Connor Daynard: From Electrical Apprentice to Poker Sensation

Five years ago, the world was grappling with a pandemic, and a young man named Connor Daynard from Toronto was on the brink of discovering a new passion. At just 20 years old, Daynard had no prior experience in poker. However, a friend decided to sponsor a group online home game, sending him and a few others $50 to kick things off. Little did they know, this casual venture would set Daynard on a path towards becoming a competitive player in one of the most prestigious poker series in the world.

An Unlikely Journey Begins

Fast forward to today, and Daynard finds himself in an extraordinary position, closing in on the final table at his first-ever World Poker Tour (WPT) Main Event. As he reflected on the experience during a break with just 16 contenders remaining, he admitted, “It’s kind of a dream come true. I didn’t think I could have a run like this.” The excitement in his voice was palpable, given the fact that he had only played a handful of live events before this.

His journey in the poker world has been electrifying, both metaphorically and literally. Earlier this year, Daynard completed a five-year electrician apprenticeship, a feat he diligently worked towards. However, as he honed his poker skills during his apprenticeship, the allure of poker became too strong to resist.

“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 shared.

Balancing Dreams and Reality

Unlike many poker players who abandon their studies or careers to chase their poker dreams, Daynard had a clear plan in mind. He recognized the value of completing his apprenticeship as a safety net before diving full-time into the unpredictable world of poker. “It was always a great backup,” he elaborated. “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.”

Daynard’s commitment to finishing his apprenticeship demonstrates a level of maturity and foresight that is often overlooked in the high-stakes gaming industry. His decision to plunge into poker was methodical, ensuring that he had something to fall back on.

The Road to Success

Despite facing setbacks, such as firing nine bullets in a previous event without securing a bag, Daynard’s luck took a turn for the better as he stepped into the WPT Playground Championship. “I come here, fire one bullet, bag the chip lead on Day 1, and then bag third in chips on Day 2,” he recounted. His confidence soared as he navigated the tournament, often putting pressure on other players and making bold bluffs that paid off.

Connor Daynard in WPT Playground action.

It’s not just Daynard’s luck that has contributed to his success; it’s also his strategic gameplay that he’s incredibly proud of. “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 stated.

Learning from Experience

Interestingly, Daynard was at the Playground just a month earlier for a World Series of Poker (WSOP) International Circuit event, where he experienced minimal success aside from a small min-cash. Before his current run in the WPT, his live tournament earnings stood at only $27,999, including a career-high of $9,126 for a 26th place finish in a previous WSOP event.

But his real strength lies in online poker, where he has developed his skills and confidence. After winning a satellite, he’s already made plans to head to Las Vegas for the upcoming NAPT (National Association of Poker) Las Vegas Main Event, showcasing his rapid ascent in the poker world.

A Bright Future

As Daynard sits in the middle of the pack with 16 players left in the tournament, he is already guaranteed a career-high payout of $19,795, but the hunger for victory remains piqued. With the first-place prize at $296,779, he dreams of securing a life-changing win. The excitement and determination in his voice are compelling reminders of the unpredictable nature of poker—a game shaped by skill, luck, and at times, sheer tenacity.

Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that Daynard’s future in poker is bright and electric, promising a whirlwind of thrilling hands and unforgettable moments ahead.

Photos courtesy World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman

About the Author

Chad Holloway is a PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, podcast host, and a 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner, bringing years of experience and expertise in the poker industry. His insight fuels the passion for both competitive play and engaging storytelling within the poker community.