Stephen Foster

Stephen Foster is a retired executive and family man from Nelson, England. He is a regular at Grosvenor casinos and Genting Club, where he honed his poker skills over many years. Foster’s poker journey began in local leagues and smaller events before he made his mark on the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT).

Foster’s first recorded live tournament cash dates back to 2011. By 2015, he had amassed 13 live cashes totalling £45,578. His consistent performances in GUKPT events earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent, particularly in the UK poker scene.

2014 GUKPT Blackpool Victory

In November 2014, Foster won a £300 + £30 No-Limit Hold’em Re-Entry tournament during the 10th leg of the GUKPT series in Blackpool. He outlasted a field of 86 entries to claim the title and a prize of £6,870.

2015 GUKPT Leeds Main Event Win

Foster’s most significant achievement came in July 2015 at the GUKPT Leeds Main Event. Held at the Westgate Casino, the tournament attracted 249 entrants, creating a prize pool of £124,500 – well above the £100,000 guarantee. The final table featured notable players such as Luke Fields (5th, £6,500), Thomas Besnier (4th, £19,500), and Simon Taberham (3rd, £19,500). Foster entered heads-up play against John Woodhead, who had freerolled his way into the event via a local poker league. With a two-to-one chip lead, Foster’s ace-king held against Woodhead’s king-six on a board of 5♥6♥4♠A♣K♥, securing Foster the title and first-place prize of £24,500. This remains the largest cash of his career.

Foster is a retired executive and a devoted family man. After his Leeds victory, he stated he would use part of his winnings to take his wife on holiday to Portugal.

Stephen Foster’s success on the GUKPT, particularly his Leeds Main Event win, solidified his status as a respected figure in UK poker. His disciplined approach and consistent results serve as an example for aspiring players focusing on sustainable, long-term profitability in tournament poker.