Who will catch up with Brian Taylor in the Grosvenor National Poker League?

Discover the race for the top spot in the 2026 National Poker League from Grosvenor Casinos: up-to-date standings, current leaders, and the odds for all participants on PPPoker.

In 2026, the race for the top spot in the National Poker League (NPL) by Grosvenor Casinos is reaching its final stage. Over 3,400 players have already earned NPL points by participating in and making the money at qualifying tournaments. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the current standings, highlight the frontrunners across the different NPL divisions, and explain what all of this means for PPPoker club members. National Poker League (NPL): Leaders and Prizes The National Poker League is an annual leaderboard where players accumulate points for strong performances in Grosvenor tournaments that count towards the league. Final positions on the leaderboard award valuable prize packages for future live events. As of early September 2026, Bryan Taylor remains the clear NPL leader with 442.02 points. Taylor has held the top spot for most of the year, and with four months left in the season, his lead over the chasing pack is substantial. Taylor’s most successful stretch came from March to May: over those three months, he reached ten final tables, claimed three victories, and made the money for more than £10,000 on seven occasions. This surge allowed him to build a commanding lead over his closest competitors. Brandon Sheils (321.39 points) has climbed into second place thanks to a strong showing at the GUKPT Goliath festival. However, he still trails Taylor by about 120 points. At Goliath, Sheils won the High Roller event with a £1,500 buy-in for £54,130, and two days later finished runner-up in the Super High Roller (£2,000 buy-in), earning £31,500. These results also put him atop the separate High Roller League leaderboard. Mariusz Czech (313.57) currently sits in third place and is in contention for a £20,000 prize package at the end of the year. Next are Yucel Eminolgu (312.00) and Robert Douras (304.37), both in the £15,000 prize zone. Calogero Morreale (287.13), Aqeel Butt (278.55), and Keith Littlewood (277.58) currently occupy positions that promise £10,000 prize packages. Current Top 10 of the National Poker League (NPL): Bryan Taylor — 442.02 points Brandon Sheils — 321.39 Mariusz Czech — 313.57 Yucel Eminolgu — 312.00 Robert Douras — 304.37 Calogero Morreale — 287.13 Aqeel Butt — 278.55 Keith Littlewood — 277.58 High Roller League: The Battle for the Top The High Roller League is a separate leaderboard for players who compete in tournaments with high buy-ins. Here, points are awarded for results specifically in the most expensive and prestigious events. Brandon Sheils, despite trailing Taylor in the overall NPL standings, currently leads the High Roller League by a razor-thin margin: he has 117.84 points, while Bryan Taylor is close behind with 115.94. This means the lead in this division could change hands after just one strong result. Also in the High Roller League prize zone are Chris Balmforth (76.76), Peter Stewart (55.39), and Ireland’s Conor O'Driscoll (52.60). All remain in contention for end-of-year prizes. Current Top 5 of the High Roller League: Brandon Sheils — 117.84 points Bryan Taylor — 115.94 Chris Balmforth — 76.76 Peter Stewart — 55.39 Conor O'Driscoll — 52.60 Low Roller League: Consistency Pays Off The Low Roller League is a ranking for players who regularly compete in tournaments with buy-ins of £300 or less. Here, it’s not just about a single big win—consistency is key: the more often a player makes the money, the better their chances of overall success. Robert Douras (365.79 points) currently leads the Low Roller League, having recently strengthened his position with a final table appearance at GUKPT Goliath. Bryan Taylor, whose name is a fixture in all Grosvenor leaderboards, sits in second place (315.68 points). Also in the prize zone are Calogero Morreale (258.15), Helder Casaca-Sena (173.18), Mariusz Czech (168.50), Philip Tate (165.43), Aqeel Butt (164.72), John Bousfield (156.01), and 2026 Goliath champion Damon Burch-Hyson (153.74). Lee French (152.23) is currently just outside the prize zone. Current Top 10 of the Low Roller League: Robert Douras — 365.79 points Bryan Taylor — 315.68 Calogero Morreale — 258.15 Helder Casaca-Sena — 173.18 Mariusz Czech — 168.50 Philip Tate — 165.43 Aqeel Butt — 164.72 John Bousfield — 156.01 Damon Burch-Hyson — 153.74 Lee French — 152.23 (currently outside the prize zone) Key Events: Festivals and Their Impact on the Leaderboard In September 2026, the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT) is taking place in Luton. There are numerous tournaments, each giving players a chance to add to their points in the NPL and league leaderboards. After Luton, the series moves north to Leeds, and between these stops, the 888poker UKPL festival will be held in Manchester. With such a packed schedule, the current leaderboard positions could change dramatically by the end of the month. The GUKPT and UKPL festivals traditionally attract the strongest players from the UK and Europe, while also giving lesser-known players a chance to break through and join the ranks of the leaders. Quick Reference: Key Players and Their Achievements Bryan Taylor — dominates the NPL and consistently makes the money in both the High and Low Roller leagues. Brandon Sheils — thanks to his GUKPT Goliath results, leads the High Roller League and is second overall. Robert Douras — Low Roller League leader, regularly cashes in small buy-in tournaments. Mariusz Czech , Yucel Eminolgu , Calogero Morreale , Aqeel Butt , Keith Littlewood — all are in the NPL top 10 and in contention for major year-end prizes. Chris Balmforth , Peter Stewart , Conor O'Driscoll — contenders for prizes in the High Roller League. Helder Casaca-Sena , Philip Tate , John Bousfield , Damon Burch-Hyson , Lee French — participants in the Low Roller League prize race. What This Means for PPPoker Club Players For PPPoker club members, the experience and results of the NPL leaders can serve as a valuable benchmark. It’s clear that consistency and regularly making the money—even in small buy-in tournaments—can lead to strong overall results. Robert Douras is a prime example, topping the Low Roller League thanks to frequent ITM (In The Money) finishes. It’s also worth noting how a single strong performance at a major festival—like Brandon Sheils at GUKPT Goliath—can dramatically shift your position in the rankings. For PPPoker players, this is a great incentive not only to play regular club tournaments, but also to test themselves in major events where significant prizes and ranking points are at stake. Finally, the dynamic nature of the NPL, High Roller, and Low Roller League leaderboards shows the importance of tracking the tournament calendar and choosing events where you can maximize your potential. For PPPoker club members, this means planning to participate in key events so you don’t miss your chance to break into the leaders and win valuable prizes at the end of the season.