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The 2026 National Poker League: A Roadmap to the UK’s Top Titles

18 Mar 2026

Samantha Doyle 18 Mar 2026

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The NPL celebrates 20 years with the GUKPT in 2026.
Split into Low and High Roller Leagues for diverse players.
Significant prizes include a £40,000 package for top players.

For the UK poker community, the National Poker League (NPL) is the ultimate barometer of consistency, skill, and sheer stamina. As we hit the 20th anniversary of the Grosvenor Poker Tour (GUKPT) in 2026, there's no better time to look at the NPL, which evolved from a leaderboard to a massive, multi-tiered ecosystem designed for every and any type of player.

What is the National Poker League?

The NPL is Grosvenor Poker’s year-long points race that aggregates results from across its massive live and online schedule. Whether you are battling in the flagship GUKPT, the UK Poker League (UKPL), or the colossal Goliath in Coventry, every "In The Money" (ITM) finish contributes to your standing.

In 2026, the league has been split to ensure players of all bankrolls have a lane to run in. The introduction of the Low Roller League (events with a buy-in of £300 and under) has been a game-changer for the grassroots scene, while the High Roller League continues to be the playground for the UK's elite tournament specialists.

JOIN THE NPL 2026 RACEUse Code: NEWBONUSPLAY NOW

Current 2026 NPL Standings (Updated March 10, 2026)

Following the action at UKPT Manchester, the leaderboards have seen significant movement. Robert Douras is currently putting on a masterclass, holding the top spot in both the National and Low Roller standings.

Position	Name	Points
1	Robert Douras	186.03
2	Bryan Taylor	169.39
3	Brandon Sheils	143.51
4	T H	134.57
5	Calogero Morreale	134.31
6	Mariusz Czech	112.33
7	Yucel Eminoglu	111.69
8	Keith Littlewood	109.77
9	Wendy Watson	108.62
10	Chris Balmforth	105.81

Specialist League Leaders

High Roller League: Chris Balmforth (54.18 pts) leads the pack, recently vaulting 22 places after a deep run in Manchester.
Low Roller League: Robert Douras (148.77 pts) maintains a comfortable lead over the "Consistency King" Calogero Morreale.

The Spoils: 2026 Prizes and Packages

The NPL is famous for its "Championship Packages," which essentially act as a fully-funded bankroll for the following season. The 2026 prize distribution is the most expansive yet:

1st Place: £40,000 Package + Grosvenor Casinos Player of the Year Trophy.
2nd – 3rd Place: £20,000 Live Credit.
4th – 5th Place: £15,000 Live Credit.
6th – 8th Place: £10,000 Live Credit.
9th Place+ (Play-offs): Players finishing 9th and lower (subject to the total prize pool) enter the Live Championship Play-offs for £5,000 packages.

For those who fall just short, the Online Last Chance Play-offs offer a final lifeline to secure a £10,000 event credit, ensuring the race remains alive until the very last card is dealt in December.