Some couples plan getaways or candlelit dinners. For Matthew and Sinéad Davenport, it’s all about stacking chips and chasing poker glory together. The UK-based couple has turned the poker scene into their personal playground, racking up big wins and proving that a shared passion for the game can be both profitable and exhilarating.
The Rise of the Davenports in Poker
Matthew and Sinéad are no strangers to competition. Matthew, already a well-established pro, has been making waves for years, steadily climbing the ranks of UK poker. Sinéad, on the other hand, had a very different career path before turning to the game full-time in 2024. As a former nurse, she made a bold decision to swap shifts for shuffles, and it’s paid off spectacularly.
Their journey together has been a mix of strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck. While some might find it challenging to compete alongside their spouse, the Davenports seem to thrive on it. They travel the world together, play in the same high-stakes tournaments, and push each other to new heights.
A Record-Breaking Year on the Felt
For both Davenports, 2024 was nothing short of a career-defining year. Matthew added an impressive $448,639 to his live poker earnings, pushing his total past the $2 million milestone on Hendon Mob, the premier database for tracking poker tournament results. Sinéad, not to be outdone, secured $241,834 in payouts last year, with an additional $29,460 in early 2025 bringing her total to $391,712.
To put these numbers into perspective:
| Player | 2024 Earnings | 2025 Earnings (to date) | Total Career Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Davenport | $448,639 | – | $2,000,000+ |
| Sinéad Davenport | $241,834 | $29,460 | $391,712 |
It’s a level of consistency and success that most poker players dream of, and they’re doing it as a team.
Dominating the UK Poker Circuit
While the couple has traveled for international events, much of their dominance has been on home soil. The UK poker scene has seen them shine at the tables, particularly on the Grosvenor United Kingdom Poker Tour (GUKPT) and 888poker’s UK Poker League (UKPL).
These events attract some of the toughest players in the country, but the Davenports have proven time and again that they belong among the best. Their deep runs and final table finishes have cemented their status as a power couple in poker, drawing admiration from both fans and fellow players.
The Unique Dynamic of Playing as a Couple
Poker is often described as a solitary game, where players battle against the odds alone. But for Matthew and Sinéad, it’s a shared experience. They discuss hands, analyze strategies, and support each other through the inevitable ups and downs of tournament poker.
Of course, competing against each other in the same events brings an interesting challenge. While some poker couples struggle with separating emotions from gameplay, the Davenports seem to have struck the perfect balance. They’re fierce competitors at the table but remain each other’s biggest supporters away from it.
“It’s all about trust and understanding,” Sinéad has said in interviews. “We push each other to be better, and we know that no matter what happens at the table, we have each other’s backs.”
What’s Next for the Davenports?
With a blazing start to 2025, the Davenports show no signs of slowing down. More high-stakes tournaments, deep runs, and possibly another milestone in earnings are on the horizon. As the UK poker scene continues to grow, expect to see their names at the top of leaderboards across the country—and beyond.
One thing’s for sure: poker is more than just a game for them. It’s a shared ambition, a career, and a way of life. And so far, they’re playing their cards just right.
