Leo Worthington-Leese

Leo Worthington-Leese is a professional poker player from Brighton, England. He recorded his first live cash in 2011 and turned professional in his mid-twenties, spending around five years grinding the tournament circuit before breaking through in major events. He describes himself as a high-volume player who competes across a wide range of buy-ins and formats, both domestically in the UK and at international festivals. Outside of poker, he enjoys travelling in his self-built camper van and studying the game with friends. He has also contributed strategy articles to the GipsyTeam poker community, sharing insights on tournament play and bankroll management.

Worthington-Leese's career-defining result came in May 2023 at the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo Main Event, where he finished third out of a large field for €397,450 (approximately $437,918) — his largest single cash to date. Earlier that year, he won his first World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) ring by taking down the 2023 WSOP International Circuit Nottingham Mystery Bounty event for $11,416. Other notable finishes include an 8th-place showing in a World Poker Tour (WPT) Main Event, a 5th-place finish in the Battle of Malta Main Event, and a victory in a WPT side event. He also claims back-to-back SSOP (Sunday Series of Poker) champion titles, demonstrating his strength in online tournaments.

Beyond these highlights, Worthington-Leese has consistently delivered deep runs at major EPT stops. In 2024, he placed 17th in the EPT Paris Main Event for €53,000 and 20th in the 2025 EPT Barcelona Main Event for €53,050. He also cashed in the 2025 EPT Prague Main Event (32nd for €19,300) and the 2026 EPT Paris Main Event (59th for €17,200). In 2026, he recorded a 54th-place finish in the Irish Open Main Event (€10,430) and a 458th-place finish in the WSOP Main Event for $35,000. His live earnings have now surpassed $2.2 million, according to PokerNews, placing him among the top English tournament earners of his generation.

While primarily known for live tournaments, Worthington-Leese has also ventured into high-stakes cash games. He has played up to $100/$200 on stream in Dallas, Texas, honing his skills against some of the best cash game players. Online, he has been a regular at mid- to high-stakes tournaments on platforms such as PokerStars and GGPoker, and his back-to-back SSOP wins highlight his online prowess. He maintains a disciplined multi-table approach, balancing volume with selective aggression.

Worthington-Leese is described as a technically rounded player with a wide tournament range. His style is aggressive and adaptable, leveraging position and applying pressure on opponents after the flop. He is known for his ability to adjust to different table dynamics, switching between tight and loose strategies as needed. His 175-cash career, spanning buy-ins from a few hundred to over $10,000, reflects a solid bankroll management and a consistent approach to deep runs. He emphasizes the importance of studying away from the tables and regularly analyzes hands with friends and community peers.

Worthington-Leese remains active on the global tournament circuit. In 2025 and 2026, he has cashed in multiple WSOP events, including the $3,000 Mid-Stakes Championship and $1,500 Freezeout. He also competed in the 2026 WSOP Main Event, finishing 458th. On the European circuit, he has continued to record cashes at EPT Paris, Prague, and Malta stops. His Global Poker Index rank fluctuates around the top 400-500, and he is currently ranked 391st (as of 2026). With over $2.2 million in earnings and a steady stream of results, he shows no signs of slowing down.

Beyond his own results, Worthington-Leese is an active member of the poker community. He contributes articles and strategy content to GipsyTeam, where he shares his experiences and analysis. He has also been featured in poker news outlets such as PokerNews and SoMuchPoker, and his Hendon Mob profile is among the most-viewed for UK players. He is seen as a well-travelled English grinder who has earned respect through volume and consistency rather than a single headline win. His approach — combining online grinding, live festival stops, and cash game excursions — serves as a model for aspiring professional players looking to build a sustainable career.