The Birmingham-based poker pro is starting 2026 strong after a solid 2025
Brandon Sheils picked up an early title on the 2026 Grosvenor UK Poker Tour after winning the £2,500 (US$2,900) No-Limit Hold’em High Roller in London. The event drew 72 entries and produced a £157,310 (US$183,000) prize pool, and Sheils closed it out with his £49,560 (US$57,000) top prize.
The Birmingham-based pro has carried strong momentum into the new year. He enjoyed his biggest year on the live circuit in 2025, highlighted by a deep run at the World Series of Poker. That form showed again in London, where he navigated a tough final table filled with experienced regulars.
Only nine players made the money, with Keith Johnson first to cash after his ace-jack was outdrawn. Adria Dalmau exited soon after in eighth, followed by Bryan Taylor, who saw his short stack end when Sheils rivered a ten. Each elimination tightened the field and increased the pressure.
Ireland’s Conor O’Driscoll fell in sixth place and missed out on a five-figure payout. A quiet fifth-place exit followed before James Mitchell was sent out in fourth after running ace-queen into Sheils’ ace-king. Sheils added trips along the way to seal the hand.
Moroccan standout Mehdi Chaoui bowed out in third, setting up a heads-up battle between Sheils and Ryan Fronda. Fronda, a long-time GUKPT presence, fought hard but came up short. His king-eight failed to improve against Sheils’ ace-eight, earning him £33,030 (US$38,000) for second.
Sheils wasted little time celebrating and jumped straight into the GUKPT London Main Event. He ended Day 1a with a healthy stack and remains well placed to chase another deep run as the series continues at Grosvenor Casino.
