed them the numbers and they’re on board. They support me.”
Despite his family’s initial hesitation, Daynard’s commitment paid off, particularly after he faced a tough setback. He had recently fired nine bullets in a CAD $1,100 WPT Playground Prime and failed to bag chips. Yet, his luck turned around quickly in the WPT Playground Championship.
Finding Form in a Competitive Field
When Daynard entered the tournament, he fired just one bullet and ended up bagging the chip lead on Day 1, followed by bagging third in chips on Day 2. “I come here, fire one bullet, bag the chip lead on Day 1, and then bag third in chips on Day 2,” he recounted with a grin. His aggressive style and strategic gameplay have proven effective, showcasing his ability to put pressure on opponents and execute successful bluffs. "It is just running pure, doing a lot of putting pressure on people when I can, doing one or two crazy bluffs, and so making moves and it’s paying off," he observed.
Moving Forward: The Poker Path
Before his success in the WPT Playground event, Daynard had participated in very few live tournaments, with just $27,999 in recorded live tournament earnings. His previous high came from a 26th place finish in the 2022 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Event #43, which netted him $9,126. Most of his experience, however, came from the online poker arena, where he honed his skills and won a satellite that would take him back to Las Vegas.
His upcoming journey includes entering the NAPT Las Vegas $5,300 Main Event, scheduled shortly after the WPT Playground concludes. As he sits fifth in chip count among 16 remaining players, Daynard has already secured a new career-high of $19,795 in prize money, with aspirations for the top prize of $296,779 looming large.
A Bright Future Ahead
Regardless of how his current tournament plays out, Connor Daynard’s ascent in the world of poker is indicative of talent, dedication, and a willingness to take risks. His story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected paths can lead to fulfilling futures. As Daynard himself puts it, "It’s been a wild ride, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next."
Photos courtesy of World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman
About the Author
Chad Holloway
PR & Media Manager
Chad Holloway is the PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, a podcast host, and a 2013 WSOP Bracelet winner, bringing insights and coverage of the poker world to both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.
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