Grant Gardner is the definitive face of the Poker Dream organization. On social media, he’s the one bringing the festivals to life—before, during, and after the action. Whether he’s delivering essential updates to the players or showcasing his wild sense of humor, Gardner has an infectious energy that makes him an incredibly engaging figure. As a host, he possesses an aura rarely seen on the Asian and international live circuits. Deeply human and a genuine listener, he has a knack for making everyone around him feel instantly at ease.
Grant Gardner is far more than just a host repeating the classic “Dealers, shuffle up and deal!” or “Congratulations, you are all in the money!”. In the world of Hip-Hop and rap music—of which Gardner is a fan, citing grime style artists like Skepta and Stormzy—he’d be called an MC, a Master of Ceremony. His microphone skills and natural public speaking flair never fail to impress and charm the poker room crowd.
From Birmingham to Bangkok: The Grinder’s Journey
Gardner, 33 years young, left Birmingham, UK, after earning a Bachelor of Science in Sports Science and Psychology. His next move? To live out his passion for poker in Bangkok, Thailand. “I mainly wanted to settle somewhere with a lower cost of living”, he admits. There, he began grinding online with relentless determination.
The early days were a battle. Like many, he struggled with his mental game and was prone to tilt—those moments of frustration where a couple of missed draws lead to losing focus or completely “blowing a fuse”. When the steam built up, Gardner took it out on his computer mice, hurling them against his apartment wall. It became such a habit that he would order them ten at a time!
One day, after smashing his last remaining mouse, he spent an hour unsuccessfully scouting shops for a replacement. On his way home, he stumbled upon a small shop selling computer mice right at the foot of his condominium—one he hadn’t even noticed before because his head was elsewhere. That was the turning point. He realized it was time to shift gears, find his center, and work on his mental game. He hasn’t broken a mouse since. By becoming more focused and disciplined, the results followed: his online cash game winnings eventually crossed the million-dollar mark.
Crushing the Live Scene
In 2022, post-Covid, Grant decided to take a shot at live poker. In his very first tournament, he finished as the runner-up in the APT Superstar Challenge in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for $26,115.
His biggest score to date came in June 2025 at the Wynn Summer Classic Mystery Bounty in Las Vegas, USA where he placed 5th for $171,965—“plus a bit more in bounties”. To date, his live earnings stand at $552,188. While he’s proven he can compete with the best, he is still on the hunt for his first trophy.
His Entry into Poker Dream
Gardner didn’t exactly walk through the front door at Poker Dream; he came in through the window during Poker Dream 2 in September 2022. While attending as a player, he visited a friend in the commentary booth and ended up providing analysis on the mic for an hour.
Gardner’s phrasing and deep technical knowledge impressed the Poker Dream management, leading them to officially offer him a commentary role for editions 5 and 6. His work was so well-received that he was promoted to host starting with edition number 7. When asked why he chose Grant Gardner for the position, Ben Lei, the firm’s Tournament Director who hired him, replied without hesitation: “His passion for poker, undeniably!” Looking at his trajectory, it’s clear that no one can argue with that.
Master of the Mindset
The Birmingham native is becoming increasingly involved in mental performance coaching. He founded Master of the Mindset, a coaching business specifically designed for both online and live poker players. As the name suggests, the focus here is purely on mindset rather than technical theory.
Gardner advocates for personal development through a holistic health approach. His client list even included high-stakes crusher Punnat Punsri. Thailand’s #1 all-time money leader with almost $32 Million in live earnings often called Gardner before major events; the two could have easily spent an hour on the phone discussing mental prep before a Triton final table, for example.
Grant Gardner is convinced that poker success is inextricably linked to mental and physical well-being. “Good sleep is King!” he explains. While he views nutrition and exercise as paramount, he isn’t a robot: “I still treat myself to a burger now and then. If I’ve trained hard, I feel I’ve earned it”.
Daily Routines & Fitness
Grant Gardner is a man of discipline and daily routines. His mornings consist of breathwork, meditation, and cardio, followed by weight training in the afternoon. The Brit has also invested heavily in fitness, preferring that term over bodybuilding, and even secured a PCA title during a competition in Phuket, Thailand. “And all that without steroids—strictly natural”, he notes.
The New “Dream Pro” Ambassador
In January 2026, Gardner reached a new milestone: being named a Poker Dream Ambassador. “I’m not a Team Pro, I’m a Dream Pro!” he quips. In this role, he will continue to be the face and the host of the Poker Dream brand during their festivals, but he will also fly the flag while playing live tournaments globally. He plans to intensify his already massive social media presence across Poker Dream’s Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channels with new educational content. This will cover mindset, of course, but also strategy to help aspiring players transition into the professional ranks.
For Gardner, a great ambassador is someone who radiates positive energy. “If I transmit good energy to others, they will associate that vibe with Poker Dream, which adds value to the brand. I want to inspire players, share my values, and make them want to master this mind sport”.
The Ultimate Dream Cash Game Table
When asked who his dream cash game line-up would be, he goes for the legends: “Definitely the old-school players who shaped the history of poker during these last decades—Daniel Negreanu, Phil Ivey, and Phil Hellmuth. And I’d add a younger player I really admire: Stephen Chidwick”.
For now, Grant Gardner is wrapping up hosting duties for the final tournaments of Poker Dream 20 in Genting Highlands, Malaysia, continuing to share his enthusiasm and passion for poker.
You can follow Grant Gardner on Instagram: @fitnessfarang and @mastermindsetpoker.
