Patrick Leonard and his chance at WSOP 2026

Patrick Leonard on his path to day 5 of WSOP 2026

Patrick Leonard — a Briton who had front-row seats when his close friend Espen Jorstad won the WSOP Main Event in 2022 and took home a $10 million prize, while standing on his rail.

In the summer of 2022 Leonard won a bracelet in the $1,000 tag‑team event alongside Jorstad, closing out the tournament for their team on the final deal. He also reached the semifinal of WSOP 2025 in the $25,000 heads‑up event and had several WSOP final tables, but up to 2026 he had never min‑cashed in the Main Event.

On day 5 of WSOP 2026 Leonard entered as one of the shortest stacks, but after a strong spin before lunch he improved his position. He says receiving aces gives him “butterflies in the stomach” and an accelerated pulse — a phenomenon he rarely feels, and he considers this moment a unique experience that could come together in life.