Thomas Taylor: Canada’s Quiet Mixed-Game Titan

Early Life & Poker Genesis

Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Thomas Taylor first stumbled upon poker in local card rooms. His talent became clear early on, and he moved from small-stakes home games to the national stage through the WSOP Circuit.

This is where he got his first big moment in 2010, winning a WSOP Circuit ring in Atlantic City. Over the years, Taylor made a well-rounded pro of himself, focusing on mixed games and earning a great status in formats like H.O.R.S.E., Stud, and PLO Hi-Lo.

Online Poker Career

Taylor isn’t a fierce contestant just at the live tables. He is also an accomplished online player. He plays under the nickname ‘Sandman’ on various poker sites. For poker media platforms like us, this name is not unfamiliar, far from it. He is recognized for his knowledge of mixed games and for consistently finishing near the top of the fields.

Just have a look around during the SCOOP and WCOOP tournaments, and you will see his nickname passing by quite often. As with many other poker players, Taylor uses the online grind to sharpen his skills and test new strategies, making long hours which helps him to stay sharp during his live appearances as well.

Career Overview & Playing Style

Taylor has earned over $2.45 million in live tournament winnings, placing him among the top players worldwide and one of the best in Canada. With more than 145 cashes and around 15 final table appearances, he has shown his strength in mixed formats.

His style is careful and quietly aggressive. He builds momentum as the stakes rise. People say he “quietly crushes” games, taking control without needing to be flashy. By this, we think the ‘’Mixed Game Assassin’’ would be a great nickname for him. 

Major Career Milestones

Taylor’s top results include:

WSOP 2025: A Career-Defining Summer

Event #39: $1,500 H.O.R.S.E.

Taylor’s biggest moment in 2025 came in Event #39: $1,500 H.O.R.S.E., where he made it to heads-up play out of 867 players. With over $1.15 million in the prize pool, Taylor was close to winning.

On one key hand, during a Razz round, he went all in holding the second-best hand, only to lose to a perfect low from his opponent, Andrey Zhigalov. Taylor finished second and took home $131,916.

Event #58: $3,000 Nine-Game Mix

Taylor once again showed his skills in mixed games in Event #58: $3,000 Nine-Game Mix. He entered the final day with the third-largest chip stack out of 18 players. His smart play across different games and timely bluffs stood out. Although he didn’t make it to the final two, it was another deep run that highlighted his talent.

Additional 2025 Highlights

• Cashed in the $10K Omaha Hi-Lo and $1.5K Stud events
• Won a smaller H.O.R.S.E. event in Calgary earlier in the year
• Ranked in the top 40 in the 25K Fantasy league

Photo Credit: Regina Cortina

Signature Hands & Strategy

Taylor is known for getting value through aggressive three-bets in Limit Hold’em and setting traps in Stud.

One of his key hands in 2025 came in the Nine-Game Mix, where he made a great call in 2-7 Triple Draw with a ten-low hand. His heads-up battle with Zhigalov also showed how well he handles pressure and deep-stack play, even if luck didn’t go his way.

Statistical Snapshot

Family and Personal Life

Away from the table, Thomas Taylor is supported by his wife, Haven Taylor, who is also a very steady poker pro herself. Haven has been present throughout the poker journey of Thomas, which is most definitely one of the key factors of this success story.

But it can be the other way around as well, take, for example, last year in September. The Taylors decided to travel to Europe and spend time around the Mediterranean. Coincidentally, they made it to Malta for The Festival Series. Where Thomas bricked the couple of tournaments he played, his wife, Haven, managed to become 2nd during the 550 euro Main Event for a nice payday of over $36,000.  

Their partnership reflects the balance that helps both of the Taylors to maintain focus in a game that can be mentally so demanding. Friends and fellow poker players often mention how grounded and composed they are, a quality many consider to be their strong bond and support they share.

Photo Credit: Mellisa Haereti

Looking Forward

Thomas Taylor’s poker journey has been filled with close calls and great performances. As he continues to reach final tables, many believe it’s only a matter of time before he finally wins a WSOP bracelet, and we agree on that completely. With his skills, experience, and strong work ethic, 2025 might be the year he gets the big win he deserves.

Thomas Taylor isn’t just Canada’s best mixed-game player without a bracelet—he’s a symbol of hard work, and his story is still being written.

Photo Credit: Jayne Furman

Current Cashes WSOP 2025 (Credits TheHendonMob)