Connor Drinan

Connor Drinan was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and resides in Chicago, Illinois. He developed an interest in poker at a young age and quickly progressed from online games to the live tournament circuit. Drinan is known for his analytical approach and ability to adapt to various formats, including no-limit hold'em, Omaha, and mixed games.

Drinan's breakout performance came in 2015 when he finished third in the inaugural Super High Roller Bowl, a $500,000 buy-in event, earning $3,225,000 — his largest live cash to date. This result established him as a force in high-stakes tournaments. He has since cashed in numerous high roller events on the European Poker Tour (EPT), PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA), Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), and Aussie Millions. His consistent deep runs in elite fields have placed him 128th on the all-time live money list.

Drinan secured his first World Series of Poker bracelet in 2020, winning Event #83: $10,000 WSOP Super MILLION$ for $1,423,049. This victory came in an online event during the pandemic series. One year later, he claimed his second bracelet at the 2021 WSOP, taking down Event #5: $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better for $163,252. He also finished runner-up in the 2021 WSOP Event #23: $1,500 Eight Game Mix 6-Handed, earning $85,273. As of 2025, Drinan has 14 WSOP final tables and 98 WSOP cashes, showcasing his versatility across disciplines.

Beyond his WSOP success, Drinan regularly participates in the most expensive buy-in events. In 2015, he finished third in the Super High Roller Bowl ($500K buy-in) for $3.225 million. He has also cashed in the $100,000+ buy-in events at the Triton Poker Series and the Poker Masters. His ability to handle the pressure of seven-figure prizes has earned him respect among peers.

Drinan employs a hybrid style that combines conservative early-stage play with aggressive post-flop tactics. He excels in deep-stacked situations and uses position to apply pressure on opponents. Known for sound decision-making in tricky spots, he is equally comfortable in cash games and tournaments. His versatility allows him to compete at a high level in both no-limit hold'em and mixed games such as Omaha Hi-Lo, H.O.R.S.E., and Eight-Game.

Drinan continues to perform well in recent years. In 2023, he finished sixth in the $3,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event at the WSOP for $75,517 and third in an online WSOP $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em 6-Max Championship for $85,714. In 2024, he cashed in multiple WSOP events, including 22nd in the $10,000 Eight Game Mixed Championship ($22,643) and 35th in the $25,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha ($60,672). He also won an online WSOP Circuit ring in July 2024 for $59,558. Drinan remains active on the online scene, frequently playing high-stakes tournaments on WSOP.com and PokerStars. His total live earnings exceed $11.8 million, with additional online cashes pushing his overall winnings higher.

Connor Drinan is regarded as a well-rounded professional who avoids the spotlight but consistently produces results. His two WSOP bracelets, Super High Roller Bowl deep run, and numerous high roller cashes place him among the elite grinders of his generation. He is a model of bankroll management and adaptability, inspiring aspiring players to pursue a balanced career across multiple formats.

Drinan continued his consistent performance into 2025, cashing in the $10,000 WSOP Main Event World Championship, finishing 1048th for $17,500. He also placed 32nd in WSOP Online Event #6: NL Hold'em Ultra Deepstack for $1,710 in October 2024, and won a WSOP Online Circuit ring in July 2024 for $59,558. His ability to remain competitive in both live and online arenas underscores his enduring skill.

Beyond his victories, Drinan experienced heartbreak in the 2014 WSOP $1 Million Big One for One Drop, where a bad beat cost him a deep run. He also finished runner-up in the 2021 WSOP Event #23: $1,500 Eight Game Mix 6-Handed, earning $85,273. These close calls highlight his resilience and frequent presence at final tables.