Alexander Lynskey
Australia
Alexander Lynskey is an Australian professional poker player from Melbourne, now residing in Brisbane, best known for winning a WSOP Short Deck event in 2019 and finishing 10th in the 2016 WSOP Main Event. He has accumulated over $5.3 million in live tournament earnings as of May 2026.
Early Life and Background
Alexander Lynskey was born in Melbourne, Australia, and currently resides in Brisbane. Details of his early poker career are limited, but he emerged as a notable figure in the Australian poker scene through consistent tournament performances. He is active both live and online, using the handle 'lynskey99' on PocketFives and other platforms.
Major Tournament Successes
Lynskey's most significant achievement came in 2019 when he won Event #55: $10,000 Short Deck No-Limit Hold'em at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). The event attracted 219 entrants, and Lynskey defeated a tough final table to claim the first prize of $1,500,000, his largest live cash to date. This victory earned him the nickname 'Short Deck King' among Chinese poker enthusiasts.
In 2016, Lynskey made a deep run in the WSOP Main Event, finishing in 10th place for $526,778. He entered the final table as the shortest stack but managed several crucial double-ups before being eliminated. His performance showcased his patience and ability to navigate short-stacked situations.
Lynskey also achieved runner-up status in a 2018 WSOP $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em event, adding to his resume. Beyond the WSOP, he has cashed in multiple tournaments, including the Aussie Millions and other high-stakes series. As of May 2026, his live tournament earnings stand at $5,371,276 across 124 recorded cashes, with a latest cash of $19,869 on May 4, 2026. He ranks 463rd on the all-time money list.
Playing Approach and Online Presence
Lynskey is known for an aggressive style that leverages position and pot control effectively. In short deck games, he demonstrates strong mathematical precision and adaptability to high variance. Observers note his patience when short-stacked at final tables, often finding timely double-ups rather than forcing all-in situations prematurely. He has emphasized in interviews the importance of strict bankroll management and emotional balance for a sustainable poker career.
Online, Lynskey is active under the alias 'lynskey99', with a significant number of cashes tracked by PocketFives. His online play complements his live success, reflecting a well-rounded skill set across formats.
Legacy and Ongoing Career
Lynskey continues to compete at high levels, with recent cashes in 2026 demonstrating his enduring competitiveness. He is recognized as one of Australia's leading tournament players, particularly in niche variants like short deck. His WSOP victory and Main Event final table have cemented his status as a prominent figure in the global poker circuit.
Career Earnings and Rankings
As of May 2026, Alexander Lynskey's total live tournament earnings are $5,371,276 across 124 recorded cashes. He holds the 463rd position on the all-time money list. His best live cash remains the $1,500,000 from his WSOP Short Deck victory. Recent updates from the PokerGO Tour and The Hendon Mob confirm these figures. His GPID (Global Poker Index identification) is assigned for tournament registration.
Impact on the Short Deck Variant
Lynskey's victory in the first WSOP Short Deck event brought significant attention to the variant, which had previously been popular mainly in Asia. He has since become an unofficial ambassador for short deck poker, participating in high-stakes cash games and promotional events. His success inspired many Australian players to explore the format, contributing to its global growth.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Lynskey is known to participate in charity poker events, including the Aussie Millions Charity Series, and has donated a portion of his winnings to local Melbourne charities. He also mentors aspiring players through online forums and occasional coaching sessions, sharing insights on bankroll management and tournament strategy.
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